The compact SUV segment has added an all-new model to its lineup - the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The third-gen model made its debut at Geneva in March while the US version has just landed in New York.
Boasting with a fresh and appealing body shell, the 2016 Tucson is all-new from the ground up. Thanks to a hexagonal-shaped front grille, LED headlight accents and DRLs, joined by athletic contours, you could mistake the Korean brand’s newest machine for a more premium product.
The exterior eye candy is continued by forward-raking wheel arches, a Z-shaped character line, LED taillamps and twin exhaust tips. Compared to the second-gen, the 2016MY’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches (3 cm) longer and the width has grown by one inch (2.5 cm) too.
The cabin has matured as well, although it’s not as striking as the exterior.
What will come as a surprise to you is that the Korean automaker worked together with Magna Powertrain to give the 2016 Hyundai Tucson an advanced all-wheel drive system. Highlights of the system include: driver-selectable AWD lock, Active Cornering Control, torque-vectoring and Downhill Brake Control. Yup, it’s the real deal.
For the 2016 Tucson, Hyundai preferred to go for an electric power steering rack. The entry-level front-wheel drive model is offered with a Nu engine family 2-liter four-pot (164 HP and 151 lb-ft / 204 Nm), coupled to a 6-speed auto.
Moving on to the Eco, Sport and Limited grades, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson gets a 1.6L turbo four-banger from the Gamma family. This engine is coupled to a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission and is good for 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft or 264 Nm. Surprisingly, peak torque is offered from 1,500 up to 4,500 rpm.
There’s a lot more to discover about how much of an improvement is the all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson. All the most important technical specs, standard and optional features can be found in the adjacent release. If you’re interested in one, Hyundai informs that the first units will arrive at Stateside dealers in July.
Unfortunately, Hyundai USA didn’t mention a word about the availability of the Hybrid and PHEV.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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