Yahoo Autos 2016 Hyundai Tucson Widens Its Aim
The new edition of the Hyundai Tucson CUV has been previewed more times than a sitcom pilot, but all the details for the U.S. edition finally came to light at the New York auto show.
The Tucson will come with two engine options. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo replaces the 2.4-liter engine from the current model, generating 195 hp and 195 ft-lb of torque, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Gas mileage numbers aren’t set, but Mike O’Brien, Hyundai vice-president of product planning, said it would be 5 MPG better than the outgoing model. Hyundai will also offer a 2.0-liter direct injection four-cylinder that gets 175 hp.
The small crossover SUV segment is a group of death, and the new Tucson will not miraculously challenge the Toyota RAV 4 or the Honda CRV for the top spot, notwithstanding the “48 percent improvement in body rigidity” and interior “inspired by Eero Saarinen’s JFK Terminal 5” (accomplished, apparently, by pushing the interior vents all the way out to the doors). But it will remain an attractively-styled, reasonably-priced option for the young or middle-aged or old CUV buyer on the go.
The Santa Cruz small pickup truck, with a platform and body style from the Tucson, remains in the concept phase. The fuel-cell version of the Tucson, which Hyundai continues to tout, will use the body style of the previous generation, at least through the end of this year, Hyundai executives said. Saarinen would be disappointed.
