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2016 Hyundai Tucson

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Hyundai Tucson
Pictured: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI PHEV Prime (IV) – f 05072025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV Fcev, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FCV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 26 city / 32 hwy
Length
173.6–176.4 in
Curb weight
3,439–4,101 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,626 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 257 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,602 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), 14% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1626 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2016

  • New body dimensions: 3.2 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 28

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Tucson →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.6L 4-cyl
Engine–2.0L 4-cyl

Trims

SE Popular, ECO, Sport, LimitedSE

Built in: Ulsan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Tucson configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD176.4 in72.8 in65 in105.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,602 lb58/42
4dr SUV Fcev173.6 in71.3 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,101 lb
4dr SUV FWD176.4 in72.8 in65 in105.1 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,439 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tucson Fuel Cell FCVAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive49 / 51 / 50–––
Tucson Eco FWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 32 / 28+14%$2,400317
Tucson FWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+10%$2,500335
Tucson Eco AWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)All-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+17%$2,500334
Tucson FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+6%$2,600342
Tucson AWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)All-Wheel Drive24 / 28 / 25+9%$2,700355
Tucson AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 230%$2,900389
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $12,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Hyundai Tucson (this car)28 MPGNot rated5
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2016 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2016 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated4
2016 Honda HR-V31 MPGNot rated2
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 4, 2020 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Trailer Hitches · Nov 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V842000 · 6,172 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System › Software · Aug 30, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V628000 · 41,000 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Risk
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · May 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V348000 · 81,000 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Mar 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V147000 · 2,263 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,626Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
26Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
5,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train515
Engine424
Unknown Or Other264
Structure › Body221
Electrical System214
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch127
Vehicle Speed Control112
Fuel/Propulsion System55
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1224/12: 425/01: 325/02: 725/03: 425/04: 425/05: 725/06: 525/07: 1025/08: 925/09: 925/10: 525/11: 925/12: 426/01: 1026/02: 426/03: 1226/04: 526/05: 626/06: 826/07: 426/08: 226/09: 426/10: 624/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 12

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Power Train — 515 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 424 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Structure › Body — 221 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tucson years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tucson38182.3 inNot rated699
2025 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★7448
2024 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★4152
2023 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★2182
2022 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★3506
2021 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★180
2020 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★1179
2019 Tucson26176.4 in★★★★★1385
2018 Tucson27176.4 in★★★★★1399
2017 Tucson28176.4 in★★★★★31,093
2015 Tucson25173.2 inNot rated2229
2014 Tucson25173.2 inNot rated2195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →