HYUNDAI TUCSON 2016



The third-generation Tucson is a prime example of how the segment has grown up in the last decade or so. This is an altogether more refined and expensive entry in a segment that was recently a niche, but is made up of members now outpacing best-selling sedan nameplates. The Tucson wants to be taken seriously now.

Swoops and curves are out at Hyundai. First the Sonata and Genesis sedans lost the flowing lines of their old models in favor of more adult, squarer shapes when redesigned for 2015. Now the Tucson sheds its old jelly bean-like shape, in favor of a cleaner shape and more muscular physique.


Some of this appearance is helped by the added length and width, which gives the car more presence. The Tucson is substantially longer than the outgoing model, which was on the small side for the class. And the old, smiling grille in favor of a wider, more handsome face. LED running lights up front give the new Tucson angrier eyes than the outgoing car.

Altogether, controls are extremely easy to use. Hyundai’s touchscreen navigation is fairly responsive and the display is bright and clear.


There's a lot more space than in the old Tucson, which is mostly felt in the midsize-like rear seat and extremely generous cargo hold. Seats fold pretty flat when the adjustable cargo floor is moved to its highest level. Despite this feature, there's still a spare tire.


Undoubtedly thanks to more high-strength steel and sound deadening in the new Tucson, the Hyundai does a great Volkswagen Tiguan impression, possibly even coming close to an Audi Q5 in feel. On country roads, the Tucson is planted and secure. New are the three driving modes, but the normal setting is good enough for most situations.


And that could be what propels the 2016 Tucson to the top of the compact crossover class – for now, at least. Few brands are struggling here as it becomes more clear that these SUVs are supplanting sedans as the vehicle of choice. The Tucson hits what the market wants right now so squarely that the car that probably needs to watch its back the most is its platform donor, the Hyundai Sonata.