Spacious cabin and features highlight crossover’s ability to provide comfortable, safe ride
THyundaitucsonisa smaller SUV completely restyled in 2016 and delivered in “Night” all-black trim. Debuting in 2004 and going through a successful second-generation update in 2009, this third-generation Tucson features an all-new exterior, a wheelbase 1.2 inches longer, better fuel mileage, a new turbo engine, a revamped interior and 5-Star government overall crash safety ratings.
Featuring more interior room and better fuel mileage, the Tucson is built in Ulsan, Korea, and classified as a compact by the EPA. Every 2017 Tucson is a five-passenger crossover/ wagon built on a car-like unibody chassis starting at just $22,700 for the entry SE.
The 2017 Tucson comes in seven models instead of four, including the SE Plus at $26,750; the economy ECO model at $24,150; the Value Edition at $26.650; the Sport at $25,900; our tester Night at $27,800 and the top-line Limited at $29,775. The all-wheeldrive versions cost approximately $1,400 more and feature Hyundai’s “Active on Demand” four-wheel drive system with an AWD lock feature.
The SE and SE Plus rely on Hyundai’s proven 2.0-liter, 164-horse, 151 torque, inline four- and six-speed Shiftronic automatic. The ECO, Sport, Value, Night and Limited models feature Hyundai’s more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four that delivers 175 horses and 195 pound-feet of torque.
Transferring the turbo four’s torque is a seven-speed Eco-shift dual-clutch automatic that helps in delivering better fuel mileage, more horsepower and enhanced acceleration. The last generation’s 2.4-liter inline four has been discontinued and is replaced by this new turbo four.
Drivetrain aside, the Tucson’s updated aerodynamic exterior and skillfully tailored interior are still worth mentioning, even though they debuted on the 2016 models. You’ll be impressed with the numerous upgrades and standard amenities, including a 5-inch color touch screen with NAV display and rear-view color camera, improved dash design, easy-to-operate entertainment and climate controls, comfortable seating and a bit more rear legroom for taller passengers. Our tester only had one option, a $125 carpeted floor mat kit.
The Night edition, which can be ordered in four colors (white, blue, charcoal and black), features a set of 19-inch Rays black chrome wheels on sporty Hankook tires. The youth market gravitates to all-black wheel designs, but for me I’ll take a nice set of chrome alloys any day of the week. Inside, all Night editions feature aluminum-alloy sport pedals, a perforated-leather steering wheel, plus front and rear LED map lights.
Although the Tucson used to be the shortest wheelbase compact crossover in its class, the new generation’s addition of 1.2 inches to the wheelbase adds to the interior and cargo room while delivering a less bumpy ride. On the safety side, when you buy the Night you receive advanced safety technology, including blind spot detection with rear cross traffic, ABS four-wheel discs, enhanced rear view safety camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traction and stability control, lane change assist, electronic brake force, all the airbags and hill descent with brake control.
Your Hyundai dealer will explain all the high-tech safety standard features and options that are available on the other five models.
The SE and SE Sport fuel economy is good at 23 city and 31 highway for the front drive and 21 city and 26 highway for the AWD. The ECO 1.6-liter turbo, however, is the best of the Tucsons as far as fuel mileage, delivering 26/32 front drive and 25/30 in AWD dress thanks to more aggressive economy management engine and transmission controls. The AWD Sports, Nights and Limiteds are listed at 25/30 front drive and 24/28 AWD.
In comparison, a 2015 AWD Tucson Limited with the discontinued
2.4 engine delivered just 20 city and 25 highway according to the EPA.
This is a big move forward in fuel
mileage as the Tucson competes in a very crowded small and compact Suv/crossover market.
The Tucson Night AWD includes so many standard features we don’t have room for a complete list. Notables are power panoramic sunroof, roof side rails, Bluetooth, USB and ipod telematics, Homelink, keyless ignition and entry, YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seating, console with rear air conditioning vents, hands free/smart power rear lift gate, tilt and telescopic steering, heated seats, leather shifter and so much more. As for stereo info, the standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius/xm satellite sounds great.
Overall, we especially like the Tucson’s major fuel mileage improvement and new aesthetic presentation. Although neither Tucson engine has power to spare, the turbo-enhanced version does make a difference.
I recommend as a starting point the Hyundai Tucson ECO, which costs nearly $3,700 less than the Night and might be your “best of the bunch” selection. Your Hyundai dealer will gladly explain all model features, along with current buyer incentives and lease specials. Remember that Hyundai dealers are known for generous discounts and/or enhanced trade-in values, especially during this end-of-model-year period.
In summary, I can’t forget the Hyundai 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, as many other manufacturers have cut back on this most generous engine/transmission protection.