2017 Hyundai Tucson Night AWD

Highlight: It’s the only vehicle in the segment with a gesture-free (radar-activated) tailgate opener, no foot waving or hand waving is required.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $30,220 (Base model $23,595)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; driver’s blind spot mirror; rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a vehicle stability control system; an electronic stability control system; a traction control system; a windshield wiper de-icer (AWD) model only; automatic headlights;

Standard Equipment (SE): 17-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a dual fold away power heated side mirror; a rear spoiler; cloth seats; a manually operated front seats; rear reclining seats; a rear center armrest; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; a manually operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen

Standard Equipment (Night): 19-inch wheels; 1.6-liter turbo; a single tip exhaust system; a 7-speed automatic transmission; LED Daytime Running Lights; a blind spot detection system; a hands free smart trunk system; a panoramic sunroof;  a power driver’s seat with lumbar support;  heated front seats; sliding extension for the dual vanity mirrors; rear seat a/c vents; fog lights; an illuminated glove compartment; a leather shift knob; a leather steering wheel;  a push button ignition starter system; front and rear LED map lights; aluminum-alloy sport pedals; a blind spot detection system; a lane change assist system; and a rear cross traffic alert system 

Options On Test Vehicle: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Level:

SE
SE Plus
Eco
Sport
Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with a satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Higher Trims Only

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/164-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
23-city/30-hwy

What’s New: After receiving a major redesign in 2016, the big news this year is the all-new Night trim, which enhances both the look and feel of the vehicle. Also there are a few upgrades to the infotainment system.

Why: Hyundai joins a number of automakers by adding a limited edition trim with its popular compact crossover. The all-new Night trim makes the conventional looking Tucson a standout in the Korean brand’s portfolio. This new package that makes the vehicle pop is available in several exterior colors: gray, blue, white or black.

Each vehicle outfitted with the Night trim package is equipped with 19-inch black wheels, black mirror caps, 19-inch wheels, aluminum sport pedals, a leather steering wheel and front and rear LED map lights. And like all Tucsons, this compact crossover is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

The Tucson, which offers a comfortable ride, continues to be available with either a 2.0-liter or a 1.6-liter turbo engine in a variety of trims. The turbo engine which pumps out 175-horsepower makes this a fuel-efficient, fun to drive compact.

And depending upon the trim, Hyundai’s compact crossover is available with ventilated front seats. More importantly, the five passenger vehicle can be outfitted with a hands free trunk opener. Unlike many of its competitors, the Tucson does not require one to use some type of foot (or hand) gesture to open the trunk. Hyundai’s cargo opening system, which is the same system one can find on the premium class Genesis G80, requires one to stand within a few feet of the tailgate, with the keyfob, and Voila everything opens up.

Inside the vehicle, with the easy to use controls and infotainment, occupants can now find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so that users can sync their smartphone with Hyundai’s audio system.

But: Unfortunately, the all-new Night trim is not available with leather seats. And for those seeking the most advanced safety driving aids, they’ll have to step up to the higher end Limited model. In the Limited model, they’ll have access to the lane departure warning system, a forward collision mitigation system and automatic braking. All of these items significantly decrease accidents.

Verdict: Hyundai’s five passenger compact crossover is a worthy contender in this segment. It is available with a spirited turbo engine and a new trim that enhances the overall look and feel of the Tucson.

Overall the Tucson is a great looking vehicle that offers many of the latest features that will appeal to all of the generations. The Tucson Night trim gives the compact crossover a different look and feel.

Competition: 2018 Chevy Equinox; 2018 GMC Terrain; Ford Escape; Mazda CX-3; Kia Sportage;  Nissan Rogue; and Toyota RAV4; Ford Escape; Honda CR-V; Mazda CX-5; Subaru Forester; and Toyota RAV4