Considering a 2010 Tucson as a second (winter) vehicle

[jwaters943]

I love my Genesis to death, but sometimes it would be nice to have a SUV/CUV for the dogs and winter driving. I'm seriously considering getting a new/lightly used CUV as a second vehicle (something around $25k).

Upon narrowing down my list of potential options I came away quite impressed with the new Tucson. It's a bit down on hp/tq, but for a second vehicle it should suffice. I'm also impressed by the fuel economy and interior styling.

Thoughts/opinions??

Pics:

More info:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/hyundai-prices-2010-tucson-crossover-from-18-995/

 

[TJPark01]

I just saw this car in the flesh yesterday. It nice, but a bit small. The rear cargo space isn't great. The Kia Sorrento seemed a bit larger and you can get it with AWD and a V6. It should be out next month, check that one out while you shop for the Tucson.

 

[jwaters943]

I will look at the Sorento, but I quite like the idea of a small/efficient CUV for my needs. Granted, I will need to verify if it has enough head/legroom up front for my 6' 2" frame (if it's anything like the CR-V it should).

 

[scottdk]

I will look at the Sorento, but I quite like the idea of a small/efficient CUV for my needs. Granted, I will need to verify if it has enough head/legroom up front for my 6' 2" frame (if it's anything like the CR-V it should).

Wow, this has a beautiful interior. I am very impressed for the Tuscan. Also, surprised to see they offer Nav in the vehicle.

 

[hobbes]

I too am interested in the Tuscon, but considering it's the 1st model year I'm a bit skeptical, plus a more more fuel efficient and powerful turbo charges 2.0 liter is supposed to come out later next year.

I think Hyundai Korea still has issues with 1st year models due to the unstable labor groups because the 1st year Veracruz had unacceptable quality issues, such as uncalibrated headlights. I've read that the Genesis coupe ALL have hood alignment issues.

I only think the Genesis sedan is good because it's considered luxury in Korea and so they invest more to make sure it's good right off the bat.

Does anyone know if the new Tuscon has soft touch plastics, which is quickly becoming a thing of the past?

I heard the Sorento is all hard plastic. Disappointing.

 

[TJPark01]

I will look at the Sorento, but I quite like the idea of a small/efficient CUV for my needs. Granted, I will need to verify if it has enough head/legroom up front for my 6' 2" frame (if it's anything like the CR-V it should).

I'm 6'1. You will fit, but not sure about your dog(s).

 

[blasterguam]

We were impressed as well, and this is what my wife wants next. It has many of the amenities that the Genny has - nice in dash Nav, bluetooth phone, heated seats. I'm 6'2" and fit fine, but I wouldn't want this thing as a prime driver or for long trips. It fits her fine, though, so that is the direction we're headed.

 

[jwaters943]

I'm 6'1. You will fit, but not sure about your dog(s).

I guess I should have clarified when I said dogs. I have two 25lb. Beagles. The 26 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats should be plenty of room for them to lay/stretch out.

As for the engine, the output is modest, but it does have the best power-to-weight ratio among it's 4-cylinder competitors so it shouldn't be too bad. Maybe I can hold off for another year and wait for the Direct-Injection 2.0T....we'll see. I guess I'm just going to have to drive one to see for myself.

 

[blasterguam]

Maybe I can hold off for another year and wait for the Direct-Injection 2.0T....we'll see. I guess I'm just going to have to drive one to see for myself.

Pretty much my thoughts as well, but I'd like more information on the stats of the engine.

 

[jwaters943]

Pretty much my thoughts as well, but I'd like more information on the stats of the engine.

Are we even 100% sure the Tuscson will get the Gasoline Direct Injection 2.0T? I know for a fact it will be getting the Sonata's GDI 4-cylinder w/ approx. 200hp in 1-2 years as Hyundai is able to increase production capacity.

FWIW, the GDI 2.0T is supposed to produce "in excess of 245 horsepower while achieving 35.5 mpg on the highway" when under the hood of the new Sonata (meeting CAFE requirements well ahead of schedule). The Tucson's poorer coefficient of drag would likely reduce the highway number to 33-34 mpg. Still, that's damn good IMO.

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[blasterguam]

Are we even 100% sure the Tuscson will get the Gasoline Direct Injection 2.0T? I know for a fact it will be getting the Sonata's GDI 4-cylinder w/ approx. 200hp in 1-2 years as Hyundai is able to increase production capacity.

FWIW, the GDI 2.0T is supposed to produce "in excess of 245 horsepower while achieving 35.5 mpg on the highway" when under the hood of the new Sonata (meeting CAFE requirements well ahead of schedule). The Tucson's poorer coefficient of drag would likely reduce the highway number to 33-34 mpg. Still, that's damn good IMO.

I have only heard of the GDI 2.0T, which I falsely assumed was a DI engine due to the outstanding claims on it. DI or not, for an extra 3-4 mpg and more power, I thought it may be worth the wait.

