LA Auto Show: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

Alex L. Dykes
by Alex L. Dykes

Hyundai’s new 2010 Tucson has landed in LA. Basically the same as the model dropped at Frankfurt a short while ago, it’s a total refresh of the Tucson that leaped Hyundai into the CUV market in 2005. We all know that Hyundai has built their lineup on copying the basics from Japan while adding value and flair, and the Tucson is no different. The CUV’s lines are more than a little reminiscent of the Lexus RX, for about half the price. New for 2010 Hyundai is touting the Tucson’s 31 mpg on the highway, 61 lb lighter kerb weight, panoramic sunroof, and long overdue bluetooth and larger screen navigation system. Like it’s Sonata sibling the Tucson gets only the Theta II direct injection four pot mated to their new 6 speed transmission.




Alex L. Dykes
Alex L. Dykes

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  • Mrh1965 Mrh1965 on Dec 03, 2009

    I believe its engine is port injected, not direct injected. Makes about 20 less horsepower than the Sonata.

  • Don1967 Don1967 on Dec 04, 2009

    @superbadd75, If the Tucson is cribbing the Tribeca, then the Tribeca (at least in its current post-vagina form) is cribbing the Santa Fe. And so what? There are only so many ways to style a two-box CUV. To Hyundai's credit, its products are not entirely derivative anymore. Those swoopy fender curves provide a uniquely Korean family resemblance across most of its product line, from sports cars to CUVs.

    • DisturbedDriver DisturbedDriver on Dec 04, 2009
      To Hyundai’s credit, its products are not entirely derivative anymore. Those swoopy fender curves provide a uniquely Korean family resemblance across most of its product line, from sports cars to CUVs. Quote of the day, and you are correct. I'm noticing that the way Hyundai implements the fluidic sculpture design is becoming increasingly distinct. All the haters can keep on cherrypicking other cars that Hyundai supposedly takes cues from. The funny part is there's hardly ever agreement on who they're copying...if they're even copying anymore.
  • Lynn Joiner Lynn JoinerJust put 2,000 miles on a Chevy Malibu rental from Budget, touring around AZ, UT, CO for a month. Ran fine, no problems at all, little 1.7L 4-cylinder just sipped fuel, and the trunk held our large suitcases easily. Yeah, I hated looking up at all the huge FWD trucks blowing by, but the Malibu easily kept up on the 80 mph Interstate in Utah. I expect a new one would be about a third the cost of the big guys. It won't tow your horse trailer, but it'll get you to the store. Why kill it?
  • Lynn Joiner Just put 2,000 miles on a Chevy Malibu rental from Budget, touring around AZ, UT, CO for a month. Ran fine, no problems at all, little 1.7L 4-cylinder just sipped fuel, and the trunk held our large suitcases easily. Yeah, I hated looking up at all the huge FWD trucks blowing by, but the Malibu easily kept up on the 80 mph Interstate in Utah. I expect a new one would be about a third the cost of the big guys. It won't tow your horse trailer, but it'll get you to the store. Why kill it?
  • Ollicat I am only speaking from my own perspective so no need to bash me if you disagree. I already know half or more of you will disagree with me. But I think the traditional upscale Cadillac buyer has traditionally been more conservative in their political position. My suggestion is to make Cadillac separate from GM and make them into a COMPANY, not just cars. And made the company different from all other car companies by promoting conservative causes and messaging. They need to build up a whole aura about the company and appeal to a large group of people that are really kind of sick of the left and sending their money that direction. But yes, I also agree about many of your suggestions above about the cars too. No EVs. But at this point, what has Cadillac got to lose by separating from GM completely and appealing to people with money who want to show everyone that they aren't buying the leftist Kook-Aid.
  • Jkross22 Cadillac's brand is damaged for the mass market. Why would someone pay top dollar for what they know is a tarted up Chevy? That's how non-car people see this.
  • 3SpeedAutomatic A great opportunity for an auto maker (Toyota) who’s behind the curve in EV development. Fisker would be the Leading Edge division with trickle down technology to the other divisions as EVs eventually become mandatory.
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