Vehicle Comparison: The 2011 Hyundai Tucson vs. the Toyota RAV4

2011 Hyundai Tucson

There’s a story about the day pitcher Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles. Late in the game, an Oriole player climbed to the top step of the visitors’ dugout and shouted to Ryan,

“Give us something we can hit!” As the story goes, Ryan looked at the player from the mound and simply shook his head, “No.” Rival carmakers keep asking for the same favor from Hyundai, and they keep getting the same response. A head-to-head comparison between the new 2011 Hyundai Tucson and the Toyota RAV4 perfectly exemplifies the dominance Hyundai brings to every segment in which it competes.

Buyers demand plenty from compact crossovers. From the ample comfort, smooth ride and superior fuel economy of a sedan to the rough-and-tumble utility and every day functionality of an SUV, compact crossovers need to have it all. When cross shopping the new 2011 Hyundai Tucson against the Toyota RAV4, buyers will find that the Hyundai not only delivers that perfect blend of must-have attributes, but also does the job while offering far greater value than the Toyota.

Hyundai sells the five-seat Tucson in three guises: Entry GL (MSRP $18,895), GLS and top-of-the-line Limited.

2011 Hyundai Tucson Rear

New for 2011, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 165 hp and 146 lb/ft of torque is standard in the GL. A marvel of cutting-edge technology, the 2.0-liter engine boasts lightweight aluminum construction, as well as dual overhead cams (DOHC) and continuously variable valve timing (CVVT).

The standard engine on uplevel GLS and Limited models is a 2.4-liter all-aluminum inline four that also boasts DOHC and CVVT. The 2.4-liter mill pumps out 176 hp and 168 lb/ft of torque.

While the Tucson GL features a five-speed manual gearbox as its standard transmission (the RAV4 does not offer the option of a manual transmission), the optional automatic (standard on Tucson GLS and Limited) is an electronic six-speed with SHIFTRONIC® control for manual shifting. The automatic transmission on comparably equipped models of the RAV4 gets by with only four gears.

Compare the base Tucson GS to the base front-wheel drive RAV4 and you’ll see an immediate value advantage for the Hyundai. Featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the base RAV4 (MSRP $22,475) sells for thousands more than the GS.

Interior of 2011 Tucson

The Tucson GS is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on GLS and Limited models and features a driver-selectable lock function that splits torque evenly between the front and rear axles. An added bonus, all Tucson models outfitted with AWD get heated front seats as standard equipment. Heat for the front seats is available on the RAV4 Sport and Limited, but only as part of an option package.

Keeping family safety at the forefront, the Tucson features six airbags, active front head restraints and an array of standard driver-assistance technology. The tally includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS) and four-wheel, four-channel antilock disc brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also make the list of safety standards on the Tucson. On the RAV4, those last two components won’t be found on the list of standard equipment.

As a priority, value follows close on safety’s heels. Even the base GL comes with a raft of standard amenities such as remote keyless entry, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks and a six-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with XM Satellite Radio.

Beautiful 2011 Tucson

Stepping up to the GLS nets such standards as Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shiftknob, illuminated dual-front vanity mirrors and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

The top-level Limited expands the menu of standards even further with highline items including leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic temperature control, foglights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal remote.

 In fact, you can option a Limited AWD to the hilt with finery such as a Panoramic Power Glass Tilt-and-Slide Sunroof, a Touchscreen Navigation System with Rearview Camera, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3 sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and seven speakers, and you’ll pay an MSRP of just $29,195 – about $3,200 less than a comparably equipped RAV4 Limited ($32,425).

Of course, the Tucson holds a final value advantage the RAV4 simply can’t match: Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty package, which includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection. Toyota’s best offer: Just five years and 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

It’s clear the 2011 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover is throwing nothing but unhittable heat at competitors like the Toyota RAV4.

Come on out to Barry Sanders Supercenter located in Stillwater, Oklahoma and try this vehicle out today. Barry Sanders Supercenter is a new and used car dealer located off the highway 51. Find out more about our vehicles: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Hyundai & Ram.