Hyundai has come a long way in terms of getting respect from American buyers. Now Hyundai touts one of the best warranties and a well respected name plates around the globe. One of the newest redesigns to come out of the Korean based automaker is the 2010 Tucson. You would be hard pressed to find any resemblance of the outgoing Tucson when compared with the new 2010. It has been redesigned and I must say it is much easier on the eyes than the 2009 or older models.

On the outside the 2010 Hyundai Tucson looks much bigger than the outgoing model but numbers wise the interior seating room was only increased by an inch or two and the wheelbase remained about the same. Refinement still has a way to go but fit and finish is there when it comes to new Hyundai vehicles. The new Tucson is evidence that Hyundai is headed in the right direction for continuing to making reliable and affordable transportation appliances.

Value is what you get in the new Tucson.

Our test vehicle was equipped with enough amenities to keep the price conscious buyer well satisfied for years to come. The list of options on our test vehicle for a small SUV makes the Tucson Limited’s price point starting at just 24,345 quite attractive. Speaking of being attractive, the new Tucson has much softer looks than some other small SUVs in its segment. The lines flow well from the front semi-smiley face grill to the smooth running panoramic sunroof lines. I might say it is a much needed improvement over the older Tucson.

Do you get your money’s worth?

Of course. Our test vehicle stickered for $28,090 which may seem a bit pricey for a small SUV, but you must take into consideration that our Tucson was a Limited FWD version which included leather seats, navigation, iPod and Bluetooth integration, rearview back-up camera and a panoramic sunroof. All in all this type of package found in competitors’ small SUVs would put you well into the $30 grand mark.

Reliable, economical, and practical.

These are all of the characteristics that are bestowed upon the new Tucson. Although the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylindar engine getting the partial zero-emissions vehicle (PZEV) making only 170hp and 163ft-lbs of torque vs. the normal 176hp, begged for more power when we attempted to haul 5 adults. The Tucson PZEV makes decent power when it is not packed so tight. The PZEV 4-cylindar is a champ but the 6-speed automatic transmission that directed the power to the front wheels seems like it wanted to get a premature divorce from the engine because they just did not get along well. It is like the transmission ratios were not taken into consideration for the engine’s power points. Needless to say, at highway speed we found the transmission shifting out of 5^th and 6^th gear quite often just to keep pace at 75mph.

The inside of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is very enjoyable with reddish-rust colored leather seats. Although the front seat bottoms were rather hard, the seating position is comfortable, if that makes any sense. The Navigation screen is unfortunately mounted in a way that it gets washed out when the sunlight is shining down through the windshield. Overall functionality and usability of the controls are clear and concise. The integrated touch-screen navigation and stereo controls could use a few extra buttons to make it easier for the driver to quickly access major functions. Maybe Hyundai could learn a few things from Mazda by having a few extra buttons.

On the road the Hyundai Tucson is stable and provides a decent ride on the highway. The 18 inch alloy wheels wrapped in Kumo solus 225/55/18 rubber is an excellent choice for adding a pleasant visual appeal that makes the Tucson look more like a mid-sized SUV. In the back there is plenty of room for 3 kids and even 3 small to medium sized adults to sit comfortably. The rear cargo area, at a total of 56 cubic feet with the seats folded down, provides ample room for just about anything that you would pack into a modern-day crossover SUV.

If you are in the market for a practical small SUV that has a trusted name backed by proven reliability, a host of standard safety features, excellent warranty, and gets decent gas mileage all at an affordable price, then the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is one that you do not want to overlook.

Copyright:2010 AutomotiveAddicts.com

Price: Base Tucson Limited FWD PZEV $24,345 As-Tested $28,090
Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: South Korea
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 173.2 in.
Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 66.3 in.
Wheel Base: 103.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 6.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3331 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4497 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 39.4 in.
Front Hip Room: 55.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.1 in.
Rear Head Room: 39.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room: 53.4 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 38.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 25.7 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 56 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 170 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 163 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1166 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 34.7 ft.
0-60mph: 9.0 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 23 mpg / 31 mpg / 26 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 333.5 mi. / 449.5 mi. / 377 mi.

