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
For 2017, the Toyota RAV4 gains a host of driver assistance features as standard equipment, including a forward collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise. The range-topping Platinum trim level is new this year.
Pros Quiet demeanor on the road makes it a pleasant commuter vehicle Rides smoothly in a variety of conditions Plenty of cargo space for its size High-tech safety features come standard
Cons Modest acceleration from the sole engine offering Fewer easily accessible storage compartments than most competitors
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 ranks 11 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 RAV4 faces stiff competition in the compact SUV class. It trails several rivals in terms of style and performance, but it has impressive safety features in all trims and one of the most spacious cabins in its class.
Pros Impressive list of standard features Easy-to-use infotainment system Spacious cabin
Cons Unimpressive acceleration Plastic-heavy interior
There's a RAV4 for just about everyone, and while we applaud Toyota for adding more safety technology for 2017, the competition is worth a good look, too. The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is the latest in a long line of compact crossover SUVs to grace the automaker's showrooms.
Pros Upgraded, roomy interior Lots of standard safety tech Wide range of models available Improved ride and handling Hybrid is intriguing
Cons Not the most polished crossover to drive No third row Unimpressive fuel economy Quirky styling
