2009 Hyundai Accent, Tucson Get Better Mileage

Hyundai is following in the footsteps of GM, making slight engine tweaks to add a few mpgs to some of its 2009 models. Even though they feature different four-cylinder engines, both the 2009 Hyundai Accent and 2009 Hyundai Tucson see bumps in average fuel economy.

The Accent sees the biggest bump in fuel economy, with increases of anywhere from 3% to 8% depending on the transmission type. The thriftiest models are the automatics, which now get 26/35 mpg city/highway, with the manual transmissions getting 27/33 mpg. Those numbers are right in line with the Chevy Aveo and Scion xD. Otherwise, the only changes to the Accent are the addition of cruise control and a moonroof to the SE’s Premium Package, and cruise control also being added to the Popular Equipment Package.

The Tucson gets a new grille treatment that makes it look a bit more like the bigger Santa Fe, plus new wheels and a few other alterations besides improved fuel economy. Now rated at between 18/23 and 20/26 mpg city/highway for both four-cylinder and V-6 models, the Tucson’s improvement is in the 4%-6% range. Also new is a 200-watt Kenwood stereo and navigation system that won’t be immediately available, but will eventually be standard on Limited models and optional on all other trims. Moonroofs are also standard on both the two- and four-wheel-drive Limited V-6, but there will be no four-cylinder Limited model for 2009.

Comments

Again, if GM and Hyundai can do it, every automaker should be increasing MPG by 3-8% this year. It seems they are just lazy.