2010 Hyundai Tucson US Pricing Announced

The American arm of Hyundai announced pricing for the 2010 Tucson CUV, which is projected to arrive at dealerships later this month. Pricing for the South-Korean CUV starts at $18,995 for the GLS six-speed, manual-transmission model and goes up to $24,345 for the top-of-the-line Limited model. According to the manufacturer. however, pricing does not include the freight charge of $795.

"The 2010 Tucson truly delivers unprecedented value by raising the bar on performance, fuel economy and design while maintaining a very affordable price," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, in a release. "For 2010, the most popular Tucson offers 26 percent more horsepower, about 20 percent better combined fuel economy, standard six-speed transmission and the list goes on - all at the same price point as the previous generation Tucson."

The Tucson, unveiled at the 2010 LA Auto Show last week, is the first CUV belonging to the South Korean carmaker that is designed and engineered in Frankfurt. According to the manufacturer, the Tucson follows the so-called "Fluidic Sculpture" design cues and is the first vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months).

Powering the car is a Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine that generates 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson is more fuel efficient than Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-cylinder engines, Hyundai said in a press release, returning a fuel consumption rating of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. With AWD, Tucson records 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2010 Tucson features a total of six airbags, including dual advanced frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with new rollover sensors.