Here's a quick breakdown of 2WD competition, with a similar level of equipment including leather seats and a sunroof, if possible:

Chevrolet Equinox LT, 185 hp, $31,370
Dodge Nitro SXT with options, 210 hp, $27,690
Ford Escape XLT V6 with options, 200 hp, $28,689
Honda CR-V LX 2WD, 166 hp, $27,790
Jeep Compass Limited with options, 172 hp, $25,720
Jeep Patriot Limited with options, 172 hp, $25,420
Kia Sportage LX-V6, 173 hp, $27,235
Mazda Tribute GS-V6, 200 hp, $27,150
Mitsubishi Outlander ES, 168 hp, $24,998
Nissan Rogue SL with options, 170 hp, $29,898
Pontiac Torrent GT with options, 185 hp, $31,245
Saturn Vue XE with options, 169 hp, $28,490
Volkswagen Tiguan (2009), 200 hp, starting at $27,575

Few rivals can beat the base price of the Tucson L, which is $21,195. Only the Jeep Compass and Patriot duo in base Sport trim are cheaper.

However, the most luxurious version of the Tucson isn't the deal of the century, and competition is strong.

In back, three people can sit there if they're willing to rub shoulders.

Conclusion
The Tucson is well-equipped, and remains an affordable, spacious and cute vehicle. Its practical side is undeniable, and it's probably what pleases its owners the most; it's what I appreciated the most in this little SUV, anyway. The best deal of the model range is the $22,995 Tucson GL that includes the 4-cylinder engine, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and heated seats.

However, the price to pay to pay less is getting a vehicle that's less refined than the competition. Virtually unchanged since its launch, the Tucson is ripe for a round of improvements before getting a redesign. Personally, I'd replace both engines by the 2.4-liter unit that's found in various other Hyundai products.

The Tucson is well-equipped, and remains an affordable, spacious and cute vehicle.

Photo Credit : Michel Deslauriers