2010 Hyundai Tucson Preview

Design
Hyundai says that the new 2010 Tucson’s sweeping, gently curved lines characterize the “Fluidic” design language the company is rolling out across all of its models and says the hexagonal grille, debuting on this model, is “a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products.” With all these Buick-rific bulges and swells and indentations, it’s almost certain that the Tucson’s standard 16-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires will look undersized. Good thing 18-inch wheels, seen here, will be available. And, thankfully, Hyundai has resisted the urge to slap fake fender vents on the new Tucson.

Inside, the new Tucson features more head and leg room than the old model. Hyundai has added front-seat travel to help make taller people more comfortable, and a manually adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel should help drivers of varying heights find a comfortable driving position. Storage and cargo space is improved, too, with a larger glovebox that can be cooled by the air conditioning system, a bigger cargo area, and more space to stash portable music players near the USB port and auxiliary audio input jack.

The 2010 Tucson features Supervision gauge cluster illumination in Hyundai’s signature blue backlighting, and an indicator that the company calls an “ECO coach” illuminates to help the driver maximize fuel economy. Dual-zone climate control is available, as well as a dual-panel sunroof over both rows of cloth or leather seats. Hyundai says the Tucson’s interior color choices will be Black monotone, Beige two-tone, or Black monotone with Brown leather seats.

Hardware
In North America, the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or an optional 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with the smaller engine, with a 6-speed automatic optional. Buyers selecting the more powerful 2.4-liter engine will get the 6-speed automatic as standard equipment.

Hyundai claims that its new 6-speed automatic is smaller and lighter than any other one on the market. It includes lifetime transmission fluid, and improves acceleration while simultaneously increasing fuel economy, the automaker says. The new transmission will feature Hyundai’s Shiftronic manual shifting feature for more aggressive driving, the company states.

As before, all-wheel drive will be available on the Tucson, which is suspended by MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent setup in back.