The Good
The 2008 Hyundai Tucson's advantages include its strong value proposition – a lot of car for the money. Practically, it's fuel-efficient and offers a comfortable ride. Emotionally, it provides a sense of security and practicality without breaking the bank. Its simple design and reliability contribute to its appeal.
The Bad
Weaknesses of the 2008 Hyundai Tucson include its somewhat bland interior styling and potential for engine issues, especially with higher mileage. The ride can be a bit stiff, and the base engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded. Rust can also be a concern in colder climates, particularly underneath the vehicle.
2008 Hyundai Tucson: Quick Overview
Key specs for the 2008 Hyundai Tucson:
- Engine Options:
- 2.0L Inline-4: (GLS)
- 2.7L V6: (SE, Limited)
- Horsepower:
- 2.0L: Approximately 140 hp
- 2.7L: Approximately 173 hp
- Fuel Economy (MPG):
- 2.0L (FWD): 22 City / 29 Highway (estimated)
- 2.7L (FWD): 20 City / 26 Highway (estimated)
- AWD versions have slightly lower fuel economy.
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.0L: Around 10 seconds
- 2.7L: Around 9 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- Approximately 2,000 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- GLS: Base model, typically includes features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system.
- SE: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio system, and possibly a sunroof.
- Limited: Top-of-the-line trim, featuring leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate control, and premium audio.
- All trims usually include standard safety features such as ABS and multiple airbags. Options may vary depending on the specific vehicle and region.
2008 Hyundai Tucson Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2008 |
Make | Hyundai |
Model | Tucson |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Wagon |
Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | Korea |
Manufacturing City | ASAN |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 4000 pounds |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 2.7-L V-6 |
Engine Size | 2.7L |
Engine Cylinders | 6 |
Transmission | Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | - |
Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Hyundai Tucson Have?
Recalls for the 2008 Tucson have included issues related to brake light switches. It's important to check the vehicle's VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if any recalls apply and if the necessary repairs have been performed. Long-term reliability concerns generally involve the aforementioned engine and transmission issues, as well as the potential for rust. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and fluid checks, is crucial to mitigating these risks. Some owners have also reported issues with the air conditioning system over time. Prior to purchasing a used 2008 Tucson, a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify any potential problems.
How long will the 2008 Hyundai Tucson last?
Long-term durability weaknesses often center around rust, particularly in regions with salted roads. Engine and transmission wear and tear are also concerns as mileage increases. Suspension components may require replacement over time. Regular maintenance is key to maximizing its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance significantly shortens its life expectancy.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain). Optional features might have included a sunroof.
Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) varied. The IIHS generally gave the Tucson good ratings for frontal offset and side impact crash tests. NHTSA ratings included scores for frontal and side crash protection for both driver and passenger. Note that these ratings can vary depending on the specific test and model year changes. Checking both IIHS and NHTSA websites is recommended for detailed and up-to-date information. The 2008 Tucson lacks modern features, focusing on essential safety and basic entertainment. Optional sunroof might be the only available upgrade depending on the trim.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2008 Hyundai Tucson Prices and Market Value
The Tucson experienced significant depreciation over the years. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's overall condition, mileage, service history, and any accident history. Vehicles with low mileage, clean titles, and well-documented maintenance records command higher prices. The presence of rust or mechanical issues negatively impacts the resale value. Market demand for fuel-efficient SUVs also plays a role.
2008 Hyundai Tucson Cost of Ownership
2008 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Efficiency
2008 Hyundai Tucson Safety Rating
NHTSA
2008 Hyundai Tucson Recalls & Defects
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
2008 Hyundai Tucson Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Hyundai Tucson Compare to Other Wagon?
A similar alternative would be the Kia Sportage, which shares many components with the Tucson. The Ford Escape offered a more engaging driving experience, while the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V provided better overall reliability, albeit at a higher price point.
If reliability is a top priority and budget isn't the primary concern, the RAV4 or CR-V would be better choices. If affordability is paramount, the Tucson offers a decent value proposition, but be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs down the line compared to the Japanese competitors.
