The 2016 Hyundai Tucson

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.