 

[YEH]

The one thing that bugs me about the new Tuscon design are the unnecessary over-surfacing of the grille elements.

Another option (though will likely debut a little later than the Tuscon) will be the 2011 Kia Sportage which will have the cleaner lines of Schreyer designs.

 

[jwaters943]

I have only heard of the GDI 2.0T, which I falsely assumed was a DI engine due to the outstanding claims on it. DI or not, for an extra 3-4 mpg and more power, I thought it may be worth the wait.

It is. GDI = Gasoline Direct Injection. The thing is, Hyundai has more than one Direct Injection engine on the way.

What I've been hearing is the GDI 2.0l Turbo should get about the same fuel economy as the naturally-aspirated GDI 2.4l 4-cylinder in the Sonata while offering superior performance. Ford also has an Ecoboost 4-cylinder on the way that will compete directly with the upcoming GDI 2.0T.

You gotta love technology!

 

[TJPark01]

I guess I should have clarified when I said dogs. I have two 25lb. Beagles. The 26 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats should be plenty of room for them to lay/stretch out.

As for the engine, the output is modest, but it does have the best power-to-weight ratio among it's 4-cylinder competitors so it shouldn't be too bad. Maybe I can hold off for another year and wait for the Direct-Injection 2.0T....we'll see. I guess I'm just going to have to drive one to see for myself.

I guess everything seems small compared to the monstrosity Ford Expedition, I'm driving now. Tuscons look great. Styling is nice and fit and finish is lexus-like. There are so many CUV's out there right now, it's enough to make your head spin.

 

[blasterguam]

It is. GDI = Gasoline Direct Injection. The thing is, Hyundai has more than one Direct Injection engine on the way.

Good, I thought so. (Duh!)

 

[jwaters943]

I guess everything seems small compared to the monstrosity Ford Expedition, I'm driving now. Tuscons look great. Styling is nice and fit and finish is lexus-like. There are so many CUV's out there right now, it's enough to make your head spin.

Not to get too OT, but is the Expedition your work/second vehicle or just a rental? How do you like it? My aunt has a 2002 that she's looking to replace with the current model.

I had to say, if I were in the market for a large SUV/CUV, I would seriously consider the Ford Flex. I think it's cool looking in an offbeat sort of way, and the Ecoboost V6 is a damn impressive engine. I just don't have use for anything that large and cumbersome. The Genesis is about as large of a vehicle as I'd want to drive on a regular basis, at least in terms of length.

 

[TJPark01]

Not to get too OT, but is the Expedition your work/second vehicle or just a rental? How do you like it? My aunt has a 2002 that she's looking to replace with the current model.

I had to say, if I were in the market for a large SUV/CUV, I would seriously consider the Ford Flex. I think it's cool looking in an offbeat sort of way, and the Ecoboost V6 is a damn impressive engine. I just don't have use for anything that large and cumbersome. The Genesis is about as large of a vehicle as I'd want to drive on a regular basis, at least in terms of length.

Work vehicle, that the company pays for through a lease. I actually need the space, I end up driving it more than the Genesis, because I own the Genesis. This is my last pure SUV. Getting 15 MPG is just unacceptable in this day and age. I was looking at the Flex, but the thing is MASSIVE. Not sure what the allowance is going to be for next year when I have to return the Ford.
Overall, I would say my experience with it has been average. The thing rides nicely, but it's unruly, hard to park and there have been a few little things that make me glad that I don't own the thing. Unless you need to tow,live in the mountains, or have a bunch of powertools in the back, there is no reason, anyone should drive a full size SUV.

 

[ajls09873]

gorgeous Interior

 

[akuma]

I just saw this car in the flesh yesterday. It nice, but a bit small. The rear cargo space isn't great. The Kia Sorrento seemed a bit larger and you can get it with AWD and a V6. It should be out next month, check that one out while you shop for the Tucson.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/2011-kia-sorento-pricing-pops-up-starts-under-20k/#comments

the Sorento is also available with the exact same engine as the Tucson. the interior has similar quality, although i think the Tucson's design (interior only) is a bit better. Sorento has more available features though.

the pricing of the Sorento is very surprising to me as i thought the Sorento compared to the Santa Fe. instead, it's priced almost exactly like the Tucson. in that case, i think the Sportage (and Sorento) is definitely worth waiting for as well.

the Amanti/K7/Cadenza, Optima and K9 also look very promising.

 

[Galbi]

I've read on more than one occasion (i'm sure your aware of this jwater), that the Tuscon's handling is very taut. Some said that there is hardly any body roll going into turns. How is that physically possible with a higher up center of gravity? Either the reviewers were smoking something or Hyundai did a fine job with that new multi link suspension.


I'm beginning to think that Hyundai is putting more emphasis on the "fun-to-drive" and the "emotional" aspect of their cars. Design, power and handling is what they seem to be focusing on right now. I'm continually being impressed by this company.