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.
  • JLGOLDEN Our family bought a 2012 Murano AWD new, and enjoyed it for 280K before we sold it last month. CVT began slipping at 230K but it was worth fixing a clean, well-cared for car. As soon as we sold the 2012, I grabbed a new 2024 Murano before the body style and powertrain changes for 2025, and (as rumored) goes to 4-cyl turbo. Sure, the current Murano feels old-school, with interior switchgear and finishes akin to a 2010 Infiniti. That's not a bad thing! Feels solid, V6 sounds awesome, and the whole platform has been around long enough that future parts & service wont be an issue.
  • Zipper69 Prices start $69,995....Warlock $54,260.....How's that again?
  • V8-1 Go hybrid and wait for Toyota to finish its hydrogen engine and generator/separator.
  • Poltergeist I expect this will go over about as well as the CR-Z did 15 years ago.
  • Michael S6 Welcome redesign from painfully ugly to I may learn to live with this. Too bad that we don't have a front license plate in Michigan.
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