Hyundai hosted a special launch in NYC August 5th for its recently redesigned midsize crossover vehicle, the 2016 Tucson. This was the first time journalists had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle before the model hits dealer showrooms across America later this month.
Crossovers are one of the top selling vehicles and Hyundai has re-invented the popular segment by adding industry first features into the Tucson.
We met at The Park in Chelsea with breakfast , presentation then we got to test drive The Sport through a scenic route up the Palisades Interstate Parkway, through the Harriman State Park and back to The Park for lunch.
Our Tucson’s were across the street from The Park in the garage. Our first stop was the Rockefeller lookout which absolutely amazing. That is a great spot. Next we were off to Lake Kanawauke. When we arrived we traded our Sport for the Limited Edition.
I just have to say I really loved the way the Tucson drove. The blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert is always good to have as well as the rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The ventilated front seats kept me cool so that got two thumbs up. The rear seats have adjustable recline which my kids will love. Hands free smart power liftgate with auto open and heigh setting. Just wait three seconds and your trunk will automatically open. There’s also a dual- level cargo floor. Improved road noise isolation which I appreciated very much. Premium 19″ alloy wheels.
The Limited Edition was my favorite. Leather seats, and huge sun roof was just some of the interior features.
The prominent hexagonal-shaped grille, stylishly efficient LED low-beam headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are presented below a sculpted hood.
The standard integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition lets you take calls and stream audio, without taking your hands off the wheel. There’s also a standard 5-inch color touchscreen audio system and rearview camera. At the top of the tech wish list is the 8-inch color touchscreen navigation system with a rearview camera, and NavTraffic which provides real-time road conditions that’ll help you avoid traffic jams and give a clear picture of alternative routes. Also if you have an Apple Watch it is compatible with it using Hyundai’s blue link system.
The Tucson SE 2.0L 4-cylinder engine gets up to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG Highway.The Eco, Sport and Limited’s 1.6 Turbo GDI engine steps up the horsepower to 175 and can still deliver up to an EPA-estimated 33 MPG Highway. Both engines were designed to give you the optimal balance of horsepower and MPG.
Tucson SE from $22,700
Tucson ECO from $24,150
Tucson Sport from $26,150
Tucson Limited from $29,900
Comes in beautiful colors like Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset, Ruby Wine, Chromium Silver, Coliseum Grey, Mojave Sand, Winter White and Ash Black. I loved all the colors but my top 3 were Caribbean Blue, Sedona Sunset and Chromium Silver.
I’m ready to take this baby on a road trip or an adventure with the family. Hope to bring you more pictures.
What color and features do you like?
Check out http://www.hyundaiusa.com for more info and @Hyundai on Twitter and @HyundaiUSA on Instagram.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to attend this media event. Opinions are mine 100% as always.