2016 Hyundai Tucson
Raising the Bar in Compact CUVs
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Raising the Bar in Compact CUVs
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
Hyundai came on the U.S. automotive scene in 1985. Now 30 years later Hyundai is a well established and respected brand selling over 725,000 vehicles in 2014.
A strong point of Hyundai has been their demonstrated commitment to vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. This is backed up by a fourth place ranking in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The outgoing 2015 Hyundai Tucson is a J.D. Power IQS award winner.
Since 2011, Hyundai’s brand value has increased an average of 20% annually. Today, it ranks 40th among the top 100 global brands of 2014. It’s the seventh highest automotive brand, ranking higher than premium nameplates such as Audi and Porsche as well as the more mainstream Nissan brand.
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Hyundai sees the all-new 2016 Tucson as a stepping stone in the booming CUV category. The Tucson is Hyundai’s smallest and lowest priced CUV. Their mid-size Santa Fe Sport is 8.5 inches longer than the Tucson. And, the three-row-seat Santa Fe is 8.5 inches longer than the Santa Fe Sport. So it appears there is a fairly logical progression for Hyundai to satisfy the varying needs of its customer base.
The Tucson will serve quite well the so called pre-family singles and couples offering a stylish vehicle that is value priced while serving their active lifestyle needs. I also see the Tucson fitting in very well with those younger folk who live in a large city and need spaciousness on the inside but compactness on the outside.
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Tucson’s wheelbase increases by more than an inch, for enhanced design proportions, interior flexibility and a smoother ride. For the first time on Tucson, 19-inch alloy wheels are offered, housed in forward-raking wheel arches. Sleek roof rails border Tucson on top. From the rear, a Z-shaped character line above the rear wheel accentuates the side profile. The taillights also apply LED technology. And at the back end are twin, bevel-cut chrome exhaust tips and a standard rear spoiler. There are LEDs everywhere.
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It seems all the new vehicles as of late are longer, lower, wider. The 2016 Tucson is 3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider and has a 1.2 inch longer wheelbase than the previous model. Overall, cargo room has been increased to 31.0 cubic feet, up more than five cubic feet over the previous model, with a dual-level rear cargo floor further enhancing cargo-carrying versatility. The rear liftgate opening has been enlarged in every dimension, for greater cargo flexibility. The 60/40 rear seatbacks have a greater range of adjustable recline for varying combinations of passengers and cargo.
The all-new 2016 Tucson is offered in SE, ECO, Sport and Limited models.
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ECO, Sport and Limited models offer the new 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,500 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm. The turbo engine is coupled to a new, first-in-segment seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This Hyundai-developed dual-clutch transmission offers high efficiency with quick, seamless shifting and brisk acceleration.
EPA test fuel economy ratings for this powertrain on ECO FWD models is 29 mpg combined, with 26 city mpg and 33 highway mpg. Sport and Limited FWD turbo engine models are EPA test rated at 27 combined mpg, with 25 city mpg 30 highway mpg. The lower test rating on these models is a result of the larger wheels and tires and increased weight.
2016 Tucson offers an advanced AWD system developed by Hyundai in conjunction with Magna Powertrain. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock that allows a differentiated torque split between front and rear wheels, for off-road and extremely slippery road conditions. The system also includes Active Cornering Control, which automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction.
One item that really surprised me in a positive way on the new Tucson is the quietness of the interior cabin. CUVs and SUVs can act like a big drum. To improve NVH characteristics, the 2016 Tucson has applied a number of sound dampening and insulation measures including new engine mount design, new rear cross-member design, sound insulation materials added to inner fenders, underbody, instrument panel, transmission tunnel and all cabin pillars, using 335 feet of structural adhesive to insulate against road noise, where the previous model used none. Also, the door latch mechanisms were extensively refined, with lower noise, pull resistance, internal friction and great closure damping. And, to lower wind noise in the cabin, aerodynamics have been improved to 0.33 Cd.
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2016 Tucson prices start at $22,700 for the SE model and run up to $34,050 for the Limited Ultimate model.
If you want to compare the 2016 Hyundai Tucson to other compact SUVs you can do that here on the Hyundai Buyers Guide or check out more details and specifications and configure your own 2016 Tucson on www.hyundaiusa.com.
Hyundai: New Thinking: New Possibilities.
© 2015 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
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