2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco review

Neither inexpensive nor particularly fuel efficient, we're not sure what the Eco stands for here

The Tucson is all new for the 2016 model year, and in re-creating one of its best-sellers, Hyundai has built an impressive crossover, parts of which should serve as a template for automakers who have been playing in this segment for a very long time.

I first drove the Tucson in 2.0-liter form back in July 2015; spending a week in a 1.6-liter model leaves me wondering if there is much need for the larger engine at all -- that’s how capable the turbocharged inline-four feels. The smaller unit pumps out 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and it’s almost as smooth and quiet as the larger engine. The Tucson offers plenty of power off the line; getting up to highway speeds, it slides quietly through the gears of the seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Hyundai has spent a lot of time getting noise, vibration and harshness right, and it pays off in a quiet and well-proportioned cabin. Everything is within reach, nothing is out of sight, and the seating position is just right for my stature.





2016 Hyundai Tucson ECO AWDPHOTO BY JAY RAMEY


The only dynamic issues for which I might fault the Tucson are nosediving during braking and some slight hesitation from the DCT when starting from a standstill. I think the DCT is an OK choice here for most buyers, especially given the fact that people have to put up with CVTs from competitors in this segment, but it's not the smoothest unit out there.

Overall, the clunky dual-clutch and the budget cloth interior of the Eco model will probably drive buyers up toward the more loaded Tucson models, which do feel substantially nicer.

A lot of shoppers in this segment will inevitably find themselves between the CR-V and the Tucson because they’ve been buying the CR-V since the first Clinton administration. To me, the Tucson is by far the winner in this matchup. The engine, CVT, and driving dynamics in the CR-V are certainly worth experiencing ... just to feel the difference between the two. There's also the equally excellent Mazda CX-5, whose handling some buyers may find a little too sporty and outward visibility slightly restricted.


-- Jay Ramey, associate editor



2016 Hyundai Tucson ECO AWDPHOTO BY JAY RAMEY



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