LA Auto Show: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

Alex L. Dykes
by Alex L. Dykes

Hyundai’s new 2010 Tucson has landed in LA. Basically the same as the model dropped at Frankfurt a short while ago, it’s a total refresh of the Tucson that leaped Hyundai into the CUV market in 2005. We all know that Hyundai has built their lineup on copying the basics from Japan while adding value and flair, and the Tucson is no different. The CUV’s lines are more than a little reminiscent of the Lexus RX, for about half the price. New for 2010 Hyundai is touting the Tucson’s 31 mpg on the highway, 61 lb lighter kerb weight, panoramic sunroof, and long overdue bluetooth and larger screen navigation system. Like it’s Sonata sibling the Tucson gets only the Theta II direct injection four pot mated to their new 6 speed transmission.




Alex L. Dykes
Alex L. Dykes

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  • Mrh1965 Mrh1965 on Dec 03, 2009

    I believe its engine is port injected, not direct injected. Makes about 20 less horsepower than the Sonata.

  • Don1967 Don1967 on Dec 04, 2009

    @superbadd75, If the Tucson is cribbing the Tribeca, then the Tribeca (at least in its current post-vagina form) is cribbing the Santa Fe. And so what? There are only so many ways to style a two-box CUV. To Hyundai's credit, its products are not entirely derivative anymore. Those swoopy fender curves provide a uniquely Korean family resemblance across most of its product line, from sports cars to CUVs.

    • DisturbedDriver DisturbedDriver on Dec 04, 2009
      To Hyundai’s credit, its products are not entirely derivative anymore. Those swoopy fender curves provide a uniquely Korean family resemblance across most of its product line, from sports cars to CUVs. Quote of the day, and you are correct. I'm noticing that the way Hyundai implements the fluidic sculpture design is becoming increasingly distinct. All the haters can keep on cherrypicking other cars that Hyundai supposedly takes cues from. The funny part is there's hardly ever agreement on who they're copying...if they're even copying anymore.
  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X Neither. They're basically the same vehicle.
  • Analoggrotto 1. Kia Sportage2. Hyundai TucsonRugged SUVs which cater to the needs of the affluent middle class suburbanite which are second only to themselves, these are shining applications of Hyundai Kia Genesis commitment to automotive excellence. Evolving from the fabled Hyundai Excel of the 90s, a pioneering vehicle which rivaled then upstart Lexus in quality, comfort and features long before Hyundai became a towering king of analytics and funding legions of internet keyboard warriors.
  • FreedMike Comparison: RAV4 versus CR-V. Who wins? Mazda CX-5 Turbo.(Sorry, the Toyota and Honda are both deadly dull to drive.)
  • Ajla 1. RAV4 Hybrid2. CRV Hybrid 3. RAV4 2.54. RAV4 Prime5. CRV 1.5T
  • MaintenanceCosts If only it had a hatch. The Model S is so much more practical, has similar performance in non-Plaid form, and is $20k more - and the $20k premium seems almost worth it just for the hatch.
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