2016 Hyundai Tucson — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,332–$26,850
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$23,332–$26,850

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.7/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $23,332–$26,850, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Tucson sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,332 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 35%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Tucson Year Should You Buy?

Across the Tucson model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$31,621 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$31,621 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$30,700 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$29,779 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$28,858 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$27,937 Read review →
2020 7.9/10$27,016 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$26,095 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$25,174 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$24,253 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.6/10$23,332
2015 7.5/10$22,411 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Hyundai Tucson

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Hyundai Tucson (5 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
30/08/2016 · 16V628000
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…
Electrical system / Wiring
21/11/2016 · 16V842000
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…
Exterior lighting / Tail lights
10/03/2016 · 16V147000
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…
Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch
24/05/2016 · 16V348000
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module
04/09/2020 · 20V543000
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…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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