The new category of subcompact crossover SUVs are attracting a lot of attention these days, but don't tell that to Hyundai. The South Korean manufacturer did not introduce a new small crossover for 2016, but instead complete redesigned its compact Tucson and kept it larger than the new Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, and Fiat 500X.
But the 2016 Tucson is smaller than most compact crossovers, including the company's own Sante Fe Sport. This means the Tucson is still very manueverable in urban environments a big selling point for the subcompact crossovers while offering far more interior room and cargo space. And even though the Tucson is not quite as fuel efficient as the smaller vehicles, with gas prices so low, many consumers are probably going to be willing to pay a little more at the pump for the extra room especially in the adult-size back seat.
But there's more to like about the new Tucson than just the just the additional inches. For starters, the styling is stunning. Hyundai says it incorporates "Fluid Sculpture 2.0 design language," but most people will say it just looks great, with a large grill and air dam, huge wheel arches, and sharp side body lines that sweep to the large rear hatch. The last Tucson looked good, too, but the new one is genuinely attractive.
The interior is also very well laid out, with a two-tone color scheme highlighting the flowing dash and substantial center console. Gauges are clean and easy to read, and control knobs and buttons are kept to a minimum.
The new Tucson is available in three trim levels: SE, Sport and Limited. The SE comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine carried over from last year and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sport and Limited models come with a new, more powerful but more economical turbocharged 1.6-liter transmission and a nine-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with three drive modes Eco, Normal and Sport. All models can be ordered with all-wheel-drive.
Out test version with a front-wheel-drive Sport version with a leather interior. As such, it was very comfortable and had all the advantage of an SUV, including higher ride height for better visibility. The small turbo motor was adequate in the Eco mode, good in Normal, and downright peppy in the Sport mode, which holds the transmission in gear longer between shifts for faster acceleration. It was not particularly nimble through corners because of its higher center of gravity, but few crossovers are.
The 2016 Tucson starts at a very reasonable $22,700, although you pay more for models with the turbo engine. And a navigation system is only available on the most expensive Limited models. But even the base SE model is well-equipped, with heated mirrors, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a trip computer, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with recline, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and satellite radio. Higher trim levels add more features, up to and including dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and an eight-speaker audio system.
The Tucson is not the only crossover that slots between most subcompact and compact models. So does the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. But the redesigned 2016 Tucson offers a wealth of standard and available features at reasonable prices, and should appeal to those interested in both subcompact and compact models by other competitors.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Base price: $22,700
Price as tested: $27,170
Type: Compact crossover SUV
Engines: 2.0-liter inline 4 (164 hp, 151 lbs-fit); turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4 (175 hp, 195 lbs-ft)
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic; 7-speed dual clutch automatic - as tested
EPA estimated mileage: 24/28 to 26/33 (25/30 as tested)
Overall length: 176.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,325 to 3,499 pounds
Final assembly: Montgomery, Alabama