Ranks #1017 SUV
1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
1017 | 2008 Hyundai Tucson | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Hyundai Tucson a Good Wagon?
Avoid models with significant rust or signs of engine trouble. It's best suited for those who prioritize affordability over advanced features or ultimate reliability. If you need maximum cargo space or cutting-edge technology, other options are better, but for a simple, inexpensive SUV, the 2008 Tucson can be a decent choice. Ensure a mechanic checks it before purchasing.
Rich on July 24, 2022
DecentI bought a 2008 GLS with 106k miles for $6,000 (US) in 2019. It has needed a lot of love to get it into shape: New throttle position sensor, ignition switch, front struts, front CV joint, starter, timing belt, water pump, door seals, battery, tires, spark plugs, bulbs, air filter, cabin air filter and headlight restoration. Two A/C recharges and a heater core flush needed to be done as well. It has cost about $5,000 for all of this. Time will tell if it's all been a worthwhile investment. Things just keep failing on it in the almost three years that I've owned it. The first gen Tucson offers a great driving position, although the seat gave me back pain until I got it adjusted properly. It's good now. The steering wheel blocks the gauges for a 6'2" adult. I have an Ultragauge digital display to see speed and other info instead. The 2.0L i4 engine is underpowered given the weight of the vehicle but it can be fairly fuel efficient in the city (17-22 MPG when driven hard, 27-34 MPG when hypermiled). A/C drops MPG by around 20%. Highway MPG is poor due to the ancient 4-speed auto transmission and bad aerodynamics, getting low-mid 20's. There's a lot of usable interior space for the size of the vehicle, making it pretty good for camping. I'm able to fit two folding tables, a family tent, a screen room, two large bins of gear and several bags while seating two adults and a toddler. Overall, the purchase cost plus maintenance has amounted to $305/month so far. There are better vehicle options for that kind of money. I can't say I recommend the 2008 Tucson right now based on my experience unless I get at least a couple of good years out of it going forward. It's no Toyota, that's for sure. There are worse vehicles though, so the 2008 Tucson is decent.
SUV_Aficionado on April 29, 2021
A honest and capable compact SUVIn South Am scenario, despite newer and more expensive suvs like Jeep Compass and the new Corolla crossover, the “classic†Series (2004-2017) Hyundai Tucson still delivers! Roomy, quiet, reliable almost no maintenance and fun to drive compact SUV that you can park in a chic mall without shame or fight mud snow and irregular roads with confidence! Note: mine was purchased last year (2020) with original 60k miles and is a lovely bespoke and B4/NIJ IllA armoured unit so I don't think in trading it but conserve with me perhaps with a green one or a different toy in the future..
Thomas on October 6, 2020
Powerful 5 speed.Comfortable ride for a SUV. Plenty of power as you shift. Mobil and easy to drive. Cold AC in cabin. Great in adverse weather. Paint and clearcoat has held up over the years. Versatile fold down seats. Sharp looking with alloy rims. Bang for the buck.
Jerry C on August 16, 2020
manner.Got the car for my daughter. Gets great gas mileage and seems to have plenty of power. Performed well on a trip to Fargo ND.
Peter on February 23, 2020
Not reliableIt was a decent small SUV. I bought the 2009 model with only 30k miles on it. Very soon regretted that decision. The Tucson drove ok but it was sluggish on the acceleration because it has weak engine. The ride was rough and the suspension was hard. I could feel every bump on the road. But hey, it was a budget SUV I could live with it. After 50k, this car stared giving me all kinds of problems. things just kept breaking down. I was tired of paying hundreds of dollars in repair cost and got rid of the xxxx thing. This vehicle was NOT designed and made to last. I will never buy another Hyundai again or any other Korean made car. The resale value is pathetic also.
Mountain living on August 1, 2018
Great SUV for the moneyThis car has always been dependable great for winter driving holds to roads well. Very low maintenance comfortable ride lots of cargo space to use.
Hmommy123 on July 7, 2018
Good car for a long timeThis car stayed really nice and I drove it for over ten years. It was comfortable and never broke down. Good car for a small family. Good car for dog owners.
