2015 Hyundai Tucson in Vineland, NJ - $14,000

Hyundai has introduced the all-new 2016 Tucson crossover offering edgy exterior design, a pair of fuel efficient drivetrains and a stylish interior that is roomier than its predecessor. Continuing Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design theme that debuted on the 2015 Genesis, the next generation Tucson employs refined aesthetics with sculpted body forms and sporty contours for an athletic, bold and striking appearance. The front is dominated by a hexagonal-shaped grille - a key element of Hyundai’s design signature, enhanced by available high-efficiency LED twin-projector headlights, LED headlight accents and integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Even LED door handle approach lamps are available.

For 2016, Tucson’s wheelbase has been increased 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 with a dynamic spoke design, housed in forward-raking wheel arches. Roof rails are sleek and low-profile for a clean, yet functional appearance. From the rear, a Z-shaped character line above the rear wheel accentuates an aggressive, sporty side profile. The rear angle conveys stability and a wide, sporty stance, for agility both on and off-road. The taillights also apply LED technology, creating a premium design element, while providing enhanced visibility from the rear. Finally, twin, bevel-cut chrome exhaust tips and a standard rear spoiler add even more sporty cues from the rear view.

Available in SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited models, power for the Tucson has also been improved. The SE is equipped with a 2.0L direct-injected four-cylinder from the Nu engine family, a coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.

Eco, Sport and Limited offer a 1.6L turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine from the new Gamma engine family. Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,500 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low-RPM responsiveness and performance in everyday driving conditions. The turbocharger features low-inertia turbo-spooling response characteristics and an electronic wastegate control for more precise control of manifold pressure. 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 outstanding efficiency with quick, seamless shifting and brisk acceleration.

An advanced AWD system developed by Hyundai in conjunction with Magna Powertrain is an available option. 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. The system reduces understeer and enhances cornering performance by braking the inside rear wheel and delivering more torque to the outside rear wheel, providing a torque-vectoring effect.

The Tucson platform is more rigid, now using more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength steel compared with 18 percent for the former model. The Hyundai crossover also benefits from strategic use of structural adhesives at higher stress points on the chassis and more extensive use of hot-stamping methods for greater rigidity. The structure also uses four-point bushing mounts for improved comfort and reduced road noise. A first-of-its-kind dual-reinforcing panel rear wheelhouse design optimizes panels that are prone to vibration. This results in a 109 percent increase in rigidity, reduced road noise levels and ride and handling improvements.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a 24.7 mm stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is an independent, multi-link design, now with dual lower arms for both FWD and AWD, for optimal ride comfort and body control. Overall, front and rear suspension setups are now 20 percent stiffer than the outgoing model.

Inside the passenger cabin, a premium wrapped instrument panel with extra-wide contours enhances occupants’ overall sense of interior roominess. A stitched, soft-touch pad is located near the driver’s right knee, for better comfort during long commutes or spirited cornering. Interior touch points have been upgraded with premium, soft-touch materials. All interior switchgear have a more refined feel during operation. The overall ambience of roominess is further enhanced by an available full-length panoramic sunroof, allowing both front and rear passengers day or night skyward visibility.

Longer and wider than the previous model, the 2016 Tucson has greater interior volume and versatility. Overall, cargo room has been increased by more than five cubic feet, 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, with an increased available recline of 37 degrees compared with 28 degrees for the previous model.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 105.1; overall length: 176.2; width: 72.8; height: 64.8
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 1.6L turbo-charged four-cylinder – 175 hp at 5,500 rpm and 195 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500-4,500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic with overdrive; seven-speed Ecoshift dual clutch automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L four-cylinder – 23 city/31hwy. (FWD), 21 city/26 hwy. (AWD); 1.6L four-cylinder turbo – 26 city/33 hwy. (Eco/FWD), 25 city/31 hwy. (Eco/AWD), 25 city/30 hwy. (Sport & Limited/FWD), 24 city/28 hwy. (Sport & Limited/AWD).
Cargo capacity: 61.9 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs (w/trailer brakes)

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensors, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill start assist control, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, alarm system, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rear view camera and tire pressure monitoring system. Eco adds LED daytime running lights and front fog lights. Sport adds blind spot detection system, lane change assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and proximity key with electronic push button start. Limited adds LED headlights, Blue Link 2.0 telematics, and navigation system.

Optional safety features include: high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, dynamic bending light, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear parking sensors.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson crossover starts from $22,700 for the SE FWD upto $31,300 for the Limited AWD. Destination charges add $895.