For 2009, the Hyundai Tucson returns with additional exterior and interior changes that make it even more desirable.  These changes include 4-6% improved fuel economy, all-new 16X6in. alloy wheels, 200-watt Kenwood Navigation/Audio System, a more distinctive chrome grille, new tailgate trim, metal grain interior accents, more color choices and new GLS seat fabric.  The Tucson SE 4X4 receives standard heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer.  An optional B&M Racing sport shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and enhances precision to Tucson’s manual four-speed transmission.  All Tucson’s now come with standard XM Satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input.

The Tucson is a very competitive compact sport utility that rates high against the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Jeep Patriot and Toyota RAV4.  The Tucson has good looks, a choice of two engines, a fully independent suspension, 4X4 option with plenty of room for up to 5-persons and is fun and easy to drive with excellent fuel mileage.  Young families will like the sporty looks and very functional interior.

With gas prices on the rise again and consumers demanding better fuel economy, the 2009 Tucson delivers with a choice of two engines-a 2.0 liter DOHC ‘Beta’ in-line four-cylinder engine that when mated to the four-speed automatic achieves 20mpg/city and 26mpg/highway.  Horsepower is rated at 140 at 6,000rpm, and torque is 136lb.ft. at 4,500rpm. 

In addition to the smooth and efficient four-cylinder engine, the Tucson also offers an optional 2.7 liter V6 for improved acceleration and passing power.  This ‘Delta’ series engine has an aluminum block and heads to keep weight down, while four-valve combustion chambers and DOHC ensure ample performance.  Horsepower peaks at 173 at 6,000rpm and torque crests at 178lb.ft. at 4,000rpm.  I was impressed with the launch in my Limited 4X4 model.  The V6 with its standard four-speed Shiftronic automatic four-speed and 4X4 drive now delivers 18mpg/city and 23mpg/highway. 

Tucson offers a wide range of transmission choices to suit a variety of customer needs.  In the GLS trim with the standard 4-cylinder engine, owners can choose between a precise five-speed manual with an optional B&M Racing Sport Shifter for more precise shifting or a convenient four-speed Shiftronic automatic.  This sophisticated unit can function like a conventional automatic, but also has manual controls for a more sporty driving experience.  The Shiftronic automatic comes standard with the V6 engine.

The fully independent suspension underpinning the Tucson is excellent for on-road or off-road driving.  a robust MacPheson strut front suspension is used in combination with a multi-link independent rear setup that uses trailing arms and multiple links to control wheel geometry precisely through a full range of suspension motion.  All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged shocks.  To help balance the Tucson’s handling and minimizing body roll during cornering, front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all trim levels.  The handling dynamics are handled beautifully by a responsive power-assisted rack & pinion steering system with a good feel for the road and minimum boost.  Tucson is easy to handle in parking lots and on backcountry trails and has a tighter turning circle, 35.4ft. than a Jeep Patriot 35.6ft., Honda CR-V 37.8ft. or Ford Escape 36.7ft.

Braking from speed is also excellent with power-assisted four-wheel discs brakes.  Up front are 11in. vented discs and in the rear are 10.3in. solid discs, with 11.2in. solid disc found in the 4X4 models.  Enhancing braking power and control are four-wheel ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution which is hard to find in other compact sport utility vehicles.

All Tucson models ride on 16X6in. aluminum wheels wrapped with 215.65R16in. all-season radials with 235/60R16in. standard in the Limited models.  That’s not bad for a compact sport utility and it helps with upgrading the looks in comparison to the competition.

