The third-generation 2016 Hyundai Tucson crossover sport-utility was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, bringing all new style inside and out, more safety features and increased fuel economy.
Replacing one of the oldest products in the Hyundai showroom, the new 2016 Tucson gets generous helpings of the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. This means sculpted body forms, a large hexagonal grille as well as new available LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The look is more sophisticated than before with soft tone bright trims front to rear, and a much sportier and confident stance. LED tail lights give a more premium look to the rear three-quarter view as do some rather unique offset dual exhaust tips.
It grew in size just slightly, with a longer wheelbase and length just an inch or so. But this small increase now gives the interior some 31.0 cubic feet, that’s 5 more than the current model which passengers will notice.
The cabin is all new with a more nuanced and premium design theme that falls inline with the brand’s latest products like the Sonata and Genesis sedans. Available for instance will be a stitched soft trim wrapped instrument panel.
Hyundai says switchgear quality of touch has been improved as well as ergonomic design. Technologies start with a now standard five-inch color touchscreen display audio system with rearview camera.
Optional of course will be a larger eight-inch display with full navigation, higher-end audio, expanded connectivity functions, satellite radio, online services, all part of the Hyundai Bluelink suite of features.
An available full-length panoramic sunroof opens up the spaciousness of the interior both front and rear. The rear seats continue to offer a 60/40 split, and in the rear a new dual-level rear cargo floor expands the versatility of the cargo area.
Getting in there will be easier too with a newly available smart power liftgate with auto-open. It can be automatically opened hands-free by simply standing within a few feet of it for a few seconds with the key fob.
Under the hood, the base engine is a 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder with an estimated 164 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai says that in front-wheel drive models this will achieve as much as 31 mpg highway.
Those wanting additional power can option a new 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder which has 175 horsepower and comes with a slick shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – a first in the class. Hyundai says that engine is also quite efficient with up to 33 mpg highway in addition to the extra power.
The 2016 Tucson will offer a robust Magna AWD system which has a driver-selectable AWD lock, allowing a differentiated torque split between front and rear wheels. This will make the Tucson far more attractive to casual off-roaders who like the additional control.
Hyundai says they expect their 2016 Tucson to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when tested as it will be available with a comprehensive package of driver-assistance and crash prevention features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot alert and more.
The new 2016 Hyundai Tucson will go on sale in July. Pricing and detailed specifications will be announced closer to that time. We’ll bring a more detailed review when we get behind the wheel of one very soon.
