2010 Hyundai Portico Spy Shots

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE HYUNDAI PORTICO:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=131833?tid=edmun...

Hyundai may already have three SUVs in its lineup, but that's not stopping it from developing yet another. The 2010 Hyundai Portico, spotted here testing in Death Valley, will slot in below the Veracruz in terms of size, and just above the Santa Fe in terms of price.

Now, the Santa Fe isn't much of an off-roader, but the Portico will take the crossover idea one step further. Built on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Santa Fe, the Portico will have a sportier calibration that's intended to make it feel more like a tall sedan than a compact SUV.

For instance, notice the wheels and tires on these prototypes. Compared to the Santa Fe, the Portico's setup uses what look like larger wheels and lower-profile tires. The overall roof line of the Portico is lower as well, another difference that should improve its handling compared to the Santa Fe.

Straight-line performance should be solid, as the 2010 Hyundai Portico will most likely stick with V6s in a bid to position it slightly above the Santa Fe. Expect to see the same 3.3-liter V6 found in the Sonata as the base engine for the Portico, while Hyundai's larger 3.8-liter V6 will be offered on higher trim levels. Expect to see all-wheel drive as an option, too.

Unlike many other crossovers in the category, the Portico will only feature seating for five. Hyundai figures that buyers who really need the extra room will upgrade to the Veracruz, so the Portico can concentrate on making the best of the room it has. Hyundai even toyed with the idea of sliding doors on the concept, but judging by these prototypes, it decided to stick with a more traditional setup for the production model.

Sales of the 2010 Hyundai Portico should start by the fall of 2009, so look for an official unveil early next year.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2010
• Hyundai
• Portico
• Spy
• shots
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• car
• auto
• motor
• Korean

[gongabush]

I bought a Tucson, which I thought was great then a new 08 Santa Fe. I hated Hyundais a few years back. But they've won me over, with reliable cars that look cool. The santa fe is well designed and looks cooler than a lot of other SUVs that's why I bought it. I was gonna go for Jeep Patriot until I read the reliability reviews Jeep gets. So I went for the Hyundai and I'm not disappointed. I was able to see passed the "we use to make shit cars" thing. Hyundai have come a long way.

[scott8919]

What bothers me are people that still believe Hyundai is an alternative and not the "real deal". How long is it going to take until we stop hearing "they're almost there" in things like car reviews and actually hear "they're finally there?" There's such a negligible difference between a Hyundai and a "more established brand" that I think the only way they can improve now is to cure cancer.

[cshargeit]

veloster will be in demand beyond the capability to manufacture it.

[ironchopsticks]

@sleeksilver lol best in class. you *is* funny! ;p

[sleeksilver]

@ironchopsticks

Okay guy, I'll listen the professional automotive journalists versus some uninformed, biased fool on the Internet. They call them best in class.

Might want to do some research before you even bother commenting again.

[ironchopsticks]

@sleeksilver lol u read some comparisons and declare them class best? that's so retarded! LOL the genesis doesn't beat the G37 in any category except for price. and that goes for all the other crap hyundai makes.

[sleeksilver]

@ironchopsticks

Is it really that funny though?

Genesis coupe beats out G37 in two comparison tests

Genesis coupe places first against Camaro, Mustang, Challenger

Genesis sedan places first and beats out multiple Lexus vehicles in recent comparison tests

Veracruz beats the RX350 in comparison tests

Sonata wins multiple recent comparison tests

New Elantra is the current C segment vehicle to beat or benchmark

Yeah, it is really funny, isn't it? Who are you kidding, guy?

[ironchopsticks]

@sleeksilver LOL THAT'S FUNNY

[sleeksilver]

@ironchopsticks

You are eating your words now.

Hyundai has arrived, and is class leading with nearly all of its products.

[pattycarljackson]

@scott8919 they alreay have been donating money to help kids with cancer

[TJC450]

@meeloothekid and very expensive