The optional 4X4 system is one of the best of the competition.  For maximum all-season traction and fuel economy, the Tucson 4X4 models come with an electronic torque management system that routes up to 99% of the power to the front wheels.  As road conditions or torque demand changes, the system automatically diverts up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels.  This on-demand system operates quickly and unobtrusively by monitoring the throttle position, wheel angle, wheel slippage and routes power to the axle offering the best traction.  The 4X4 system can be manually locked into 4X4 drive for a continuous 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery road situations.  The system automatically disengages when ABS is activated to provide optimal braking performance.

Besides excellent mechanicals under the skin, the new 2009 Hyundai Tucson looks good.

The purposeful exterior has a strong, urban presence.  The new distinctive grille and standard alloy wheels enhance its appearance and flexibility.  There is a large rear hatch for easy loading and unloading with a convenient flip-up rear window which eases loading of small or long items.  Both SE and Limited models provide more amenities with new unique alloy wheels, wider tires, as well as fog lamps, bodyside cladding, bodycolored door handles and mirrors, and chrome rear accent trim.  The Tucson looks great from any angle.

Tucson’s five-passenger interior is a handsome blend of comfort, thoughtful features and utility.  It echoes the sleek athleticism of the exterior, with matte-black accents on GLS trim and new metalgrain accents in SE and Limited versions.  Illuminated power window and door lock switches, combined with high legible analog instrumentation aid in functionality and convenience.  Drive comfort is a top priority in the Tucson’s design, as evidenced by the eight-way adjustable seat with lumbar support and tilt-adjustable steering column.  There are even grab handles above all four-doors, that’s an extra touch.

Versatility is another hallmark for Tucson.  It delivers an impressive 102.6cu.ft. of passenger interior volume, which surpasses Nissan Rogue at 97.5, Ford Escape at 99.5 and Jeep Patriot at 101.7cu.ft.  The standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo.  Single-lever operation and shingle-style headrests that remain in place speed the conversion from passenger to cargo use.  Tucson has greater cargo space behind the front row at 65.5cu.ft. compared to Patriot’s 54.2 and Rogue’s 57.9cu.ft.  Tucson is ready to haul gear with an easy-to-clean composite floor load floor.  Underneath the load floor is an additional sectionalized storage area with the spare tire positioned below.  Plenty of storage bins, compartments and eight-cup/bottle holders are positioned throughout the interior, as are three 12-volt power plugs.  Comfort and convenience features include a two-tier front storage console; two cupholders are positioned nearby, with one more in each door pocket.  The rear armrest also includes two cupholders.

Other standard features in the Tucson Limited that I tested include automatic temperature control with outside temperature readout, heated/power-remote side mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, AM-FM-XM 6-CD changer with MP3 with auxiliary jack, cruise control, trip computer, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, power sunroof, metalgrain interior trim, illuminated vanity mirrors, front intermittent windshield wipers/washer/deicer, rear wiper/washer, dual map lamps, and cargo cover.

The optional 200-watt Kenwood in-dash navigation/audio system has been added and was developed exclusively for Hyundai by Kenwood and combines audio, navigation, an auxiliary input into a single head unit, SD card slot and 700MB internal memory.

Standard safety features include electronic stability control and traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, LATCH system for child seats, 3-point safety belts for all seats, front airbags for driver/front passenger and active headrests.

In the fast growing but competitive compact sport utility segment, the new 2009 Hyundai Tucson has quickly gained the respect of the competitors from the US and Japan with its excellent looks, first-rate powertrains, fully independent suspension, strong braking system and fully functional and versatile interior.

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $25,620
Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: South Korea
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 170.3 in.
Width: 72.1 in.
Height: 68.1 in.
Wheel Base: 103.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3548 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.5 in.
Front Hip Room: 52.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.6 in.
Rear Head Room: 38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room: 51.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.2 in.
Luggage Capacity: 22.7 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 66 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 2.7 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 173 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 178 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1280 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: 4WD
Turning Circle: 35.4 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 18 mpg / 23 mpg / 20 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 309.6 mi. / 395.6 mi. / 344 mi.

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