2010 Hyundai Tucson
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Gl/Gls
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,172–3,371 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,371 lb (4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 26% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2010
- New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl
- Engines dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 26
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Tucson →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2010 Tucson configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,371 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Gl/Gls | 173.2 in | 71.7 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,172 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +26% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Tucson 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +21% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Tucson 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +31% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Tucson 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +31% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Exterior Lighting · Apr 26, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V259000 · 7,829 vehicles
- Problem
- HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Feb 25, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V061000 · 515 vehicles
- Problem
- HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MODULE PROGRAM TO ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP.
- Risk
- IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD IS SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEATING POSITION, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD FRONT PASSENGER.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Not every 2010 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 121,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tucson years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 99 |
| 2025 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 448 |
| 2024 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 152 |
| 2023 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 182 |
| 2022 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 506 |
| 2021 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 179 |
| 2019 Tucson | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 385 |
| 2018 Tucson | 27 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
| 2017 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,093 |
| 2016 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 1,626 |
| 2015 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 229 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →