2011 Hyundai Tucson: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2011 Hyundai Tucson
2nd generation (2010-2015), second model year after the 2010 redesign.
Hyundai positioned the Tucson as a stylish, fuel-conscious compact SUV that felt more modern and more car-like than many small SUVs of the time. The pitch centered on sharp “Fluidic Sculpture” styling, good highway fuel economy, a roomy five-seat cabin, and a long list of safety features at a strong value. Against CR-V, Rogue, and RAV4 rivals, Hyundai leaned on design, feature content, and a more athletic feel rather than maximum cargo space.
The 2011 Tucson lineup ranges from the straightforward GL to the well-equipped GLS and comfort-focused Limited. The GL has front-wheel drive and core safety equipment, the GLS pairs a stronger 2.4-liter engine with Bluetooth and cruise control, and the Limited adds leather seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2011 Hyundai Tucson specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 176 hp | 176 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 168 lb-ft | 168 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55.8 cu-ft | 55.8 cu-ft | 55.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Hyundai Tucson?
The biggest change is the new GL base trim. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Was the 2011 Hyundai Tucson redesigned?
No. The 2011 Tucson is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2010, so its basic design, size, and overall layout carry over.
How is the 2011 Hyundai Tucson different from the 2010 model?
The 2011 Tucson adds the GL trim, gives the GLS more standard convenience and appearance equipment, and adds a smoother-riding premium suspension to the Limited. The rest of the vehicle largely carries over from the 2010 redesign.
What became standard on the 2011 Tucson GLS?
The 2011 Tucson GLS makes Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails standard. It also gains standard cruise control, a telescoping steering wheel, upgraded seat trim, heated mirrors, and leather trim for the steering wheel and shifter.
Which 2011 Hyundai Tucson trims have the 2.4-liter engine?
The 2011 Tucson GLS and Limited have the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new GL uses the smaller 2.0-liter engine instead.