The Hyundai Tucson debuted about 5 years ago and it has been sharing many different design concepts from all around the Hyundai lineup. The over exaggerated wheel arches and crease in its hood will look familiar to those who are familiar with the external design of other Hyundai's. After all was said and done the overall look and feel of the Tucson was very similar to that of the Santa Fe only slightly smaller and with some smoother styling instead of the bold feel that the Santa Fe offered.
After five years of refinement the Tucson has reached its second generation and is now one of the leaders in the Hyundai offerings in the US market, it looks nothing like the original and also offers a much more refined engine, drive train and body model. This Crossover SUV is one of the sharpest looking in all of Hyundai's models. With a slightly longer and wider wheel base the 2011 offers a more stable and capable stance. Like other Hyundai models, the Tucson has dropped the V-6 option, but added more powerful 4 cylinder engine options. This year's Tucson also offers a 5 speed automatic transmission or a 6 speed automatic.
The Range
Bodystyles: Crossover SUV
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Models: GL, GLS, Limited
What's New
With all of the changes last year (the Tucson was all-new for 2010 after all) you would expect there would be nothing new this year. However, the company has introduced a new, 2.0-liter four engine backed by a five-speed manual in a new GL trim level. Shocks were also updated to improve the ride. Also, last year's Popular equipment package is now standard on GLS models.
Exterior
The new Tucson reflects Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design philosophy, with curved bodylines and a youthful look. Crisp lines define the vehicle's style, as does the bold front end.
Interior
The Tucson's cabin is as modern looking as the body, with attractive touches throughout. Leather is standard on the Limited. So is the dual-zone climate control with a CleanAir Ionizer, cruise control, and heated front seats.
Performance & Handling
The new Tucson may not have a V-6 available, yet its performance at the track is still plenty impressive. The new model lost more than 60 pounds, even though it is a larger crossover. The 2.4-liter engine pushes the Tucson to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds at 82.8 mph; it stops from 60 in 120 feet.
Safety
Stability control and traction control are standard on the Tucson; so are four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and downhill brake assist. Six airbags are standard: dual front, driver and front-passenger side, and front and rear curtains with rollover sensor.
EPA Fuel Economy
2.0L: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual); 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)
2.4L (FWD): 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual); 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)
2.4L (AWD): 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual); 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway (automatic)
You'll Like
- Value
- Good performance
- Standard features
You Won't Like
- Artificial steering
- Some cheap plastics
Sum Up
Close to the top of its class
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Rogue
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Subaru Forester