TheFunkWithinYou on June 25, 2017
A strong fellowSo, first of all, I live in Costa Rica, it's a tropical country and it rains a lot. Streets aren't in the best shape either. That's exactly why I chose the headline to be that. Currently, the car has reached the 100k miles and haven't had any major reliability issues, it's had a couple of very small crashes and still looks very good. Also, it's stepped in some major bumps and the suspensions seem to be very fine and have remaind untouched from the moment I bouht it - about 7 years ago. Performance wise, there's a problem with this car. As my country has a lot of hills, it's very noticeable. It's an underpowered car, it struggles a bit to get going when climbing hills. Don't get me wrong, it will never stall, it's just that one would like a much responsive car, one that doesn't take 10 to 15 seconds to "wake up" from the low range rpm's of the second gear. Everything else, mechanical/performance wise is very average, the suspensions are fine and its fuel consumption is about 22 mpg combined with an almost 10 year old engine. Now, in the"creature comfort" section, the car is not the prettiest, not its exterior neither its interior. Everything is very functional, but one can see it's a cheap car and it's not built for luxury. The suspensions don't help here, I belive they are a bit too stiff for a car of this characteristics, on the other hand, this gives the car a handling that makes you feel safe at road legal speeds. Which takes me to the last point to adress, the safety in the car is very good, it's never shown problems with the seatbelts and the airbags are fine according to Hyundai's mechanics that have made maintenance on it. So, if you're looking for a reliable car that can, eventually because it's not the fastest, take almost anywhere, even in non tarmac roads, you don't mind looking very average on your car and you don't drive too "enthusiastically". The Hyundai Tucson could be a very good choice for you.
Sweeny on September 9, 2016
Love my TusconI bought my 2008 Hyundai Limited with the 2.7 off the lot brand new, I still have it and use it as an everyday car. My average mileage to work is 40 round trip. I live in Texas and have driven to Northern Michigan twice, first time I pulled my boat and did not have a single problem, it still drove perfect and then the second time without the boat, both times was a comfortable ride. This vehicle to me is underrated for the type. I've driven through the mud , snow and rain with no issues at all. It is fun, quick, and excellent for family. Love the 2008 Tucson.
Crossover SUV Preferred on April 23, 2012
Good Town Car, Not so good on the interstate/hwy!I currently own a red 2008 Hyundai Tucson SE FWD model (middle of the line). The high points are a good price, confidence on ice and snow, cross bars for cargo on top don't look out of place (unlike some SUV's), simple and best automatic shifter ever seen (all the way down is drive and when shifting to a lower gear, push to the right and down), heated outside mirrors, awesome interior and exterior style, tight and precise steering and handling, no chrome on the inside or on the door handles, versatile cargo bay, good ride (at least in the first 2 years), standard V6 on SE. But the low points are a rougher ride after 12,000 miles, ESC system kept shutting off when first bought but after dealer fixed worked fine afterwords, noisy rear window wiper (even when replaced with new one), major road noise on highway, light steering when going above 72 mph (scarry), V6 struggles a bit on steep mountain roads so manually shifting down a gear or two with automatic is recommended, Automatic also hesitates sometimes,see too much of the hood, mp3 audio jack has to be wiggled sometimes for proper connection even though Hyundai dealer says it's perfectly fine, top part of the middle of dash is way too shiny of a silver in the sunlight so I had to cover it up, cargo bay could be a bit deeper, cargo door a bit hard to close, seperate opening of window on cargo door would have been a nice touch except still to high for me or anyone shorter to reach over, no backup camera, sometimes hits head on door sill (I'm 6'/ 8" so I don't recommend this car to taller drivers), mp3 audio jack to high on dashboard, poor design of cargo cover that cuts into too much space so I made my own instead, cup holders could be another inch or so deeper, and a bit of a high step in for shorter people. Overall a fairly good and reliable starter car for younger drivers of average height who don't mind road noise or average ride quality but both shorter and taller drivers should look elsewhere. Santa Fe and Veracruze have more powerful V6's and more room but the Tucson is still the best looker in the bunch and for any compact SUV I've ever seen.