Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. First things first. There are no hard and fast rules that define a "compact" SUV in terms of size. When a manufacturer designs these vehicles they have take into account (a) how it compares in features and size to competitors from other manufacturers; (b) how it fits into their own overall line-up of SUV's; and (c) in the case of Hyundai and KIA how to differentiate very similar size vehicles drawing on a common set of parts and components so they capture somewhat different market segments. With those factors in mind, consider the following... () Size. At 176" in length the Tucson is among the shortest vehicles in its class. In fact, it's a couple of inches shorter than the CX-5 while offering slightly more overall cargo and passenger space. Comparing the Tucson to the Nissan Rogue is really a stretch (pun intended). At 185" in length the Rogue is much closer in overall size to the Hyundai Santa Fe (188") than to the Tucson. Even if the Tucson matched the Subaru Forester in length (at 182" it's arguably among the largest of the "true" compacts) it would run the risk of impacting Santa Fe sales. Clearly Hyundai would not want that. () Engine choices. Why did Hyundai drop their 2.4L turbo engine option? The answer may well be because that exact engine is offered as an option in the near identical Kia Sportage. Hyundai and KIA have a strong incentive to differentiate those models in order to broaden the Kia conglomerate's overall market coverage. Among those differences is offering somewhat more "premium" features in the Tucson versus stronger (optional) performance in the Sportage. Why not add the 2.0L turbo that's in the Santa Fe? The answer is the same reason the Tucson isn't larger. () Bottom Line. Though Sofyan admits it only reluctantly, Hyundai seems to have aimed the Tucson at precisely the market sub-segment to whom they want to appeal. It's small with efficient interior packaging and upscale features. It's quiet and easy to drive. For those who want more performance in a vehicle the size of the Tucson, the Korean manufacturers have the KIA Sportage. Want something with significantly more room and performance? The Santa Fe (and the near identical KIA Sorento) appeals to that market segment without reaching the level of larger "midsize" crossovers.
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