Hyundai Tucson 2016 Review

In recent years, the local compact SUV market has seen an increasing number of choices. Consumers not only want practical space but also design that fits modern aesthetics. The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Public aims squarely at this segment. As one of the popular SUV models under the brand, it has attracted considerable attention with its youthful design language, upgraded intelligent features, and balanced performance. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to see if it meets the daily needs of Malaysian family users both in terms of static experience and dynamic driving.

Starting with the exterior, the overall style of the 2016 Tucson Public leans towards fashionable and sporty. The front end features Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille adorned with chrome accents, which makes it highly recognizable. The body lines are smooth, and the waistline that extends from the hood to the rear gives the side profile a more dynamic and layered look. The 17-inch alloy wheels have a refined design that aligns with the aesthetic preferences of younger consumers. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a split design, offering a striking appearance when illuminated, while a silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a hint of an off-road vibe. In terms of lighting, the front headlights come standard with halogen bulbs and support height adjustment, which should suffice for everyday use.

Sitting inside the car, the interior uses black as the main tone, complemented by silver trims, creating a simple and clear layout. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel decent to the touch. While it does not exude a luxurious vibe, it is above average among models in the same class. The central control screen measures 7 inches, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and operates relatively smoothly, although the screen resolution is average. The seats are made of fabric material; the front seats support manual adjustments and provide moderate support, ensuring comfort during long drives. In terms of features, the car is equipped with practical functions such as automatic air conditioning, a reverse camera, and a multifunction steering wheel, adequately meeting daily needs.

In terms of space, the 2016 Tucson Public has body dimensions of 4475×1850×1660mm and a wheelbase of 2670mm. The front row offers spacious seating, with enough headroom and legroom for passengers around 175cm in height. The rear row offers decent space as well, with about two fist-widths of knee space and one fist-width of headroom, making it comfortable even for three adults. Regarding storage, the trunk has a regular capacity of 488L, which can be expanded to 1478L by folding down the rear seats, making it easy to accommodate a few suitcases or large items. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin, such as door pockets and a central armrest box, convenient for storing phones, water bottles, and other small items.

As for the powertrain, the model we tested is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power output of 155 horsepower and peak torque of 192N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power delivery is smooth. It doesn't feel sluggish at startup, and acceleration is linear, which suffices for urban overtaking. When switched to sport mode, the transmission delays shifting, and the power response becomes more active, though overtaking at high speeds still feels somewhat strained. In terms of fuel consumption, based on our tests, the city cycle yields about 9.5L/100km, while the highway cycle produces approximately 7.2L/100km. Overall, the performance is fairly average.

In terms of handling and chassis, the steering wheel has moderate turning effort and relatively precise directional control, making daily driving quite effortless. The suspension system uses a combination of front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, it can filter out most vibrations, providing a good riding experience. However, during cornering, the body roll is quite noticeable, making it less suitable for aggressive driving. As for braking performance, the brake pedal has a moderate travel, the braking force is released linearly, and the vehicle maintains a stable posture during emergency braking without obvious forward dipping.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control of this car is average. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are quite noticeable but still within an acceptable range. The seat comfort is commendable, with padding of moderate softness and decent lumbar support. The air conditioning system cools quickly. Even in Malaysia's hot weather, it can lower the temperature swiftly.

Overall, the advantages of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson public lie in its stylish appearance, spacious interior, and practical features. It is also quite budget-friendly, offering good value for money within its class. However, its power performance is average, and the interior materials and screen resolution could be improved. It is suitable for families who prioritize space and practicality with a limited budget, meeting daily commuting and weekend getaway needs. If you’re looking for a well-balanced and durable compact SUV, the 2016 Tucson public is worth considering.