2011 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is available in three trim levels namely the GL, GLS, and the Limited. The base GL trim is quite shabby in comparison to its other siblings as it gets standard features like the primitive engine without AWD while the higher ones can be equipped with the powerful version of 2.4L. Not just that, the Limited even gets convenience level-up with heat-assistance and power-adjustability while the lower-tiers have to settle with heating ducts at the max, and that too for the rear seats. The Limited also goes on to add dual automatic temperature control and CleanAir ionizer inside the cabin.

There are a few standard features that can be spotted across all the trims which include Remote keyless entry, Warning chimes, and Rear Spoiler for improved downforce. The safety nudge is also satisfactory with tech-aids like the electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, and hill-start assist control. The egalitarian approach across all trim in this aspect is much appreciated. Therefore, one can be at mental peace with all that it has on offer.

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The GLS trim has a price tag of $21,995 and spending a little extra buck on it allows you to fetch AWD along with roof rails and an optional navigation system. The seating posture and cushioning both are at par with the Limited. One even gets to have a powerful engine meaning a better performance curve. The voice recognition gestures have been incorporated into it as well. Thus, we recommend you choose GLS.

The base GL trim of the 2011 Tucson gets a 2.0L DOHC 4 cylinder engine as standard. It churns out 165hp power at 6,500 rpm and delivers a torque output of 146 lb-ft. The engine comes mated to a 5-Speed manual transmission whereas a 6-Speed Shiftronic automatic transmission is optional. The GLS and Limited trims produce better power with their 2.4L I-4 as it thrusts 176hp at 6,000 rpm with a torque output of 168 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. This specific setup is mated to the standard 6-Speed Shiftronic automatic transmission with an optional AWD system.

As a result of the aforementioned package, the Hyundai Tucson goes from 0-60 MPH in 9.1 seconds while a quarter-mile takes 16.7 seconds. It can also achieve a top speed of 128 MPH. The bigger engine variant does them much better as the 0-60 MPH sprint ticks 8.8 seconds with a quarter-mile run of 16.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 MPH. As far as competitors are concerned, Honda CR-V is the most powerful among all with 170hp, while the Subaru Forester is the torquiest. While the acceleration timings are almost similar, the CR-V and Kia Sportage are marginally quicker.

The base engine on the 2011 Hyundai Tucson has a decent fuel economy. It outputs 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined return of 23 MPG. Its 14.5-gallon tank allows it to offer a range of just 392 miles to the best of its abilities. When the 176 hp engine comes into the picture, the Tucson delivers a desirable 23 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and an overall 26 MPG. With that, it pushes its coverage up to 450 miles making it a better option to choose.

As per data, Tucson is way behind others as each of its rivals can hit the 400-mile mark quite easily. The Kia Sportage has a better economy while the Subaru Forester has a class-leading range of 321 and 456 city and highway miles. The CR-V, meanwhile, rates in the middle of the former two. These figures tend to be more impressive as they are achieved with a considerably high loading capacity by each of them.

With plenty of room inside for 5 people, the 2011 Tucson offers a pleasant cabin design with remarkable quality. The dashboard seems symmetrical in its layout. Touch of leatherette is available for seats, gear-shifter, and steering wheel for the Limited trim while the younger siblings lack that. The Limited also brings about the variation with the dual front automatic temperature control and deluxe scuffing on the doors. But cushioning and seat heightening along with decent visibility have been restored across all of them which can be an asset on the driver’s end during long hauling.

Rivals such as the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester might offer better headroom yet Tucson is a gem when one views the overall picture as it has an extra inch in every aspect for both rows. But it is its cargo capacity where it takes aback as it has the least of all which scales at 25.7 cu-ft of volume which can be upgraded to 55.8 cubic feet yet not sufficient to beat the other players like Honda CR-V.

Standout Interior Features:

• Heated bucket seats
• Deluxe cloth upholstery
• Leather upholstery
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Automatic temperature control

How intuitive is the infotainment of the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson gets a basic infotainment unit with the base trim. It comes with an AM/FM radio, in-dash CD player, MP3 player, and 6 180W speakers. With that, you have iPod integration, USB tethering, and an input jack for audio. The GLS trim further adds Bluetooth with voice recognition to the infotainment package. One also has the privilege to keep track of one's mobility with an optional navigation unit. The listening virtue can be further enhanced with the available Premium audio system as well but for that, you have to shed some extra dollars.

Standout Infotainment features:

• AM/FM radio
• CD and MP3 player
• iPod integration
• Bluetooth with voice recognition
• Premium audio system
• Satellite navigation

The Hyundai Tucson remains its curvy silhouette. The segment itself compels its curvature to look like a heavyweight but that does not impede its expression persona as it radiates that typical sober appearance with its chrome-accent grilles and high-beam headlamps. The dynamics have been taken into consideration at the same time as it gets a huge diffuser in the front along with a high-scaled bumper which can direct the airflow without leaving much turbulence behind it. The overall appeal can be changed with exterior color trims like the Chai bronze and Kiwi green along with other 7 standard options. It also has different wheelsets ranging from 17-inch steel wheels to bigger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Both the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage are comparatively lighter than the other SUVs. In terms of length, the Tucson is the smallest machinery but it does have a wide body with its fluidic design. Moreover, it also has a decent height and ground clearance that won't come in its way while off-roading. Its wheelbase might allow for extra inches inside the cabin but take a toll on its handling which is then compensated by other tech-assist who have been embedded into it. Meanwhile, other rivals can be rated on the same block as they hardly make any difference altogether.

Standout Exterior Features:

• 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels
• Roof rails
• Heated side mirrors
• Automatic headlights
• Fog Lights

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson uses a high-tensile steel structure to provide strength to its cabin and crash impact is dissipated within a huge crumple zone. That's how Tucson bagged the Top safety pick from the IIHS even after scoring poor ratings in the small driver side overlap. To keep the passengers safe, the 2011 Tucson comes with 6 standard airbags with an occupancy sensor and seatbelt pretensioners. It offers active safety with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assistance. 

Standout Safety features:

• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Electronic stability control
• Hill-start assist and Hill Hold features
• Hill descent control
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rearview camera

The Hyundai Tucson was rated as the best value for money SUV when it debuted in 2004. With its competitive pricing and an all-new design, the second generation model seems to follow the same path as its predecessors. Richness in terms of features and engine variants with decent economy and safety prowess compels us to give it a spot on the wishlist.