2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS FWD (818)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS FWD SUV. This is in a great class for perhaps the best bargain for your hard earned money. Not only is it capable transportation, it has all the conveniences and mechanical safety features and all at reasonable pricing. It is not only in the most popular class, hands down, it is truly an affordable all around family SUV.

Handling & Performance:

The size is perfect for ease of parking, run about town kind of car with good turning radius and good cargo capacity.

I prefer rear wheel drive but I wouldn’t discount it for that reason.

Styling:

It is a today design, but tends to step out of simple clean lines. I’m not excited with the sharp edges and rather busy look. I prefer simplicity in design.

Fit and Finish:

Very Good.

Cost:

Real value for the money. The class has been influenced to a great extent or certainly in part because of the Korean competitors.

Conveniences and comfort:

Because this class is smack dab in the middle, in size, cost, comfort and safety features all competitors listed are at the top of my recommendations for up to 5 in the family. For the younger single buyer with a more rough and rugged outdoors lifestyle I’d look at 4X4’s like Jeep Wrangler.

Consumer Recommendation:

Perfect family vehicle for a family up to 5 and one more kid pushes you up to a larger class. Son Mike with 6 in the family must supersize up to Suburban class options. Good reason to stop at 3 kids. I am beginning to doubt the old saying “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Maybe when folks grew up on a farm that was true.

Options notes:

the $1,700 package is good stuff, but the Navigation for $2,000 is not a good buy in today’s world. Cell phone based navigation is available for about $10/ month or for a couple of hundred you can own a portable and both options are much more flexible.

Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Tucson $19-26,000, Chevrolet Equinox $23-30,000, Ford Escape $21-27,000, Honda CRV $21-31,000, Jeep Liberty $23-29,000, Jeep Patriot $15-25,000, Kia Sorento $20-29,000, Kia Sportage $17-23,000, Mazda Tribute $19-29,000, Mercury Mariner $24-27,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $21-29,000, Nissan Rogue $20-25,000, Subaru Forester $20-28,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-27,000, Toyota RAV 4 $22-30,000, Volkswagen Tiguan $23-34,000.

Good News:

A lot of competition in class that is all good stuff, affordable,

Bad News:

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 176 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, power steering, front wheel drive, 17” steel wheels, electronic stability and traction control, brake assisted ABS brakes with brake force distribution, front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, audio with CD/MP3 and iPod USB/ Aux jacks & iPod cable, XM satellite, cloth seats, 60/40 split rear folding seating, keyless entry with alarm, folding power mirrors, power windows and tilt steering wheel.

Options:

Popular Equipment package $1,700 including Telescopic steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels, leatherette / cloth seats, leather wrapped wheel with audio and cruise controls, and leather wrapped shift knob, Bluetooth, roof rack side rails.
Nav option: $2,000 (includes rearview camera, auto headlights and upgraded audio.

Gas Stats:

$2.97/ Gal avg. June 25, 2010
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

23 City and 31 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $19,995.