Why pay a premium for head-turning style? The Hyundai Tucson will look great in your driveway, yet it still delivers the value and versatility you expect from a small crossover SUV. The Tucson's turbocharged engine is a keeper, too. Ready to learn what else we like? The sleek new styling of the redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson incorporates what Hyundai calls "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" design language, which suggests it's more of an evolutionary product than a revolutionary one. After all, version 2.0 of anything is just an outgrowth of the original; it's derivative by definition. But under the new Tucson's stylish skin, there's something closer to a revolution going on. With its sprightly and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, roomier interior and cutting-edge safety and technology features, the latest Tucson is a real threat to disrupt the compact-crossover status quo.
Pros Turbocharged engine delivers peppy acceleration and good fuel economy Plenty of advanced safety and infotainment features are available Comfortable ride on rough roads.
Cons Slow acceleration from the SE trim's non-turbocharged engine Clumsy low-speed shifting from the turbo engine's transmission Certain desirable items are only offered on the Limited Some interior materials look and feel cheap.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson caters to drivers that put styling and features at the top of their crossover-SUV wish list. The Hyundai Tucson is the smallest crossover SUV from the South Korean automaker—at least for the time being, in the U.S.—but this tidy vehicle is a great pick for families for a lot of reasons. It's new for 2016, and Hyundai hopes a thorough redesign that boosts economy, interior space, and handling will put the Tucson in the same league as vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
Pros Upscale exterior and interior design Quiet cabin and refined ride Innovative automatic liftgate at upper trim levels
Cons Lots of hard plastic trim at lower trim levels Uninspired acceleration Less cargo space than competitors
The Hyundai Tucson enters its third generation for 2016 as an all-new compact crossover SUV. Long a competent but rather uninspiring competitor to best-sellers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, the 2016 Tucson has reinvented itself to pose a credible challenge to such stalwarts. Along with an eye-catching exterior design, this 5-passenger SUV now boasts some of the latest technology and safety aids available, such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The Tucson's new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder still isn't the strongest in its class, but it does earn up to 33 mpg. With a starting price of under $24,000 and improvements upon its former self in almost every category, the new Tucson is ready to take on the segment's best.
Pros If you want a small SUV with style, sophisticated technology and great fuel economy, put the 2016 Hyundai Tucson on your consideration list. Another big draw is Hyundai's excellent powertrain warranty that's good for 10 years/100,000 miles.
Cons Though its interior space has grown, the revamped Tucson's cargo capacity still trails that of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Also, it isn't as quick as a turbocharged Kia Sportage or as nimble as a Mazda CX-5.
Our analysis of automotive reviews proves that the 2016 Hyundai Tucson's exceptionally quiet, spacious interior, and ample standard and available features help it achieve one of the top spots among compact SUVs. The Tucson also has a comfortable ride, poised handling, and a smooth powertrain. Additionally, the Tucson has fantastic safety scores and earns fairly good fuel economy.
Pros Silky powertrain Balanced handling Exceptional safety scores
Cons Unimpressive cabin materials
The 2016 Kia Sorento grows a little bit larger, and grows up a lot.Though the Kia Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2016, it looks like the exterior only modestly evolved. The 2016 model is both significantly roomier and more refined in nearly every way. There’s some meaningful change all around the 2016 Kia Sorento actually, with every bit of sheet metal and every piece of trim changed. A new body structure, an available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and redesigned seating—plus some new active-safety features—add up to tremendously meaningful change once you take it all in.
Pros Composed, quiet ride Responsive, economical new 2.0T Impressive interior trims Tight, "vault-like" feel
Cons Short, bench-like second-row seats Third row not available with turbo four Limited availability of active safety features
The Kia Sorento is fully redesigned for 2016 and ranks in the middle among midsize SUVs based on the professional reviews and data that drive our rankings. Professional automotive critics generally agree that the Sorento has an appealing mix of interior comfort and technology, but its base engine is underpowered. It also gets excellent safety ratings within its class.
Pros Accurate steering and composed handling Premium cabin materials Zippy engine options Lots of available safety features
Cons Weak base engine Price can climb quickly
The Kia Sorento is bigger, more sophisticated and better to drive for 2016, making it an appealing alternative to five- and seven-passenger SUVs that were previously a class above it. Kia's midsize crossover is definitely worth a long look.
pros User-friendly controls Well-made and attractive cabin Versatile second-row seat Ample features for the money Long warranty Excellent crash test scores.
cons Turbo engine isn't as punchy and efficient as expected Less spacious than most seven-passenger competitors.
