Strengths

Very affordable pricing; excellent safety ratings; extensive warranty; car-like ride in an SUV

 

Changes

The Hyundai Tucson has been redesigned for 2010. It gets all new sheet metal that features a smoother shape, a lower profile, and a more car-like styling than last year. A new 2.4L engine is standard for 2010 and it is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

 

Value

Hyundai has one of the best basic warranties available (five years or 60,000 miles) and a great powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles). The newest Tucson is better than ever, and carries not only a lengthy list of standard safety equipment but also an iPod-compatible stereo. An advanced all-wheel drive system is available. EPA estimates for the Tucson are 31 mpg highway / 23 mpg city. Base prices start at $18,995.

 

Overview

The 2010 has been completely redesigned for 2010. The new Tucson now looks like a proper crossover, with smoother lines, a lower profile and a car-like shape and handling. There's a new engine for 2010, and it's the only one available, a 176 horsepower, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine capable of 168 pound-feet of torque. Drivetrain configurations come in either conventional front-wheel drive or an available Electronic Torque Management all-wheel drive system can send up to 99 percent of power to the front wheels but can also send as much as 50 percent to the rear wheels when needed.

For 2010, the Hyundai Tucson is offered in two trims--the entry level GLS and the uplevel Limited. Both trims include the same lengthy list of standard safety equipment.
Electronic stability control, which incorporates Traction Control System, anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side air bags, active front head restraints and side curtain air bags that cover both rows of seating are all included.

There is seating for five, and the rear seat also is split 60/40 and folds forward easily to expand cargo space. The front passenger seat can also fold forward or backward for especially long objects. Six tie-down points are provided, and the cargo floor is made of an easy-to-clean smooth material. As with most other crossover SUVs, the back hatch lifts up, but there is also a flip-up rear window that allows convenient loading.

GLS buyers enjoy standard features such as 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, remote keyless entry and a CD/MP3 iPod-compatible stereo with satellite radio and a auxiliary audio jack and remote keyless entry. Alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, navigation, a rearview camera, a premium audio system and subwoofer are optional.

The Limited trim adds 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, fog lamps to the outside. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter upgrade the interior. A panoramic sunroof, navigation system, a rearview camera, a premium audio system and subwoofer are optional.