Introducing the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Here in showrooms this summer is the new 2016 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV with some serious upgrades. Now in its third generation, the Tucson arrives with more space, stronger safety equipment, and a more refined interior than ever seen before from this model.

Swing by your Hyundai dealers in NH and check out the latest inventory of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.

Updates for the 2016 Model Year: More Room and Added Refinement

The new Tucson is a lengthier version of the former model by almost three full inches, and also stretches one inch wider. Four trim levels make up the new Tucson line: base, Eco, Sport, with Limited at the top of the line.

While consumers might not notice the change in dimensions just by looking at the vehicle, they will certainly appreciate what those larger dimensions have delivered to the interior. In addition to improved headroom for both front and backseat passengers, the Tucson’s cargo space is also enlarged. When the 60/40 seats are up, expect 30.1 cubic feet of room, which then more than doubles to 61.9 cubic feet of storage after the rear seats are folded down. A really ingenious feature of the cargo area is found in the floor. The cargo floor is able to lower by two inches in order to accommodate and transport taller items.

The exterior represents Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design theme, complete with a squared-off front fascia, wrapped in a distinctive hexagonal grille, with LED headlights positioned high atop the hood, creating a smoother, yet more rugged exterior profile. Equipped with a base level 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 164 horsepower and paired to a standard six-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC transmission with Drive Mode Select (Regular, Eco, Sport) and Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), the Tucson is a solid and dependable performer. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

Exterior details on the standard Tucson feature LED-accented projector headlights and an integrated rear spoiler, standing atop 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the base level Tucson is impressively equipped with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with height adjustment, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats with a center armrest, power windows, power door locks, power outside mirrors, and remote keyless entry. Convenience details for the driver include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic headlight control, and a five-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. The entire interior of the entry-level Tucson is covered in Hyundai-exclusive YES Essentials beige-colored cloth, able to resist stain and odors.

For the Tucson Limited Trim level, the 1.6-liter GDI DOHC 16-valve inline four cylinder engine is clearly smaller, but turbocharged, which results in a horsepower rating of 175. Operated by a seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch (DCT) automated manual transmission, the action actually feels more in line with a traditional automatic transmission. With this equipment, drivers report a pleasing drive with plenty of power and easy, smooth acceleration. The exterior view of the upper-trim Tucsons showcase a whole host of upgraded features, including high-end front and rear fascias, complemented by metallic side sills, while LED lights abound, from the low-beam headlights, to the tail lights, and daytime running lights. The dual outlet exhaust is chrome-tipped, and the side mirrors feature mounted turn-signal indicators.

An eight-shade exterior palette includes colors like Chromium Silver, Coliseum Gray, Ruby Wine, Mojave Sand, Sedona Sunset, Caribbean Blue, Winter White, and Ash Black. Extra safety and convenience features are available from the front fog lights, roof rack side rails, Proximity Key entry with push button start, and the Hyundai-exclusive Hands-free Smart Liftgate with automatic open, provided the Proximity Key is located within a three-feet range of the liftgate. The interior of the Limited trim level is rife with features for optimal comfort, convenience, and safety, not to mention some details designed for outstanding entertainment, like the 405-watt premium audio with exterior amplifier, blasting out of eight speakers.

The infotainment and Blue Link Telematics system is displayed on a clearly organized eight-inch touchscreen. Drivers can easily control operations, like the dual automatic climate control with CleanAir Ionizer and automatic Defogging System via the Electroluminescent Gauge cluster. Leather covers the heated seats, and wraps the steering wheel and shift knob. Drivers will enjoy the customizable comfort of the power driver seat with power lumbar support, as will the front seat passenger.

Interior shades are available in black, beige, or gray cloth in the lower trim levels and black or beige leather in the Limited upper trim level.

Superior Safety Features: The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Ups the Ante

In addition to its cutting edge refinement, the new Tucson also features top-line passive and active safety features like lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alerts, as well as blind spot monitoring.

Unlike its rivals from the crossover class, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson also offers drivers semi-autonomous emergency braking, which Hyundai claims is able to consider people, objects, and speed in order to determine which of the three levels of braking force is required.

Full brake stopping power can be applied from 5-43 mph in the event the driver is distracted and not reacting to an obstacle in the vehicle’s path.

Fuel Economy Figures: It’s All About the Wheelbase

Fuel efficiency, though solid for each of the four trim levels, varies a bit from one to another. Industry experts and automotive reviewers chalk this up to the difference in wheel sizes.

For example, the Sport and Limited models, outfitted with 19-inch wheels, are rated at 25 city, 30 highway, and 27 mpg combined. However, the Eco comes in at 26 city, 33 highway, and 29 mpg combined, and the SE rates at 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Both the Eco and SE come equipped with 17-inch wheels. Depending on the priority you place on fuel efficiency, you might want to let the wheel size guide you when it comes to choosing your trim level.

Priced to Sell

More competitive than Tucsons from earlier model years, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is also competitively priced, starting at the MSRP of $22,700 and ranging just up over $31,000 for the Limited level.

Although there is an abundance of competition in this segment, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is upping the ante and bringing its own refined edge to the crossover class.