[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJmtRnBAzVY[/youtube]
We have to face the music… crossovers are not only here to stay, but they’re growing in numbers. The good news is that they’re also getting better every time a new one comes to market. Need more proof? Take a look at the all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
We trekked to Minnesota to sample the latest from Hyundai, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we found. This crossover comes packing a new 1.6-liter turbo four cylinder engine, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear liftgate, and all of the tech bits you’ve come to expect from a modern car.
Additionally, Hyundai teamed up with Magna to develop the all-wheel-drive system that’s available on the Tucson. This is the same company that makes the AWD unit for Porsche and its Cayenne. Don’t expect Porsche-levels of performance of course, but know you’re getting a system designed to do its job well.
It’s getting harder to choose a definitive winner in this segment, as every automaker offers one up and it’s usually quite good. You have to dig into the nitty-gritty of features, driving dynamics, and styling to find the one that appeals to you.
If you’re shopping for a crossover, you almost can’t make a wrong choice. Well, you could’ve picked a wagon, but those, sadly, are getting harder to find…
[Disclaimer: Hyundai flew me to Minnesota to sample the new Tucson. They put me up in a hotel room right on the U. of Minnesota Campus. I tried to use that campus gym (because it’s massive and lovely), but was asked if I had a student attending… do I look that old already? Dammit… don’t answer that.]
First Drive: 2016 Hyundai Tucson
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I know all the automakers are doing it by now, but I’m still not really comfortable with such small engines in such large cars.
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