Test Drive: 2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Greg Wilson

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2010 Hyundai Tucson

The bold new styling of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is a dramatic departure from the conservative 2009 Tucson, and while some SUV buyers may find the change too radical, it’s a good example of how compact SUVs are rapidly evolving from light trucks to crossover vehicles.

The Tucson’s curvaceous lines were inspired by Hyundai’s new corporate styling theme called “fluidic sculpture” which emphasizes a sporty, aerodynamic look with prominent body creases to add character. So far we’ve seen the sporty Genesis Coupe, the dramatic Tucson, and the streamlined 2011 Sonata sedan – with other “fluidic” Hyundai models soon to follow.

Interestingly, though the Tucson is built in South Korea, it was designed and engineered at Hyundai’s Frankfurt, Germany design and technical centre.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

While the Tucson’s new styling is the most obvious difference for 2010, it’s the changes under the Tucson’s metal skin that most affect the ownership experience. A new, more powerful and more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine has replaced both the previous four-cylinder and V6 engines; and new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions have replaced the old five-speed manual and four-speed automatic trannys. The new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine offers more horsepower and better fuel economy than either of the previous engines.

As well, the 2010 Tucson offers new features, such as standard Downhill Brake Control feature and Hillstart Assist, and an improved electronic all-wheel drive system. Inside, there’s new standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system and new optional touch-screen navigation system and panoramic sunroof.

In terms of size, the 2010 Tucson is still a compact SUV/crossover, but compared to the 2009 model, it’s 115 mm (4.5 in.) longer, 25 mm (1.0 in.) wider, and 75 mm (3.0 in.) lower, with a wheelbase that is 10 mm (0.4 in.) longer. The new Tucson is about the same size as a Ford Escape, but offers more interior room despite its curvy bodywork. However, it’s still smaller than a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

Despite its larger size, the new Tucson is lighter in weight: for example, a 2010 Tucson FWD with automatic transmission is 29 kg (64 lb) lighter than a 2009 Tucson FWD four-cylinder automatic, and 77 kg (170 lbs) lighter than a 2009 Tucson FWD V6 automatic. The 2010 Tucson is also lighter than many of its competitors: the CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Escape, Rogue and Sportage. Hyundai claims it has a better power to weight ratio than all of them with the four-cylinder engine.

Trim levels for the 2010 Tucson are slightly different from 2009. The base L trim has been discontinued, while a GLS trim has been added between the GL and Limited trims. The V6 trim levels, of course, have been discontinued. Pricing has remained steady at GL and GLS levels (formerly GL V6) while Limited models are about $1,500 higher.

2010 MSRPs are as follows: GL FWD manual ($22,999), GL FWD auto ($24,299), GL AWD auto ($26,699), GLS FWD auto ($26,799), GLS AWD auto ($28,999), Limited AWD auto ($32,449), and Limited AWD auto with Navigation ($34,449). In the compact SUV class, those prices are very competitive.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

Standard equipment on the 2010 GL FWD includes the 176-hp 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, 17-inch all-season tires and steel wheels, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, USB port, iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity and six speakers; tilt steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, power auto-down driver’s window, keyless entry, cloth seats, six-way manual driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, dual vanity mirrors, active front head restraints, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system, Hillstart Assist, and Downhill Brake Control.

The GLS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated cloth seats with leatherette bolsters, leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, XM satellite radio, cruise control, body-colour mirrors and door handles, privacy glass, windshield de-icer, silver roof rails, illuminated vanity mirrors, and glove compartment light.

The Limited adds 18-inch tires and alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, automatic headlamps, mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome door handles, solar windshield and side glass, exterior temperature gauge, auto up/down driver’s window.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

Limited models with the navigation system have a 6.5-inch touch-screen, rearview camera, and premium stereo with external amplifier and seven speakers.
This week’s test vehicle is a GL AWD with the six-speed automatic transmission and an MSRP of $26,699. Add $1,768 Freight and PDI charge, $100 for a/c tax, and the price as-tested came to $28,567.

As mentioned, the 2010 Tucson’s new 176-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine replaces both the previous 140-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder and the 173-hp 2.7-litre V6. As well, new six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions replace last year’s five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

According to Hyundai, the new engine offers 20 per cent better fuel economy than the old four-cylinder engine even though it has 26 per cent more horsepower. The new all aluminum engine features twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts for increased torque in all rev ranges, and a variable air induction system for improved engine breathing.

2010 Energuide fuel economy numbers for the AWD model with automatic transmission are 9.8 L/100 km City and 7.1 L/100 km Highway. Much of the improvement in the Tucson’s fuel economy can be attributed to the transmission: with two extra gears, the new six-speed automatic transmission makes a big difference to highway fuel economy – a 24 per cent gain according to Hyundai. The automatic also has a ‘Shiftronic’ manual shifting mode for those times when the driver wants to choose lower gears for hill climbing or better acceleration.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

For the 2011 model year, Hyundai plans to introduce an even more economical Tucson Blue model powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The Blue model will include low-rolling-resistance tires, enhanced aerodynamics, revised engine calibrations and reduced final drive ratios, and will be priced lower than other Tucson models.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all 2010 Tucsons except the Limited while the optional all-wheel drive system has been improved to reduce fuel consumption. Under normal driving, the AWD model runs in front-wheel drive only and distributes power to the rear wheels when it senses front wheel slip. A driver-selectable differential lock allows for a 50/50 front/rear torque split in slippery, low-speed road conditions, such as deep unploughed snow.

