2010 Hyundai Tucson: Road Test
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2010 Hyundai Tucson ▼
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- MSRP: $18,995 -$25,845
- Invoice: $18,296 -$24,544
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Our road test for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson help you decide if a 2010 Hyundai Tucson is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Tucson's new 4-cylinder has plenty of gusto from a stop, but mid-range power is just adequate and hill climbs can feel taxing. The gas pedal lacks a firm feel. The automatic transmission delivers crisp, well-timed shifts. The manual, on the other hand, is an exercise in frustration, with long shifter throws and inconsistent clutch engagement.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission model averaged 23.0 mpg. A front-drive Limited, which has the automatic, averaged 23.8 mpg. Tucson uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
GLS is pleasant overall, owing to its standard 17-inch wheels. Its ride is generally composed and comfortable around town and absorbent at highway speeds. Only large bumps register sharply. Limiteds have 18-inch wheels, and they are more jittery and nervous over rough pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Tucson maneuvers through traffic with ease, but body lean comes on quickly, even during moderate cornering. The steering is responsive, if a bit heavy at low speeds. Standard Downhill Brake Control can be turned on to help the driver maintain a constant vehicle speed while traversing steep declines.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Wind rush is well checked, and tire thrum and road noise are present, though not annoying, at highway speeds. Tucson's cabin is also not very well insulated from its buzzy, often loud engine. Engine noise is very noticeable during takeoffs and highway acceleration, but fades at cruising speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
The climate-control dials are large and logically placed. The standard audio deck is a marvel of convenience. Tucson's new navigation system features a large, clear touchscreen that makes controlling its functions easy. Audio controls are absorbed into the navigation system, though are not overly complicated to master. Digital-music-player integration is nearly seamless, regardless of whether or not you opt for navigation.
DETAILS
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Tucson's cabin is far more refined than the previous generation's, provided you spring for the optional Popular Equipment Package on the GLS. Versions so equipped are trimmed with soft-touch materials and brushed-chrome bits. The seats' cloth/vinyl material is rich and convincing; patterned-cloth seat inserts add some personality to the cabin. Models without this package have a more drab interior, with materials that are nothing special.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Though headroom in the new-generation Tucson shrunk by an inch, there's still plenty of space even for taller drivers. Legroom is also generous. Our testers are divided on seat comfort; some praise the buckets as long-haul comfortable, others find them too hard. Thick rear roof pillars hinder visibility to the aft corners. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel and extendable driver and front-passenger sun visors add to the comfort of the front cabin. The design of the front door sills allows grime to collect, which can cause pant legs to get dirty upon entry or exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Headroom is quite good, and legroom is decent for tall folks, even with the front seats set far back. Wide-opening doors and a fairly large aperture mean entry and exit are easy.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Tucson's seat backs fold nearly flat, though we wish Hyundai would include some sort of under-floor storage. A separate-opening glass liftgate window is no longer available, which is a bit disappointing. Generous small-items storage space includes a good-sized glove box, deep center-console bin, and large front-door pockets; the back seat's smaller door pockets offer added space for items such as water bottles.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
With this redesign, Tucson remains a strong value in the compact-SUV class. Its blend of maneuverability, comfortable interior accommodations, and level of standard features make it a competitive player in this segment. Though its new 4-cylinder isn't as refined as others in the class, there's no lack of power, and it delivers decent fuel economy. Avoid the aggravating manual transmission in favor of the slick automatic. Looking for the V6? Though Tucson's is gone for 2010, you'll still find one in the larger Santa Fe.
Total Score
| 2WD GLS, manual | AWD GLS w/navigation, automatic | 2WD Limited w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 69 | 67 | 58.7 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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