Hyundai first pulled the
drape off the redesigned 2016 Tucson at the Geneva auto show in March, but now
it’s showing the U.S. version at New York. The Tucson is an international
product—built in two factories, one in the Czech Republic and the one in South
Korea that will produce our examples—so the American model looks the same as
the one for Europe, but we do have the details on the new crossover’s
U.S.-specific powertrains (one of which is new) and the CUV’s available
equipment (which is quite extensive).
First, though, the basics:
The new Tucson is 1.1-inch wider than its predecessor, 3.0 inches longer, and
there’s a 1.2-inch greater stretch between the axles. Hyundai claims greater
interior space and cargo volume as a result. The new structure is said to be
stiffer, and the suspension of struts up front and control arms at the rear has
been redesigned.
Something Old, Something New
Motivating the larger Tucson
are two available powertrains. Returning for duty is the 164-hp 2.0-liter
four-cylinder, which also makes 151 lb-ft of torque. Available only on the base
model, that engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic (no manual
is offered on the Tucson) and can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Hyundai estimates that the EPA
numbers will come in at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (FWD), up from 23/29 mpg
for the 2015 version. The company reckons that the AWD Tucson with this engine
will get 22/26 mpg, barely better than the outgoing model’s lackluster 21/25
mpg.
Most Tucsons will be powered
by a new 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder, which replaces the old 2.4-liter
naturally aspirated four as the step-up engine. It makes 175 horsepower and 195
lb-ft and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Preliminary
fuel-economy estimates are 25/30 mpg city/highway for the front-wheel-drive
Sport and Limited models (24/28 with AWD), while the Eco version is expected
to, ahem, eke-o an additional 1 mpg in the city and 3 mpg on the highway (+1/+2
mpg with AWD).
At Geneva, we also heard
whispers of a performance version using a 200-ish-hp version of the 1.6T,
although there was no confirmation as to whether that model would come to the
U.S.
We do have a few specifics
about the available AWD system, which operates via an electronically controlled
clutch at the rear axle. The system’s Active Cornering Control can brake an
inside rear wheel and send extra power to the opposite wheel, providing what
Hyundai characterizes as “a torque-vectoring effect.” For off-road driving or
extraslippery conditions, the driver can activate an AWD lock function. The Tucson also adds an available
Drive Mode Select feature, which alters steering effort, throttle mapping, and
transmission shift points.
Tech, Tech, and More Tech
The new Tucson greatly ramps up its
list of high-tech safety features. New items include forward-collision warning
with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning
(undoubtedly a good idea given those large C-pillars), lane-departure warning,
rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights. A backup camera is now
standard on all trim levels. Also on the list of available goodies are front
and rear seat heaters, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a
hands-free power liftgate.
The new Tucson’s other big
push is in the area of connectivity. The navigation system can support Yelp,
Pandora, and Apple Siri “Eyes Free.” Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics comes in
three different levels of service, and some features can be controlled by an
Android smartwatch. The 2016 Tucson reaches dealers in July.
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