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Anyone care to comment?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I didn't research the MPG's on it before I bought it, but it was a shock seeing less than 14 MPG's in city driving. I think in order to get correct mileage figures from more people, we should set a basis for measuring it.
The recommended pressure is 30 psi, but when I got the car, it had 35 psi, and since the bumps were abrupt, I decreased it to 31 psi, and the ride became more tolerable.
The tires say max pressure is 44, but the ride would be too stiff, so let's say for a few tank fulls, have a few people boost their tire pressure up to 38 psi, and when filling up with gas, when it clicks off, just go to the nearest 25 cents, like if the gas nozzle clicks off at $13.10, then just fill it up to $13.25, that way you can get a consistent fill-up.
I realize 38 psi will give a jarring ride over rough roads, but at least maybe a few of us can stop comparing apples to oranges.
Any one agree with me, and want to join in?
Let us know which setting is the optimum for you and give us a report.
The Tucson has fairly overboosted steering IMO, and pumping the tires to 38 or 40 would really make it "floaty."
I have read that the MPG's get a little better after a 3-5K break in period. I'm at 1000 miles now and time will tell. At least it runs strong on 87 octane. Face it, that punchy little six has got great pickup, but for every pleasure - there is a price.
So, far I really love it. The ride is smooth, fit/finish are quite impressive. Acceleration is fine (although I've been taking it easy like the manual says to do for the first 1,200 miles). It feels very secure and turning radius is surprisingly good. Love the moonroof (my first) and being high up (for the first time). Sound system is great.
I like the rear cargo shelf. Actually, it was one of the reasons I got interested in the Tucson, because my dog liked to jump up and look out the rear window of the Mazda Protege. That just doesn't work if you've got a curtain shade type cover. So, I vote for the shelf.
I've only had it 3 days, so I haven't figured out mileage yet, but I've been trying to follow the manual's instructions about breaking it in for the first 1,200 miles. Not going over 55 mph is a hard one, but since I do mostly surfact street city driving it isn't that hard. I'll give a report once I get the first tank filled, but my estimate is it's going to be around 20mpg.
Its a 4 year lease, 12k miles/year. Is this a good deal? Seems like it to me, just wondering what other people think. Would like to get a tucson to try out the hyundai brand and as a 2nd drive-around-town car.
And yes, its for the basic LX model which is all I really want.
Motorweek seemed to like the Tucson, with the exception of the mileage--they were disappointed with the 18 mpg overall they experienced. This reflects what I have also experienced.
This vehicle is such a great value, that even if the mileage were a bit worse, it would still be a bargain. I suspect that since the Tucson was released just before winter and there are so few on the road with engines past the break in period, that the mpg's posted by the majority are lower than what the norm will be. So if you are considering the Tucson, don't be scared off by the lower fuel efficiency reported by some folks. In fact, don't let it hinder you from getting the AWD which performs quite impressively, even with the all season tires.
Oh yes, I just traded my 02 XG (beautiful and underated) for a supposedly lot lower value/prestigious SUV, but I know I'm going to be very pleased with the Tucson and the thinking behind it.
I actually think that it could become kinda iconic for the industry, but that depends mainly on the advertising Hyundai pours against it.
They have been traditionally week in this area, like the new American CEO, they should steal someone from either GM or Honda to help them in advertising.
For those considering an XG, wait. Consider the new Santa Fe when it arrives. Ive seen some pictures and it, like the new Sonata will resemble a Honda based vehicle, namely MDX...if you like that.
I am not sure I like the new Sonata, as it seems to deviate from the styles set forth by the Elantra, Tiburon, old Sonata and the Tucson. Maybe this is progress?
Check out the hyundai-motor website for all the hyundai vehicles, and especially the e-catalogs that can be viewed online. They are very well done, and shows the features available for the Korean based Tucson...very impressive.
Anyway, just laughing here to myself, as I am actually hoping that it snows this weekend for the sake of my new Tucson, and testing its snow eating capabilities, as opposed to when I would wash the XG for the weekend and pray for a nice sunny day. Go figure!
From Canada, keep on Tucking!
Cheers!
So far, my Tuscon has been excellent, no problems. Yes, the gas milage is a bit low, price of having a 4x4 small SUV with a V6. Have about 1500 miles on it so far, hoping it gets better after around 3-4K.
I see from your profile you just joined the Edmonds club on 2/24, yet bought back in October. Just discover this web site? There's a wealth of information here in these forums, but also a place where you can get mislead by what some folks write. Long term tests of the Tucson will be coming up soon at the various sites that log this experience. It would behove all of us to track these experiences as we put the miles on our "Tuskies."
around 58,000 miles on it. This was a surprisingly good tight vehicle.
The new Hyundai Tucson is as sound as a pound mechanically. Buy them and dig them...they look superior to all small SUV's except that new SUV from South Korea's #2 automaker. I am firmly setting my eyes on the new world order Sportage but I'm very interested in the performance/feature content/reliability of big bro Hyundai's new Tucson. Enjoy 'em!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Unfortunately, I didn't do this again, maybe I missed out? But I lean a little more towards Hyunda over Kia for now.
I still wish they would just combine all the dealerships instead of sending mixed messages to the consumers.
Although the Tucson and Sportage are similar, sharing the same V6 engine, there were differences in the two vehicles. Some of the differences were personal preferences and in no way reflected on the overall quality or future reliability of either vehicle.
Exterior - This went to the Sportage on body side claddings, fog light placement and a more pleasing front hood/wheel fender design. The Tucson's C pillar side window was better than the Sportage's D pillar design.
Interior - This also went to the Sportage based on small differences and some major omissions on the Tucson. We preffered the placement of the transmission shift lever back further from the air/heat controls and the drink holders further to the front(easier to see while driving/reaching for it) rather than between the seats as they are in the Tucson.
