Compact SUV Crossover

Compact SUV Comparison: 2016 Hyundai Tucson

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Totally-redesigned-with-multifaceted-appeal.

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Starting-MSRP:-$23,595

Above-Average:-Quiet-cabin,-good-materials-quality,-engaging-design

Below-Average:-Lack-of-adaptive-cruise-control,-no-cargo-area-rear-seat-releases,-unrefined-transmission

Consensus:-A-stylish,-value-packed-alternative-to-more-established-nameplates

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450-Miles-in-61-Words

For-more-than-a-decade,-the-Hyundai-Tucson-has-been-widely-regarded-as-a-budget-buy.-No-longer-content-with-selling-less-expensive,-low-cost-alternatives,-Hyundai-completely-redesigned-its-2016-Tucson-into-a-compact-SUV-capable-of-competing-with—-and-in-many-cases-winning-against—-the-category’s-best.-Even-more-impressive,-though,-is-that-it-largely-maintains-its-budget-price.

A-Closer-Look

Over-the-course-of-our-comparison,-the-2016-Hyundai-Tucson-ranked-near-the-top-of-the-test-in-a-number-of-categories.-Fuel-economy,-ride-quality-and-urban-agility-were-just-a-handful-of-areas-in-which-the-Tucson-stood-out-from-the-pack.-Plus,-it’s-easily-one-of-the-most-attractive-small-SUVs-in-the-mainstream-marketplace.-Here’s-how-the-Tucson-fared-across-nine-primary-categories,-followed-by-a-deeper-dive-into-each:

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Highway-Driving

Steering-calibration-has-long-been-a-weak-spot-across-the-Hyundai-lineup.-And-while-it-may-not-be-the-segment-benchmark-when-it-comes-to-steering-feel-and-responsiveness,-the-2016-Tucson-requires-only-minor-steering-intervention-at-highway-speeds.-Ride-quality-leaves-little-to-be-desired-in-terms-of-compliance-and-comfort-and,-in-a-true-sign-of-the-times,-the-Tucson-actually-turned-out-to-be-the-quietest-vehicle-in-our-test.-Passing-and-merging-maneuvers-were-uneventful-as-well,-thanks-to-195-lb-ft-of-torque-available-from-just-1,500-rpm.

City-Driving

With-a-turning-radius-that-would-put-some-compact-cars-to-shame,-the-Hyundai-Tucson-is-an-absolute-cinch-to-park.-Combined-with-excellent-outward-visibility-and-a-large-backup-camera-display,-the-city-is-undoubtedly-the-Tucson’s-natural-habitat.-On-the-other-hand,-the-7-speed-dual-clutch-automatic-transmission-could-benefit-from-a-few-years-at-finishing-school.-Accelerating-from-a-stop-was-rarely-a-seamless-affair,-and-gear-changes-felt-somewhat-harsh-until-the-transmission-reached-its-normal-operating-temperature.

Sporty-Driving-

Hyundai’s-compact-SUV-can’t-match-Mazda’s-when-it-comes-to-driving-feel-and-fun,-but-this-vehicle-type-was-never-designed-to-thrill.-That-said,-the-2016-Tucson-is-nonetheless-a-capable-performer-when-the-road-begins-to-twist.

Interior-Appeal

The-Tucson’s-cabin-plays-home-to-high-quality-materials-intermixed-with-well-shaped-seats,-symmetrical-armrests,-and-a-long-throw-steering-wheel-that-produces-an-impressively-natural-driving-position.-The-overall-look-is-both-clean-and-attractive,-with-a-strong-emphasis-on-ease-of-use.

Infotainment

Our-test-unit’s-8-inch-touchscreen-infotainment-system-earned-high-marks-for-its-physical-menu-shortcuts-and-intuitive-interface,-though-reaching-them-proved-to-be-a-bit-of-a-chore-for-taller-drivers-set-up-further-from-the-dash.-Android-Auto-and-Apple-CarPlay-come-integrated-with-the-8-inch-unit-as-well,-but-will-not-be-available-until-winter-2016.

Rear-Seat-Room

In-addition-to-reclining-seatbacks,-the-Tucson’s-rear-quarters-feature-ample-headroom-and-legroom-along-with-a-serviceable-center-seat.-Families-living-in-warner-climates-should-note-that-only-range-topping-Limited-models-offer-rear-air-vents.

Cargo-Room

The-cargo-bay,-while-sufficiently-roomy,-is-one-of-the-smallest-in-its-class.-That-it-lacks-rear-seat-fold-down-levers-is-somewhat-of-a-disappointment,-and-the-dual-level-cargo-management-system-is-more-gimmicky-than-useful.-Still,-we’re-big-fans-of-the-hands-free-power-liftgate-and-rear-seats-that-fold-almost-completely-flat.

Fuel-Economy

Returning-up-to-26-mpg-in-the-city-and-33-mpg-highway,-the-175-horsepower,-1.6-liter-turbo-4-offers-perhaps-the-finest-balance-between-efficiency-and-performance-in-our-test-group.-If-balance-isn’t-your-thing,-base-SE-models-employ-a-less-efficient-2.0-liter-4-cylinder-and-conventional-6-speed-automatic.

Resale-Value

Along-with-generally-lower-upfront-costs,-the-2016-Hyundai-Tucson-bolsters-its-value-quotient-through-a-lengthy-10-year/100,000-mile-powertrain-warranty-and-slightly-above-average-residual-values.

Inside-and-Out:-2016-Hyundai-Tucson-Limited-FWD

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