The Hyundai Tucson compact sport utility vehicle (“SUV”) is brand new for the 2010 model year. Its bolder new styling is inspired by Hyundai’s new overall design theme called “fluidic sculpture.” The look emphasizes sportiness, prominent body folds to make the design distinct, and aerodynamics.
The new Tucson is bigger and more powerful than the 2009 model. It is 4.5 inches longer, 3 inches lower and 1 inch wider than the 2009 model. Under the hood, the Tucson has 36 more horsepower than the model of the last year. Impressively, despite offering more room and more power, the new Tucson is 64 pounds lighter, front-wheel drive and four-cylinder in shape than the 2009 model. With two-wheel drive, the new Tucson is rated at 31 miles per hour. gallon on the freeway.
The 2010 Tucson is a definite competitor in the compact crossover SUV class. Offers more interior space than the Ford Escape. It also offers a bit more power than the Escape and Nissan Rogue. On the other hand, it offers slightly less space and power than the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V. All of these models have between 170 and 180 horsepower in four-cylinder form. Only the Toyota RAV-4 offers a V-6 option among these vehicles. Hyundai has discontinued the V-6 option for the new Tucson.
Standard features for the 2010 Tucson include Hill Start Assist with Hill Brake Control, Bluetooth and an improved four-wheel drive system. A six-speed automatic transmission is also standard. New options for 2010 include a panoramic sunroof and a touchscreen navigation system.
The Tucson offers two model options; the GLS and Limited, both with two-wheel drive and with all-wheel drive. The Limited model has amenities like leather seats, larger wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat with a panoramic moonroof, a rear camera, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation system, among other features.
