The new Tucson puts the power quotient in 4-cylinder mode. The 2010 Tucson’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder grabs 176 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 168 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. That compares well to 2009’s V6, which nabbed 173 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 178 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. And compared to 2009’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the 2010 4-cylinder collects about 20 percent better fuel economy. Transmission choices in 2009 were a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic while the 2010 model year choices are either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Beyond the power equation, the all-new Tucson presents a larger profile—gaining about 3.3 inches in length and about one inch in width.

There is a great deal to like about the 2010 Tucson, including nearly 56 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seat folded flat. But the base front wheel drive GLS with manual transmission didn’t meet this driver’s comfort expectations. The biggest complaint was an inability—even after repeated seat adjustments—to easily engage the clutch pedal because of the seating position. Put another way: depressing the clutch was an awkward and painful undertaking for this 5-foot-4 driver. The 6-speed manual has a short first gear (gear ratio is 3.267:1), so using second gear to launch the car from stop lights/stop signs easily became the norm. (For drivers who might be unsure when to up-shift, the gauge cluster includes a numerical up-shift indicator.) The front wheel drive Tucson GLS with manual transmission collects fuel economy estimates of 22 city/30 highway and carries a MSRP of $18,995.