Hyundai Tucson: How'd They Do All That?

You kind of have to wonder what's going on with Hyundai these days.

They keep taking vehicles that were already good and making them better, but also not making them much more expensive.

Have you seen the new Sonata lately?

Well, the latest feat is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.

Before, this was a nice-looking small SUV that did well on gas and was practical.

Now, however, this is a hot-looking small SUV that does very well on gas and is extremely practical.

Hyundai has done an outstanding job of giving the Tucson a more dramatic, curvy design, and getting away from the boxiness that is becoming less popular among small and mid-size SUVs.

The front features an inspired two-part grille that references luxury.

The rear seems to follow the design language of other Hyundais, most notably the Veracruz SUV.

The Tucson's new platform also gives it an enhanced driving dynamic.

Tucson now comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 176 horsepower and a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

That engines gets a solid 23 mpg city, 31 highway with the automatic with front-wheel drive, or 21 and 28 with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission model gets 22 and 30.

Standard are 17-inch wheels, but 17- or 18-inch alloys are optional, and six airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control are also always present.

Cool options include a rear spoiler and, just to throw in a goody that most often is found in high-end luxury vehicles, a panoramic moonroof. That feature is great because it not only lets plenty of light into the vehicle, but it really does give it an upscale look.

If it's tons of cargo space you're looking for, you might want to look elsewhere. Hyundai says Tucson gives 25.7 cubic feat behind the rear seating and 55.8 cubic feet behind the front row.

That is certainly enough to haul groceries and luggage for a small group of folks, but if you lug around a lot of furniture or other large items, it might be a tight squeeze.

That being said, you won't feel tightly squeezed sitting in the Tucson (unless your date starts to put the moves on you).

This model is wider and longer than the previous version, with 57 inches of shoulder room, 55 inches of hip room and 41 inches of leg room.

Even tall passengers should feel pretty good in the Tucson.

The Tucson, which comes in GLS and Limited trim levels, has other conveniences that make it pleasant. For instance, you can hook up your iPod or flash drive through the iPod jack and USB port.

And Hyundai offers touch screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic and backup camera.

Pricing for the Tucson ranges from around $19,000 to close to $26,000.

The Tucson is competing in one of the most hotly contested segments right now, with formidable opponents such as the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox.
But those other brands should pay attention to what Hyundai is doing.

Recently, an executive from another automaker said that she is increasingly nervous about competing against Hyundai.

That's with good reason.

As long as this brand keeps cranking out great products at great value, its going to make a lot of competitors nervous.