Hyundai, an emerging leader in the automobile industry offers affordable but value packed Sports utility Vehicles (SUV). One of their offerings is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson which ranks 6 out of 23 in the Affordable Compact SUV category. This is based on more than 20 reviews, test drives and specification analysis.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV | Base Price: $19,045.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.3 gallons (57.9 liters) | MPG: 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Length: 173.2 in. (439 cm) | Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm) |
| Height: 65.2 in. (165 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3139 lbs (1423 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.7 in. (17 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 25.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC inline 4 | Displacement: 2.0 liters |
| Horsepower: 165 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: NA | Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs) |
| Option:Tucson GLS 2.4L | MSRP: $22,195; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
| Option:Tucson Limited | MSRP: $24,895; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
Performance
The 2011 Tucson starts at a little bit less than $19,000 which is very hard to overlook given its standard features and its redesigned look. The 2011 Tucson comes in 3 trims: Limited, GLS, and GL. The first two comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with optional all-wheel drive and standard six speed automatic transmission whereas the GL has a slightly less powerful 2.0 liter four cylinder engine and a standard manual transmission.
Exterior & Interior
The 2011 Tucson has been redesigned much like the same for most 2011 Hyundai models. Hyundai describes their new look as “Fluidic Sculpture design” and it definitely turns heads with their swoop like exterior highlights, sleek slim and long headlights and tail lights coupled with futuristic grills and beautiful colors. Most reviewers call this new look “handsome or futuristic.”
Interior design is both stylish and comfortable but most reviewers do not like the materials used for the Tucson since it looks and feels cheap. Legroom is ample in both front and backseats however the cargo hold is a bit too small for an SUV, in fact most of its competitors like the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav4 have bigger cargo holds.
Safety
The 2011 Tucson received a perfect score of 10 out of 10 in terms of safety, with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Unfortunately as of press time the federal government has not yet rated the new Tucson. Fortunately the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety has, and it considers the Tucson a Top Safety Pick. Reviewers like the standard safety features of the Hyundai Tucson however they do not like the lack of visibility on the rear.
Reliability & Warranty
Overall
Most people are realistic about the 2011 Tucson. They state the fact that as opposed to its main rivals, it offers less room and less power but this is expected given the 2011 Tucson is less expensive than Honda and Toyota. What the Tucson did was remain less in terms of price and in size but it included a lot of standard features that only come optional with its rivals.
Pros
- Value for money for an SUV
- Excellent fuel economy that cannot be beaten by its competition
- Well appointed interior coupled with a redesigned exterior
- A 10 year power train warranty which is one of the longest power train warranties out in the market
Cons
- Smaller engine
- Cheap looking interior material
- Small cargo hold
The Competition
Definitely the Toyota Rav4 (MSRP $22,475; 22 city / 28 hwy) and the Honda CRV (MSRP $21,895; 21 city / 28 hwy) top the list of competitors for the class. They offer bigger luggage, better interior as well as a more robust engine. However they are also a couple of thousands more expensive than the 2011 Tucson and offer less standard features
Overall Rating
What others say:
“Much better than its predecessor, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson needs a touch more power and steering feel to top carlike utes like the Nissan Rogue.”Car Connection
“Tucson maneuvers through traffic with ease, but body lean comes on quickly, even during moderate cornering. ”Consumer Guide
“The redesigned Tucson handles securely and responsively, but the ride is stiff and road noise is pronounced. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Handsome, well-appointed cabin; simple controls; good fuel economy; sporty handling; good value.”Edmunds
