Carried over from last year with few alterations, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson aims to be a tough competitor to the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V in the compact SUV segment. It comes in three trims, all with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, 16-inch wheels, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. For 2008, active head restraints for the front row are added. The Tucson continues to win high marks in crash tests.

The base GLS comes with a 2.0-liter, 140-hp inline-four engine and choice of five-speed manual or four-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Moving up to the SE and Limited gives you a heftier 2.7-liter, 173-hp V6 with the automatic transmission only. All models start with front-wheel drive, but the SE and Limited can also be equipped with full-time 4WD that apportions 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels. For a compact SUV, the 2008 Tucson is reasonably roomy, with up to 65 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats, which split-fold 60/40, down. The front passenger seat also folds for longer objects, and a roof rack can be added.

Interior comfort is also not neglected. The entry-level GLS trim starts with a CD player, power features, and heated mirrors, and moving up the line adds cruise control, foglights, and leather trim. The Limited offers heated seats, and this year gets new black leather upholstery and a 6-CD changer, but still no power seats. For 2008, all trims get a free trial of satellite radio and an MP3 input jack for the sound system. With its low price, 100,000-mile warranty, roomy interior, and relatively good fuel economy, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson should remain a good seller for the Korean automaker. The biggest complaints center on road noise.