2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS

Five-passenger crossover combines value with substance

By Nina Russin

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Two decades ago, nobody could have guessed that the Korean automakers would one day set the bar for quality and value in the US market. But that’s exactly what has happened. One need look no further than the 2010 Hyundai Tucson to discover why.

A sub-$20,000 base sticker price for the GLS grade qualifies for our urban (formerly super-value) category. Yet the Tucson doesn’t look or perform like a cheap car. Hyundai’s five-passenger crossover vehicle is the first model designed at the automaker’s Frankfurt studio. Its long hood, aerodynamic roof and strong beltline give the Tucson visual affinity to a passenger car: ride and handling are similar as well.

A standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver ample power for urban commuters, with 31 mile-per-gallon highway fuel economy. Buyers in four-season climates can opt for available all-wheel drive over the standard front-wheel drive platform.

Engineers used high-strength steel to enhance the car’s torsional rigidity while reducing overall weight. Despite being larger than the outgoing model, the new Tucson is 61 pounds lighter.

In addition to weight savings throughout the body, engineers shaved weight under the hood by replacing the six-cylinder engine on the former model with a four-cylinder engine on the new car, using a lighter transmission, and replacing the former hydraulic steering system with a lighter, more compact electric one.

The GLS model tested is one of two available grades. The upscale Limited grade adds additional comfort and convenience features. Base price for the GLS is $19,995, not including the $795 delivery charge.

The test car comes with two options: carpeted floor mats ($100), and an equipment package that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth interface, rear privacy glass, redundant steering wheel controls, and roof rails ($1700). Read the rest of this entry »