Tucson a force in the compact tall-wagon class

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is poised to go from contender to leader in the compact tall-wagon class.

In a field dominated by the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, buyers aren't lacking for choice. With each successive effort, the Tucson closes the gap with its pack peers to a point where it would be foolish not to include it on your long list.

The Tucson's design mimics that of the larger Santa Fe, especially when it comes to the trapezoidal grille.

The Hyundai gains 3 inches in overall length while the front and rear wheels are set 1 inch farther apart. Interior volume with the split-folding rear seat in place also increases by an impressive 20 percent, but falls short of the league-leading Honda CR-V.

The rear seat now reclines 37 degrees and the dashboard/control panel is now cleaner and more business-like.

Alpha Daramy, Internet manager at Hyundai of Las Vegas, said customers are gravitating toward the Tucson due to the increased cargo space.

"Some people don't want to go up to the Santa Fe, which is a lot bigger, so this is right between a car and a large SUV," he said. "It's also a lot better than the old body style, which was smaller and didn't have the same gadgets. They've upgraded the screens on the inside so they're easy to use and can be connected with a cellphone."

The base SE gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Eco, Sport and Limited versions feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that delivers 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

It replaces the previously optional nonturbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 182/177. A six-speed automatic transmission connects to the 2.0, while a segment-exclusive seven-speed automated manual transmission is hooked to the turbo 1.6. All-wheel-drive is optional with either engine.

The unit has an all-wheel-drive lock control switch that lets you "hold" the torque split equally between the front and rear wheels for maximum traction on rough terrain. AWD can also direct extra torque to the outside rear wheel when the Tucson is turning, while at the same time applying light braking to the inside rear wheel. This "torque vectoring" makes for more stable cornering.

For improved ride comfort and control, Hyundai has stiffened the front and rear suspension attachment points, upgraded the engine mounts and bushings and increased the amount of sound insulation.

The base price for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is $23,600.

All Tucsons come with the usual power-operated features plus air conditioning. Along with the turbo engine, the Eco adds exterior roof rails plus an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support.

Sport buyers get heated front seats, pushbutton start, the latest collision-mitigating/avoidance tech and 19-inch wheels (17-inchers are standard).

The top-end Limited includes dual-zone climate control, leather-covered seats, LED headlights and taillights and a combination premium sound/navigation system. Among the few available options is a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.

Daramy said the four-door sub-compact wagon offers something for everyone.

"It's great for people who want to get out and explore, go mountain climbing and snowboarding because it can hold all your stuff and if you have large animals there's plenty of space for them," he said. "Anyone can own this vehicle."

— Reporter Ann Friedman contributed to this report.

The all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson redefines the crossover utility vehicle. This compact CUV maximizes interior space and visibility. COURTESY