The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson is a sight for sore eyes in the compact crossover segment with a turbocharged attitude and a new styling that is all about turning heads. Incorporating what is called the “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” in the new styling component, this Hyundai introduction also boasts more backseat comfort for passengers and added safety and technology tweaks too.
The competition in this segment includes the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Santa Fe Sport, Mazda CX-3 and the Ford Escape and both the compact and subcompact market take heed since the Hyundai Tucson redo definitely shines.
Carrying up to five passengers, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is offered in four trims: SE, Eco, Sport and Limited. The base SE has 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED headlight accents, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated mirrors, rear spoiler, all power accessories, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks and the audio goodies like Bluetooth phone and audio, five-inch touchscreen, rearview camera and six speakers along with a USB port, an auxiliary input jack.
On the Eco trim, you get the addition of LED daytime running lights, fog lights, roof rails and an eight-way power driver seat or with the Sport trim it is 19-inch wheels, hands-free power lift gate, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
For the top-of-the-line Limited, add LED headlights and taillights, an interior trim that is softer and more luxurious along with leather upholstery, a six-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate, air vents in the backseat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and the Blue Link telematics with an eight-inch touchscreen and eight speakers.
You can also add additional packages like a Preferred or Popular Equipment package, and on the Limited, you can add on the Ultimate package with adaptive xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof, air conditioned front seats and heated rear seats.
Under the hood, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson SE has a six-speed automatic transmission with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. There is also the option to choose either the front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
For the Eco, Sport and Limited trims, there is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound feet of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch manual and you can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on these trims as well.
In safety, this Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side and side curtain airbags, hill descent control and hill hold assist. There is a rearview camera on all trims and with the Sport you get the addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. With the Limited, extra features include not only rear parking sensors, but the Blue Link telematics suite and there are additional options like lane-departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system. For the addition of the Remote package on the Limited, this will give you stolen vehicle recovery and a car finder and electronic parameter settings as well as remote ignition and accessory operation via a smartphone.
Inside the new 2016 Hyundai Tucson, you won’t be disappointed as it has a new design all around with easy-to-use controls and comfortable material, However, unless you go for the Limited with its padded dashboards and doors, you will get plastic surfaces inside the lower trims. Either way, you will still find high quality in all trims and plenty of storage room all around.
The cargo space is 31 cubic feet and if you fold the rear seats down you get an impressive 61.9 cubic feet with a hands-free power liftgate on the Sport and Limited trims.
For driving the base trim might not offer folks with a lead foot the proper amount of power, but the additional three trims will do much to please with the turbocharged engine. Rounding curves and sitting strong, you can expect a smooth, quiet and easy ride with plenty of power and punch that makes this Hyundai a head turner inside and out.
Should You Need to Know: Note that the new 2016 Hyundai Tucson is three inches longer and a little over one inch wider than previous models.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has a fuel economy that starts at 23 miles per gallon in the city on the SE and up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway with the Sport and Limited trims.
Cost: The starting price for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is $22,700.
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