New Hyundai Tucson takes tech lead among small crossovers
Hyundai debuted a new generation of its Tucson five-passenger crossover during the New York auto show, with equipment such as a dual clutch transmission and LED headlights.
NEW YORK -- Hyundai used the 2015 New York auto show as the venue for the introduction of its all-new Tucson. Rather than a typical five-passenger crossover, however, this 2016 model year Tucson comes with some surprising future-forward features.
The base Tucson model will come with a two-liter direct injection engine, good for 164 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Much more interesting is the available 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That engine comes with a seven-speed automated manual transmission, which uses two computer-controlled clutches to enact shifts. This type of transmission offers the convenience of an automatic and the efficiency of a manual.
Hyundai estimates average fuel economy for this drivetrain on a front-wheel-drive Tucson at 29 mpg, impressive for a vehicle of this size.
All-wheel-drive will be an option on the Tucson, using a system that dynamically shifts torque between the front and rear axles. A button on the center console electronically locks the system's center differential, ensuring torque gets out to all four wheels when driving in snow or mud. To aid handling, Hyundai fits this new Tucson with a corner braking system, automatically applying a little bit of brake pressure on the inside wheels when negotiating a turn. Subaru has recently adopted a similar system for some of its vehicles.
Another high-tech touch on the Tucson is the availability of LED headlights, complementing the LED running lights. While these headlights will be more energy efficient and last longer than standard lamps, the Tucson's high-intensity discharge lamps can be had with a feature Hyundai calls Dynamic Bending Lights. This feature directs the headlights to aim into a corner based on steering angle.
Hyundai will also offer a large suite of advanced safety features on the Tucson, such as a collision prevention system that automatically brakes when it senses objects or pedestrians in the car's path. A blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning and rear-view camera will also be available.
The Tucson's cabin electronics incorporate Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system, offering services such as roadside assistance, collision detection with emergency assistance and stolen vehicle recovery. Owners can also use a smartphone or smartwatch app to remotely connect with their cars. The navigation system integrates the Yelp app and Google local search, making for convenient online destination look-ups.
The five-passenger crossover segment is a crowded one, as these vehicles offer a lot of convenience to families. the 2016 Hyundai Tucson offers a number of compelling features to help it stand out. Although many buyers won't get the technical details of the dual-clutch transmission, the fuel economy number will be attractive. The LED headlights and active safety features help give the Tucson and edge, especially for parents. Although pricing has not yet been announced, Hyundai has often been able to undercut better-known competitors, and that will prove crucial for shoppers.