Car Stringh

Hyundai Tucson 2010 Starts at $19,790

The stylish new 2010 Hyundai Tucson will start at $19,790 in GLS trim with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment in GLS guise is generous and includes six airbags, iPod connectivity, hill-start and downhill-braking assist, air conditioning, and more. The GLS with automatic transmission is $20,790.

Moving up to the Popular Equipment package Tucson GLS requires $22,490 and nets a standard six-speed automatic, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a telescoping steering wheel, automatic up/down power windows, tinted glass, and some exterior dress-up trim. The Navigation package costs $24,490 and adds a navigation system, a rear-view camera, a higher-output stereo, and automatic headlights on top of the Popular Equipment package.

For $25,140, the Tucson Limited comes with all the toys from the Popular Equipment package, plus 18-inch wheels; leather, heated, and power seats; automatic headlights; fog lights; some exterior chrome trim; and dual-zone climate control. The Premium Package tacks on navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a rear-view camera, an upgraded stereo, and removes the Tucson’s roof rails, for $27,990. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1500 on all but the base GLS trim.

Redesigned for 2010 with a new, aggressive face and a handsome, sporty interior, the Tucson remains a Honda CR-V competitor as a five-passenger crossover sport-utility. Europe will get a diesel engine, but initial U.S. versions will have only a 2.4-liter, gasoline four-cylinder.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: $19,790
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 144 cu in, 2391cc
Power (SAE net): 170–176 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 163–168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 103.9 in Length: 173.2 in
Width: 71.7 in Height: 65.2 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3350–3700
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 21­–23/28–31 mpg