2010 Hyundai Tucson at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4
• Looks like: A compact SUV for the Marines in "Halo"
• Drivetrain: 176-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic transmission, front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Later this month

Hyundai is in the middle of releasing seven new models over two years, and its first two are the redesigned 2010 Hyundai Tucson, which just debuted, and the 2011 Sonata that we showed you yesterday. The Tucson, a compact SUV, is radically different in appearance to almost any other Hyundai, except the 2011 Sonata.

In size and proportions it looks similar to Nissan’s Rogue, and it's roughly the same size as the Ford Escape and Subaru Forester, as well. Mileage bests almost the entire field of competition at 23/31 mpg city/highway with the six-speed automatic, 22/30 mpg with the six-speed manual and 21/28 mpg with automatic and all-wheel drive. Only the 2010 Chevy Equinox returns better highway mileage of 32 mpg. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 return 21/28 mpg and 22/28 mpg, respectively. Hyundai also says the 2011 Tucson will get a higher-mileage Blue model.

Hyundai points out that the Tucson is slightly lighter than the competition, with a tighter turning radius that they say leads to a more sporting driving experience. With 176 horsepower, we just hope for ample passing power with passengers in tow.

Full specs and dimensions haven’t been released yet, but Hyundai says the cargo volume is bigger than an Acura RDX's. However, the automaker doesn’t compare Tucson's cargo area to the RAV4, CR-V, Escape, et al., like it does its mileage, making us think it doesn’t best them. We’ll post more information when we have it.

We do know all Tucsons come standard with power windows, fold-away side mirrors and remote entry. However, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio control are added options. You can also add leather seating as well as heated leather seats.

More photos below.

Comments

Beautifully designed, I think. I really like the stylistic direction that Hyundai is finally taking with its products. The front end is sleek, and definitely evokes the Elantra Touring. The rear, and even the shape overall, mimics that of the Veracruz, though not on such grand a scale. It's definitely worth a second look for anyone shopping in this category.

Like a beautiful woman that turns around and you see this heinous nose ring...very nice design except there is something amiss about that chrome bisected grille. I keep staring at it but not because it looks good.

Why couldn't Hyundai have continued to be the one automaker that didn't sacrifice space and visibility for styling? There's definitely an underserved market for that.

I think. I really like the style of leadership is finally taking Hyundai products. The exterior is not the prettiest, I agree, but the interior is well designed, well managed, and the engine has enough guts to upgrade.