In addition to standard electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes, the Tucson features a new Downhill Brake Control feature, technology that used to be exclusive to Land Rovers and Mercedes. Activated by a button on the dash, it automatically applies the pulsating ABS brakes when going down a steep hill to maintain a constant, but slow downhill speed, preventing the wheels from locking up on slippery surfaces and allowing the driver to concentrate on the steering. I tried this on a steep downhill driveway, and it works very well. It’s difficult at first to leave your foot off the brake and let the vehicle do the braking for you, but the results soon give the driver confidence.

The new Tucson also has Hillstart Assist Control which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting off on steep ascents. This feature would be most useful on the base model with the manual transmission.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

In terms of acceleration, the new 176-horse engine has plenty of get-up-and-go, but I found the throttle is a bit too sensitive from a standing start and the engine a bit ‘growly’, particularly when compared to last year’s smooth 2.7-litre V6 engine. Still, driving around town and cruising on the freeway, the engine is barely audible. At a steady 100 km/h in sixth gear, the engine is revving under 2,000 rpm.

The power steering is easy and direct with good turn-in response and the Tucson’s tight 10.5 metre turning diameter is narrower than most of its competitors, making it quite manoeuvrable around town. There is a blind spot at the right rear corner that can make it difficult to change lanes or parallel-park, an instance where the Tucson’s swishy styling took precedence over practicality. However, its large rear window, low centre head restraint, and rear wiper/washer provide better visibility directly behind the vehicle.

Thanks to a fully independent suspension (front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link rear) with new larger-diameter stabilizer bars, the Tucson’s handling is quite flat and stable despite its tall body and higher ground clearance. It tracks well at higher speeds and resists side winds, but I found the ride a bit stiff, though not punishing. My vehicle had Kumho Solus K121 225/60R17-inch all-season tires which performed well in both wet and dry road conditions.

2010 Hyundai Tucson GL AWD. Click image to enlarge

Driving at night, I wasn’t impressed with the standard halogen low beam headlights which offered rather uneven lighting coverage.

Has the Tucson’s swoopy new styling hindered its utility and practicality? Not really. Despite a lower overall roof height, I found it easy to get in and out of the large front and rear door openings, and once in there, there was sufficient headroom and legroom for most adults. The front seats in the new Tucson have longer seat tracks to accommodate taller drivers and front passengers, and the driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster – but there is no lumbar adjustment, and GL models do not come with a telescoping steering wheel. The rear seats are not as comfortable as the front ones because the seat cushions and backrests are harder.

The driver’s outward visibility is good except for the tiny third side window. The intermittent rear wiper is very useful for clearing rain, condensation, ice or grime from the rear window.

The new cabin’s redesigned instrument panel offers a number of improvements, such as easier to read instruments and displays, relocation of major controls for easier reach, more storage areas, more features, and a more stylish, if complicated dash design. My vehicle had an attractive two-tone instrument panel with silver accents on the steering wheel and radio, and aluminum-look door handles.

All Tucsons have a driver information display between the tachometer and speedometer that provides useful information such as gear selection, fuel gauge, driving range, average fuel economy, average speed, trip timer, ‘Eco’ driving reminder, and trip odometer. I noted that though the instruments and controls are backlit at night, the PRND near the floor shifter is not (there is a gear indicator in the dash display).

I was able to pair my cell phone with the onboard Bluetooth system quite easily and make voice-activated calls. The sound quality of the other caller’s voice was quite clear.

The lower centre console includes an open storage bin and two 12-volt outlets, and auxiliary and USB ports. iPods and music players can be connected to the USB port and music played through the sound system using the steering wheel controls to select tracks.

For storage, under the soft centre armrest is a new larger storage box and there are expandable mesh map pockets on the front seatbacks. Two different sized cupholders are located beside the gated shift lever and two more can be found in the centre rear folding armrest. There are also large door pockets.
Two features I liked were the power window buttons slanted at an angle for easier use, and the big grab handles on the doors.

At the rear, the hatchback lifts up easily over your head and includes gas struts. The cargo area includes a privacy cover and four tie-down hooks on the floor and two on the walls near the tailgate, as well as a 12-volt outlet. The floor and folding rear seatbacks are carpeted, but the wheelwells are plastic which will probably get scratched. Underneath the floor is a temporary spare tire and a little extra storage space.

Standard safety features in the Tucson include six airbags, active front seat head restraints, three-point safety belts at all five seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, and two outboard rear Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchors.

Whether you like the 2010 Tucson’s curvaceous new styling or not, it hasn’t really affected the practicality and utility of the new Tucson. Its new four-cylinder powertrain offers better fuel economy and power, but it’s not as refined as last year’s optional V6 engine.