The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco is a popular SUV from the car manufacturer that is reborn with good ergonomics, confident handling while driving, and smart styling. There are two available engines and transmissions that buyer’s get to choose prior to purchasing. This is a clean-sheet redesign that arrives in time just as SUV sales are booming in the market. The Eco Trim promises a slightly higher fuel economy than other Tucson model as well. But aside from all that is good comes a flawed machine that should deliver a lot of potential. There are many areas of concern than would make one wonder, “Why hasn’t these been fixed during its development stages?”
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco Delivers Power But is Far From Perfect
Like other third-generation Tucson models, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco is simple and handsome. It has good proportions and a tautly drawn sheet metal. However, there are a few wasted lines. For the 2016 model, this is Hyundai’s entry-level crossover which has grown in size. It now sits in the fine line between a subcompact models like the Honda HR-V, and its next-size-up brethren, the CR-V.
Even though the 2016 Tucson Eco does have a smaller size, it is more of a modern powertrain. It receives a new 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder from Hyundai’s Gamma engine family. This engine generates 195 pound-feet of torque and 175 horsepower. These figures suggest that it has the complete potential of being a nice unit, especially when talking about its torque. The torque peak arrives just off idle at 1,500rpm, and this will stick around until 4,500 revs. This is right in the wheelhouse of 95-percent of daily driving.
Why state “potential?” Because the engine has plenty of torque just off idle. The other part of this powertrain has an equation puts the entire driving experience to come as a letdown. This vehicle comes exclusively built with Hyundai’s new seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. This unit disappoints in the aspect of its ability to pre-engage the next cog. Others may get excited as other vehicles will deliver lightning-quick gear changes, but the 2016 Eco does not have this.
Furthermore, gear swaps often fail to arrive smoothly. You need not seek high-performance motoring to find the burns in this setup. These problems even show up even with regular driving, especially when it’s just around town with low-speed trundling.
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco delivers promise with its strong engine but potential may be the only thing it has. It fails in a lot of aspects in which car enthusiasts may want to look the other way once they get a feel for its performance.