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

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 176.4 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,602 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV Fcev | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 65.4 in | 103.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,101 lb | |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 176.4 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,439 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson Fuel Cell FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 51 / 50 | – | – | – | |
| Tucson Eco FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +14% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Tucson FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +10% | $2,500 | 335 |
| Tucson Eco AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +17% | $2,500 | 334 |
| Tucson FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Tucson AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 28 / 25 | +9% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Tucson AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 389 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Honda HR-V | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Not every 2016 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Power Train — 515 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 424 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 221 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 99 |
| 2025 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 448 |
| 2024 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 152 |
| 2023 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 182 |
| 2022 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 506 |
| 2021 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 179 |
| 2019 Tucson | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 385 |
| 2018 Tucson | 27 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
| 2017 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,093 |
| 2015 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 229 |
| 2014 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →