Pop quiz: What looks like a Honda CR-V, performs like a Honda CR-V, but isn’t a Honda CR-V?
The answer: 2010 Hyundai Tucson.
It took me a few minutes to understand why the 2010 Hyundai Tucson looked so familiar.
Then I read Car and Driver and realized that it’s because — in their critic’s view — it’s so closely modeled on the Honda CR-V. Of course that gave me the ultimate “V-8” moment.
Now let’s step back a second and remember that this isn’t all bad. After all, the Honda CR-V is one of the best selling cars produced today. Even in this tough economy, the Honda CR-V was one of the best selling trucks in May, according to Pacific Business News.
But let’s remember that Hyundai is no follower. It’s one of the fastest growing automakers in the U.S. market and posted a 33 percent increase in sales in May, again according to Pacific Business News.
But I digress.
The Hyundai Tucson’s exterior is sharp, with a flowing, European design, with graphic elements including a hexagonal front grille, lower air intake, sculptured hood creases, contemporary headlights and modern wraparound taillights.
That’s not surprising when you read that Hyundai’s U.S., Korean and European groups worked together to design the Tucson.
The size is 173.2 inches long, 71.7 inches wide and measures 66.3 inches high. That size gives it a solid, assertive stance without seeming like an oversized glutton.
In fact, this model is 61 pounds lighter than past models giving it a 31 mpg highway EPA rating (28 mpg for AWD models). Nice.
What’s nice about the interior design is that it’s comfortable and efficient but doesn’t make you feel as if you’re in a mini van.
It has a sophisticated design with paint accents and breathable fabrics with hexagonal pattern stitched into the fabric — which matches the front grille design. Soft blue lighting, power windows and door, foldaway mirrors and a high-tech audio system add to the distinction.
Seats are plenty comfortable and supportive and the cabin has a spacious 101.9 cubic feet of room. That means when taller drivers adjust their seats they don’t feel as if they’re going to burst through the roof.
Hyundai makes much of the “fun to drive” feel of the Tucson.
This is no sports car, but it’s certainly comfortable to drive. The Tucson has smooth handling and steering and solidly grips the road. My main joy in driving the Tucson was that there was no “tippy” feel when rounding corners. The turning radius was also nice, which is handy when parallel parking.
The Hyundai Tucson may takes cues from the Honda CR-V but its style is all its own.
