Hyundai has been on a tear as of
late with redesigns and updates, as it continues to spread its new signature
look across its lineup. One of the remaining stragglers to not get this new
look was the Tucson – the
brand’s small SUV.
Hyundai can now scratch
this SUV off its list, as
the Korean automaker revealed the redesigned 2016 Tucson at the 2015 New York
Auto Show.
This is
no update, folks, this is a 100 percent redesign, and it was long overdue. The
2016 Tucson’s
body is now sportier, thanks to harder body lines and the all-new front fascia.
Speaking of that fascia, it features Hyundai’s brand-new
signature grille, all-new headlights with available LED technology, and a new
and sportier front bumper.
Around
back, the redesign continues with LED taillights, chrome exhaust tips, and a
spoiler. Additionally, the 2016 Tucson’s wheelbase
is 1.2 inches longer, giving the SUV a better stance and increasing
the roominess of the cabin.
Inside
the larger cabin, the 2016 Tucson
has more premium materials than ever before, including a wrapped instrument
panel, a soft-touch driver’s knee pad, and more soft-touch materials on all of
the main touch points. An available full-length panoramic sunroof adds even
more of an upscale feel to this redesigned cabin that clearly prefers to play
outside of its price point.
In the
drivetrain department, the standard Tucson carries on with the same
2.0-liter four-cylinder as it had in 2015. This engine produces 164 horsepower
and 151 pound-feet of torque, and it mates to a Shiftronic six-speed auto
transmission. Though its specs are the same, this new base engine is a little
easier on fuel, thanks to EPA-estimated ratings of 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway,
and 26 mpg combined – the highway mileage is up 2 mpg from 2015 and the
combined mileage is up 1 mpg.
The
optional engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that replaces the old
2.4-liter engine. This four-pot puts out 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of
torque – 8 fewer horsepower but 8 more pound-feet of torque than the 2.4-liter.
This engine is available on Eco, Sport, and Limited trims, and it mates to a
seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The big news with this engine is its fuel economy, as it gets up to 26
mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive – those
represent gains of 5 mpg gains across the board.
Al of
these upgrades combined with a revised suspension, an updated Blue Link telematics system,
and reduced cabin noise all show just how dedicated Hyundai is to being a
legitimate competitor in all of the main segments. The 2016 Tucson will arrive in dealers
in July 2015.
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