The retractable rear cargo cover in the Sportage is sharp looking, practical, easy to remove and stow in a notched area located in the rear storage area out of the way. The removable rigid cargo cover in the Tucson is far too difficult to use and has no where to store it if you need to remove it and are not at home where you can leave it.
The sun visors in the Tucson are much better for practicality. When moved to the side window position there is an extension that pulls out of the end to increase the sun screening area for the side of the driver and passenger heads - a MAJOR plus if the sun happens to be beating through on you.
In the Sportage the drink holders for the rear are located in a pullout from the back side of the front center console (ok for adults, but inconvenient for children). The Tucson has its holders located in the rear fold down armrest a plus for most people.
Seats were comfortable, both front and rear in each vehicle with nice leg room. We also found the seat belts to be very comfortable with plenty of adjustment for different height drivers.
Three glaring omissions from the Tucson that are included on the Sportage are:
Trip computer that keeps track of your fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed driving time in addition to the current trip since last reset.
Automatic headlights that come at dusk and go off after exiting the vehicle. No more forgetting to turn them on or off.
ECM mirror with home link that can be programmed to activate(open) garage doors, turn on light in the home and automatically dims if desired to reduce glare from vehicle headlights behind you.
In test driving the vehicles, which included city streets and freeway driving, the Sportage felt better in cornering. Don't know why as the Tucson has a slightly larger track and width.
Sorry for the lengthy post, but needed to cover everything while I could remember it. That said, we really liked both vehicles and it came down to small preferences and the three glaring omissions noted above.
BTW, I almost forgot the most glaring MAJOR Kia omission. Kia has NO WARRANTY extension available through the factory forcing you to take a third party program if you want to extend coverage bumper to bumper to 100K mi. I am going through that nightmare now and any help with regards to a reputable company that will be around to pay out would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
But I like and long for Arizona! The Santa Fe was my original first choice, not because of the name, but because it has approx. 5 years of heritage already, but I felt the Tucson had that little extra... what do the french say? Chez na say qua. Bad French I know.
I also believe the Sportage has more airbags, and a few extra features, like auto wipers does it.
Hey heres something I just did less than 24 hours of Tucson ownership... I installed myself an overhead DVD 7" TV screen and player for my eight year old son and other rear passengers, complete with wireless headphones. Now I truly am the koolest dad on the street, ah...er according to my son.
It was easy and in in less than 1 1/2 hours. Total set back $689.00 with tax, value increase... priceless!
Now to find a place for the Xbox. If anyones interested, I can let you know in a future post. By the way a very reputable stereo company told me the same day a mere 1 before it was in my garage and installed, that it couldn't be done because of the factory sunroof and I would have to go with their $1400.00 headrest option. Phoey I said, and now we have Nemo swimming in our Tucson! Go figure that.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
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I now have automatic headlamps on my Malibu Maxx. They sense darkness and turn on automatically. They also stay on for about a minute after the car is turned off.
My former ride was an '01 Elantra, its lights automatically went out when the igition key was removed (something all cars should have had if you think about it), but it wasn't the same thing as automatic headlamps. You could have left the lamps on all the time and it would have functioned somewhat like DRL's but there was no light sensing.
Does the Sportage have true automatic headlamps that sense dark, while the Tucson has the former Hyundai system of automatic turnoff? I'm a little confused as to why they'd position similar vehicles with different features?
(didn't have the ECM mirror, though)
p.s. a full blown trip computer is addictive-- especially when it warns you when the temp. gets down around freezing.
Steve, Host
1.The sunroof is optional for the Tucson (GLS,LX) and is mandatory in the higher level Sportage (EX).
2. If you get a sunroof, you can get dealer installed cross rails on the Sportage, not so on the Tucson.
3. As for the ride quality, Ann Job in startribune.com felt that the Tucson felt softer and more compliant, the Sportage had a sportier feel. She also noted a bit more road noise for the Sportage.
4. I believe the two have the identical airbag setups (in contradiction to a previous post).
5. I believe it is tough to get around the $500 advertising fee most Hyundai dealers want, I am not so sure the Kia dealers demand this. Anyone have experience on this?
The unavailability of the dealer bumper-to-bumper warranty 10-year extension on the Kia, might push me to the other side. Could some of you post the prices you were charged for this extension by Hyundai dealers?
Has anyone compared the rear visibility(especially when parking in tight spots) between the two SUVs?
Thanks.
The information about a dealer bumper-to-bumper warranty extension not being available on on Kia, might push me to Hyundai.
Can anyone post prices they paid for this warranty extension with Hyundai?
Does anyone know if Kia dealers will provide warranty service on the Hyndai, and vice-versa?
Can anyone compare the rear visibility (especially when parking in tight sppots) between the two SUVs?
Thanks.
Instead of trying to avoid the ad fee, focus on your out the door price. That way you'll avoid wasting a lot of time negotiating individual line items on the invoice.
Steve, Host
Thanks danf1 for this useful information. It seems to me that if you are pretty sure you'll keep the car ten years this is a bargain.
As for mvls1's question about reliable third party insurers I have not found one for cars. I can tell you of my three experiences.
1. The factory-provided extended warranty on my Dodge Durango worked out perfectly. I was very pleased with this purchase.
2. When I bought a brand new RV I paid $2400 for a third-party bumper-to-bumper warranty. The first time I brought the RV in for repairs under this policy, they denied 5 out of 5 claims. They had all sorts of loopholes (i.e., "this is not related to component failure" etc.). I deemed the policy totally useless.
3. When I bought a third-party warranty on my home air-conditioner unit, the first time I needed them, the company had folded and gone out of business. They absconded with the money!
4, My conclusion:be very cautious about non-dealer extended warranties.