The third-generation Hyundai->ke201 Tucson debuted at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 on March 3rd of 2015 as a 2016 model. Compared to the outgoing model, it was a pretty huge departure in terms of exterior styling. The Tucson->ke3245 received a new hexagonal grille, more aggressive front fascia, and more upscale headlamps. In the rear, the Tucson got restyled tail lamps and a sportier rear fascia. Since the Tucson is larger than the outgoing model, the cabin offered up more passenger space and cargo room to go with the softer materials and a new premium look. To go with a new dash layout, the infotainment screen got a new chrome-looking bezel, and there is a new steering wheel to tie the interior together. Being a global model, the Tucson is available with a decent list of engines, but here in the U.S. we only get the choice of a 164-horsepower 2.0-liter or a 175-horsepower, 1.6-liter, turbocharged unit.

As far as safety goes, the Tucson is fitted with six airbags, active front head restraints, and electronic stability control. Other safety features like blind spot detection, lane departure, and automatic emergency braking are all optional features that come at a premium. As far as safety testing goes, the Tucson earned a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP. Competing against models like the Ford Escape->ke233 and the Jeep Cherokee->ke4617, the Tucson certainly has its work cut out for it. How well does it compare? Check out our full review below to make the decision for yourself.

Update 7-29-2016 Hyundai has announced a number of enhancements for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Check out the details in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.

hyundai-tucson

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: hyundai-tucson
Pros
Cons

2016 - 2017 Hyundai Tucson

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 - 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 164
  • Torque: 151
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2016 model year, the Tucson receives a complete redesign, giving the crossover a bolder and more upscale look. Aside from the obvious exterior lighting changes made from Euro- to U.S.-spec, the Tucson unveiled in New York is identical to the one that debuted in Geneva.

Up front, Hyundai added in its now-signature hexagonal grille with vertical slats. On top of the new grille, the entire fascia has a more upright look, and the lower apron gains a set of horizontally oriented fog lights and surrounds, which help give the model a wider look. The LED headlights also add to the wider look, and the wing-like lower section of the bumper adds a dab of sportiness.

From the profile, you’ll notice that the A-pillar is pushed rearward compared to the 2015 model. This adds some separation between the hood and the A-pillar, helping to lengthen the look of the hood. Additionally, a sharp, rising accent line shoots rearward from the front wheel arch to eventually meet with the outermost part of the taillight.

Around back, slimmer taillights and redesigned tailgate and lower bumper continue the more adult theme of the small SUV.

On the whole, Hyundai basically took its small SUV and brought it up to date with the rest of its lineup. With hot-sellers like the Sonata boasting this new, more refined look, these changes can mean only good things for the Tucson.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,475 MM (176.18 Inches)

Width

1,850 MM (72.83 Inches)

Height

1,645 MM (64.76 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,670 MM (105.11 Inches)

Overhang (front)

910 MM (35.82 Inches)

Overhang (rear)

895 MM (35.23 Inches)


Interior

The Tucson’s cabin also receives a full overhaul for 2016. Hyundai created a more premium look and feel, with more soft-touch materials and optional Wine Red leather. The 2016 Tucson is larger than the outgoing model, with more passenger space and available cargo volume. The 2015 Tucson offered 101.9 cubic feet of passenger space and 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and up to 55.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat; the new model improves to 102.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, 31 cubic feet of rear cargo space and a maximum cargo capacity of 61.9 cubic feet.

Hyundai also gave the Tucson’s dashboard a full overhaul; the touchscreen is now surrounded in a metal-look bezel with air vents flanking it, a swooping division line where the upper and lower dash meet, and a redesigned and more premium-looking HVAC control interface. Hyundai capped off the dash changes with a new steering wheel that better matches the rest of its lineup, and that looks a million times better than the 2015 model’s wheel.

2017 Updates

For 2017, the Tucson Limited can now be optioned with a 315-watt Infinity premium audio system with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology. Limited models can also be equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Eco and Sport trim levels now get console-mounted rear A/C vents and all trim levels with cloth interior now benefit from YES Essential stain-resistant fabric. The door panels on the Sport trim level have been upgraded to include more premium materials than before.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the European version of the next-gen Tucson will be available with a pair of 1.6-liter gasoline engines: a naturally aspirated version producing 135 PS (133 horsepower) and a turbocharged version rated at 176 PS (174 horsepower). The base engine will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the turbocharged engine will be mated to either the six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

On top of the gasoline engines, there are also three diesel engines available in Europe. The least-powerful of the oil burners is a 1.7-liter unit with 115 PS (113 horsepower) that mates to a six-speed manual transmission. There is also a 2.0-liter powerplant that delivers either 136 PS (134 horsepower) or 184 PS (181 horsepower) and mates to either the six-speed manual or the seven-speed DCT.

