2010 Hyundai Tucson: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2010 Hyundai Tucson

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is an all-new, second-generation model rather than a minor update. The redesign brings a new body and cabin, a new four-cylinder powertrain, and broader standard safety equipment.

Shop 2 in stock at Carvana

About the 2010 Hyundai Tucson

2nd generation (LM), first year of the redesign in the U.S.

Hyundai positioned the Tucson as a compact SUV with sleek styling, strong safety content, useful passenger and cargo space, and good fuel economy without pushing buyers into a larger vehicle. The core appeal was simple: Tucson gave shoppers more room and everyday usefulness than its compact classification suggested, while also offering a long warranty and strong standard-equipment value. Against rivals, Hyundai leaned on design, efficiency, interior space, and standard safety hardware.

The GLS is the practical core of the range, with air conditioning, keyless entry, power accessories, and USB and iPod audio connections. The Limited has a more upscale cabin with leather, heated front seats, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and standard Bluetooth.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine replaces the previous engine lineup. New six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are used depending on trim and configuration, and highway fuel economy reaches 31 mpg.
Styling
The exterior is completely redesigned with a more sculpted shape. On the GLS, alloy wheels and roof rails shift from standard to optional; on the Limited, the power moonroof shifts from standard to optional.
Safety
Electronic stability control with traction control, Hillstart Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control are standard across the lineup.
Tech
USB and iPod audio connections are standard. Bluetooth becomes standard on the Limited, and an updated navigation system is included in an optional Limited package.
Structural
The second-generation Tucson has a new, stiffer body plus reworked chassis and suspension tuning. Rear legroom increases from 37.2 to 38.7 inches.

2010 Hyundai Tucson specs and features by trim

Feature
2010 Hyundai TucsonGLS1 in stock
2010 Hyundai TucsonLimited2 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & ShiftronicAutomatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic
Drivetrain2WD2WD
Fuel TypeGasGas
MPG City23 mpg23 mpg
MPG Highway31 mpg31 mpg
Horsepower170–176 hp170–176 hp
Torque163–168 lb-ft163–168 lb-ft
Max Towing1500 lb1500 lb
Trunk/Cargo55.8 cu-ft55.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom38.7 in38.7 in
Seats55
Doors44
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Heated Windshield
Panorama Moon Roof
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

How the 2011 Hyundai Tucson compares

The biggest change for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson is a new GL base trim with a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The GLS also gains more standard equipment, while the Limited gets a smoother-riding premium suspension.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Hyundai Tucson a full redesign?

Yes. The 2010 Tucson starts the second generation with an entirely new exterior, cabin, body structure, chassis, and powertrain.

What engine and transmissions does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have?

Every 2010 Tucson has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It is paired with a new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim and configuration.

How is the 2010 Tucson different from the 2009 model?

The 2010 Tucson is a ground-up redesign with a new body and cabin, a single 2.4-liter engine lineup, six-speed transmissions, more rear legroom, and added standard safety hardware. The SE trim from 2009 does not continue for 2010.

Which trims does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have?

The 2010 Tucson lineup consists of GLS and Limited trims. The GLS covers the practical basics, while the Limited adds leather, heated front seats, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and standard Bluetooth.

What safety equipment became standard on the 2010 Tucson?

Electronic stability control with traction control, Hillstart Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control are standard throughout the 2010 Tucson lineup.