Named after the city in Arizona, the Hyundai Tucson has been redefining the compact crossover segment since it first appeared on American roadways in 2004. The Korean automaker did not sit complacently by while other vehicles in this segment improved. The Tucson has been constantly altered to adapt to the changing needs of automotive buyers in the United States. With three generations under its belt in only eleven years, the latest 2016 Hyundai Tucson is the greatest example yet of automotive ingenuity in the compact crossover segment.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson
The latest iteration of the Hyundai Tucson is catching worldwide attention for its redesigned exterior, revamped engine offerings, and additional interior amenities. The newest Tucson comes in four different trim levels, each with its own unique list of standard amenities and attributes.
Despite the fact that the 2016 Tucson is not a new generation of the crossover, Hyundai has applied plenty of changes to the crossover to keep it current and competitive in the segment. We have provided a list of our top ten favorite things about the new 2016 Tucson. While some of these qualities are carried over from the previous model year, a large amount of them are completely new for 2016.
The 10 Best Aspects of the 2016 Tucson
Without further adieu, we present you with the top ten qualities of the new Hyundai Tucson.
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7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission:
Completely new for 2016, the Hyundai Tucson is available with a class-exclusive seven speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission. Offering optimal control of your Tucson by providing direct balance between efficiency and power, this transmission is transforming the way people drive their crossovers. This, coupled with new engine options, helps the new Tucson gain an impressive 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
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New Turbocharged Engine:
The 2016 Tucson comes with a new turbocharged engine on the Eco, Sport, and Limited editions of the crossover. The 1.6 Turbo GDI engine emasses an impressive 175 horsepower, while still managing to deliver that high EPA-estimated number of 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
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Redesigned Suspension:
The latest Tucson model was rebuilt from the ground up. In these revisions, Hyundai included a redesigned multi-link rear suspension for a smoother, more controlled ride. Even on rough roads, the 2016 Tucson will perform exceptionally well, thanks to the independent front coil springs with gas-pressurized SACHS shock absorbers. Paired with Motor-Driven Power Steering, the Tucson will drive as naturally as possible, making it even more appealing to the everyday driver.
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Redesigned Exterior:
The entire exterior appearance of the new Tucson has been altered for 2016. Featuring a more sculpted body and a noticeably distinct stance, the Tucson is an undeniable presence on the road. A sculpted hood and hexagonal grille shape complete with LED headlights, complete the refreshed look of the crossover.
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Panoramic Sunroof:
Another new feature for 2016, the available panoramic sunroof on the latest Tucson model is a breathtaking example of far this simple technology has come. Extending from the front seats all the way to the rear cargo area, the panoramic sunroof opens up the interior cabin to the outside world with the ease of pressing a button.
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Dynamic Bending Light System:
This incredible light technology is also an optional feature on the latest Tucson model. The system works by moving the headlights on the vehicle with the direction of the steering wheel, ensuring that you are never left in the dark, not even for a single second.
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Increased Interior Space:
The 2016 Tucson is the largest version of the crossover to date. Offering more rear legroom than the Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and the Toyota RAV4 – it is safe to say that the size improvements made to the Tucson were well worth it. The cargo area also increased in size, and now offers a total of 61.9 cubic feet of space with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks in their stowed positions.
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Standard In-Vehicle Technology:
Every 2016 Tucson model comes equipped with a five-inch color touchscreen display, rearview camera, and Bluetooth hands-free phone technology with voice recognition. Drivers can opt to upgrade to the larger 8-inch touchscreen display, which comes with NavTraffic and a rearview camera.
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Automatic Emergency Braking System:
As the name implies, this advanced safety system works by applying automatic brake force when a collision is imminent. This system also includes Pedestrian Detection, which works by scanning for pedestrians in the path of the Tucson, and applying the brakes when needed. This automatic braking system can bring your Tuscon to a full stop from speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Along with the Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Remover systems, the new Tucson is one of the safest versions of the crossover to date.
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Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert:
This optional system utilizes radar sensors to detect when a vehicle is in the blind spot of the Tucson’s driver. The vehicle provides both an audible and visual alert, warning drivers of the potential issue. Lane Change Assist is also included in this package, and provides a warning if it is not safe to change lanes when the turn signal indicator is engaged.
Four Trim Level Options Add to the Fun
It is obvious that the newest Tucson is one of the most intuitive, well-designed versions of the crossover yet. With class-exclusive features and areas in which the Tucson far exceeds its competitors, it is clear that the new Tucson is going to do very well in 2016.
With four different models to choose from, the Hyundai Tucson transforms from simplistic quality, to high-end luxury. Check out a quick sampling of each of the four trim levels, and what each one has to offer:
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2016 Tucson SE:
This base model starts at just $22,700, and comes equipped with the standard 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. With 164 horsepower, this model gets up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Other highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, the five-inch touchscreen audio system, and a rearview camera.
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2016 Tucson ECO:
Featuring the turbocharged engine offering from Hyundai, this Tucson makes 175 horsepower, and includes the new 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Offering 33 miles per gallon, halogen front fog lights, power driver seat with lumbar support, and exterior chrome accents – this Tucson is still affordably priced at $24,150 to start.
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2016 Tucson Sport:
With a base price of $26,450, the Sport model is one of the higher-end offerings of Hyundai’s crossover. Featuring the same engine and transmission as the ECO, the Tucson Sport also includes 19-inch Sport alloy wheels, hands-free Smart Liftgate with auto-open, blind spot detection system, lane change assist, heated front seats, and a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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2016 Tucson Limited:
The premium version of the Tucson starts at just under $30,000, and includes the most amenities and advanced features. A chrome grille and door handles give the exterior of this Tuscon an air of luxury, while the shark-fin roof antenna adds to the overall appeal of the crossover. Leather seating surfaces are included throughout the interior cabin, along with an 8-inch color touchscreen display with navigation, a premium audio system, Hyundai’s Blue Link Telematics system, premium instrument panel, and more. The front passenger seat includes power adjustability, while a dual automatic temperature control keeps the entire cabin comfortable.
No matter which 2016 Tucson you choose, there is no wrong option in the crossover’s latest lineup. With more standard amenities, enhanced engine options, and plenty of safety technology, this version of the Hyundai Tucson is our favorite one so far.