In North America, the 2016 Tucson will be offered with just two four-cylinder engines: a 164-horsepower, 2.0-liter and an optional 175-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter. The base engine will be paired with a six-speed automatic, while the turbocharged engine will get the seven-speed DCT.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.0-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder

1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder

Output

164 HP

175 HP

Torque

151 LB-FT

195 LB-FT @ 1,500-4,500 RPM

Transmission

6-speed automatic

seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

Fuel economy city/highway/combined

23/31/26 mpg

26/33/29


Safety

The crossover is equipped with six airbags, active front head restraints, and electronic stability control. For 2016, the rearview camera, Hillstart Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control come standard. Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning can be added as options.

In 2015, the new Hyundai Tucson received the maximum five-star rating from the Euro NCAP, which said that the new-generation SUV "showed a worthy evolution in terms of safety all-round, and more specifically in safety assist."

Prices

The new Tucson retails from $22,700. For this amount, you'll take home the SE trim powered by the 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel-drive. AWD will add an extra $1,400. The 1.6-liter engines are available starting with the Eco trim, which fetches at least $24,150 with FWD and $25,550 with AWD. Next in line is the Sport model, priced from $26,150, while the range-topping Limited version costs $29,900 before options.

Model

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

MSRP

SE

2.0L 4-Cylinder

6-Speed Automatic

FWD

$22,700

SE

2.0L 4-Cylinder

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

$24,100

SE

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$24,150

SE

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$25,550

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$26,150

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$27,550

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$29,900

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$31,300


2017 pricing

Surprisingly, the price point of the Tucson didn’t change all that much. Pricing for SE and Eco trim levels remain the same. The Tucson Sport sees a decrease to the tune of $250, while the Tucson Limited starting price has been lowered by $125.

Model

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

MSRP

SE

2.0L 4-Cylinder

6-Speed Automatic

FWD

$22,700

SE

2.0L 4-Cylinder

6-Speed Automatic

AWD

$24,100

SE

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$24,150

SE

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$25,550

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$25,900

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$27,300

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

FWD

$29,775

Eco

1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder

7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch

AWD

$31,175


Competition

2015 Ford Escape

One of the leaders in the small crossover class is the Ford Escape, and for good reason. Not only is it surprisingly sporty looking, but it also has a lineup of engines that can satisfy most drivers.

For those looking for cheap transportation, the Escape’s base model with the 168-horsepower 2.5-liter is the way to go. Looking for a little more fuel economy? Opt for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost and get 178 horsepower and 32 mpg highway. Want performance that can rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque? Tick that 2.0-liter EcoBoost box and get a 240-horsepower powerplant that sprints the crossover to 60 mph in just seven seconds and still delivers 30 mpg highway.

In its base setup, the 2015 Escape starts at $22,960, while its midrange SE model and range-topping Titanium model check in at $24,860 and $29,245, respectively.

Read our full review of the 2015 Ford Escape here.

2014 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee was a surprising performer in 2014 sales, managing to come in sixth place with 178,508 units sold. In its base model, the Cherokee has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 184 horses and 171 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the new Cherokee is a 3.2-liter V-6 that churns 271 ponies and 239 pound-feet of twist.

With its standard front-wheel-drive setup, the Cherokee delivers up to 31 mpg highway, while its V-6-powered model get 29 mpg. Moving up to the Active Drive I four-wheel-drive drops both the four-banger and V-6 to 28 mpg highway. The more advanced Active Drive II system drops the four-pot’s highway rating to 27 mpg, while the V-6 stays at 28 mpg.

The base 2015 Cherokee checks in at a competitive $22,995, while moving into four-wheel drive bumps the starting price up to $24,995. The range-topping Trailhawk model comes in at a fairly high $30,095.

Read our full review of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee here.

Conclusion

The Tucson was in desperate need of an overhaul now that Hyundai is moving toward a more refined look, as it stood out like a sore thumb. This redesign gives the small SUV the looks it needs to try to draw in more buyers and inch closer to class leaders like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. After seeing the third-generation Hyundai Tucson in both European and North American guises now, this compact crossover should continue to be a hot seller around the globe.

Updated History

Updated 09/21/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 07/23/2015: Hyundai dropped a very cool walkaround video for the new, 2016 Tucson. Enjoy!

Updated 07/14/2015: Hyundai revealed prices for the all-new 2016 Tucson compact crossover which will be put on sale later this month. Prices will range from $22,700 for the base SE version and up to $31,300 for the Limited version equipped with the 7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

Updated 04/02/2015: The new generation Hyundai Tucson made its North American debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show and will be put on sale later in July.