Stop and take a look at the all new 2016 Hyundai Tucson because the look of Hyundai’s latest 2016 offering is worth a second head turn indeed. Combining good looks, impressive technology and a strong engine, it’s a triple threat in the subcompact meets compact segment this year. In fact, redesigned to fit the modern age, the Hyundai Tucson is fierce in its ability to shake things up with the competition.
Longer in length this year, the Tucson still doesn’t extend out quite as long as the other go tos in this market niche — the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. In the subcompact competition, you have the Mazda CX-3 or the Ford Escape, but this little Hyundai still delights in all the right places for the new car buyer.
Holding up to five passengers, there are four trims to choose from including the SE, Eco, Sport and Limited.
The SE is the base trim with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and LED headlight accents, heated mirrors, rear spoiler, power accessories, cruise control and even a height-adjustable driver’s seat. In the back, there is a 60/40-split folding rear seatback configuration and the back seats recline. Loaded with technology goodies like a Bluetooth phone and audio connect, there is also a five-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, USB port and six speakers.
On the Eco trim, the additions are LED daytime running lights, fog lights, roof rails and a more comfortable driver seat offering eight different seat arrangements.
On the Sport, the wheels are still bigger at 19 inches and there is a hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The top-of-the-line Limited edition adds LED headlights and taillights, softer interior trim and leather upholstery. There is also a six-way power passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. In the back seat, passengers have rear air vents and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics is added to the Limited edition trim. This includes an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation system and eight speakers.
There are optional packages on the SE like a preferred or Popular Equipment package. On the Limited, you can opt for an Ultimate package with snazzier headlights, rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof and air conditioned front seats along with heated back seats.
Under the hood, the engines match up with the trim like the SE has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gives 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Eco, Sport and Limited trims have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 195 pound feet of torque.
All the transmissions are seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual except the SE with a six- speed automatic transmission. You can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on all.
Safety features on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson include a rearview camera as standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side and side curtain airbags and hill-hold assist/hill descent control. Depending on the trim, there are added safety features. For example, the Sport trim has a blind-spot monitoring feature and the Limited comes with rear parking sensors or, the Ultimate package extras are a lane-departure warning and a forward collision mitigation system.
If you decide on the Limited trim, you will also have the only trim with the Hyundai Blue Link inclusion and this offers safety additions like the emergency safety assistance and Blue Link mobile app.
Comfort and style are descriptions that will come to mind with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The knobs and controls are well placed and there is plenty of room for storage needs for the driver and the passenger. The Limited interior stands out with padded door inserts and the dashboard gets extra padding too.
The front and back seats both offer plenty of head room and in the back there is a fair amount of legroom too. Cargo space is 31-feet behind the back seats or when the back seats are folded down there is 61.9 cubic feet of space.
It’s a comfortable ride and drive behind the wheel of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Smaller in size you can fit it in parking sports that might be too small for the competition. As you are driving the Tucson, you will certainly feel safe since it glides down the road, takes the turns and settles gently on the highway or city roads for a job well done.
Should You Need to Know: The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is three inches longer and a little over one inch wider than earlier models.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD I drove came in at 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD I drove had a price tag of $31,110 with minimal added features.
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