Hyundai Tucson

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Hyundai Tucson FWD 4-door I4 Auto Limited PZEV

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Shopping for a 2012 Hyundai Tucson? MSRP: $19,045 - $26,395

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The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover that competes directly with the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, though its base price of under $20,000 puts it near the front of the pack in terms of value. With only five years on the market, the Tucson doesn't have a long history, but its fresh new look for 2010 offers a look at the future.

When it hit the U.S. market in 2005, the Hyundai Tucson offered an affordable, dependable daily-driver crossover platform with economical engines and a range of trim packages. It has carried on that basic motif through to the new generation, though over time the engine options have changed. Initially available with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower, or a 173-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6, and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Tucson's three trim levels--GL, GLS, and Limited--divided the powertrains up as fit the model. The GL was available only with the four-cylinder engine, and a choice of the manual or automatic transmission. The GLS and Limited, on the other hand, were available with only the V-6 and only the automatic transmission. All models were available with all-wheel drive.

Safety ratings for the Hyundai Tucson have always been a strong point, earning five stars in all categories in NHTSA testing since 2005, though the 2010 model has not yet been tested.

The current-generation Hyundai Tucson is all-new for the 2010 model year, offering a bold new design and updated engines. The V-6 is gone from the lineup, replaced with a new 176-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder which sits in the two remaining trims: GLS and Limited. The GLS and Limited are both available with all-wheel drive, but only the GLS can be fitted with the new six-speed manual transmission. The optional six-speed automatic on the GLS is standard on the Limited. The GLS also comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, though it can be upgraded to 17-inch alloys, while the Limited features standard 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, both models feature the same basic equipment, including a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo system, USB/iPod and auxiliary input, and trip computer. The Limited adds standard Bluetooth phone support and leather seating surfaces, both of which are available as upgrades on the GLS. An optional touchscreen navigation system can also be added to both models.

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson is likely to be mostly a carry-over of the brand-new 2010 model, though it may see minor exterior and interior appearance updates, as well as freshened electronics and technology offerings.