A base model 2016 Hyundai Tucson typically costs about $1,000 less than a 2017 model. However, if you want a top-spec Tucson Limited, you’ll pay about $2,000 less for a 2016 model than a 2017. SE Plus, Value, and Night trims were also added for the 2017 model year.
The Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV was first introduced for the 2005 model year, and is currently in its fourth generation. While the fourth generation models have been heralded as some of the best yet, the third generation is considered a lower point in the model’s nearly two-decade history.
If you’re trying to decide between a 2016 or 2017 Hyundai Tucson, Jerry
is here with a thorough guide through all of their differences. And once we’ve helped make up your mind, we’ll let you know how to use our car insurance
comparison app to optimize your Hyundai Tucson insurance costs
. 2016 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2017 Hyundai Tucson: what’s the difference?
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV model. It was the smallest Hyundai SUV available for both 2016 and 2017 model years, appearing in the 2017 Hyundai SUV lineup with the midsized Santa Fe
and Santa Fe Sport
. The 2023 Tucson continues to be produced for the current lineup, but it’s no longer the smallest Hyundai crossover. It’s now undersized by the Hyundai Venue
, Kona
, and Kona N models. The Tucson competes with other compact utes like the Nissan Rogue
and Toyota RAV4
. Let’s take a closer look at what changed between the 2016 and 2017 Tucson models.
Pricing
Pricing for the Hyundai Tucson remained about the same between the 2017 and 2016 model years. In fact, the starting MSRP for the most affordable model, the front-wheel drive (FWD) SE, was $22,700 for both years. And the most expensive trim, the Tucson Limited
with all-wheel drive (AWD), had a starting price of $31,300 for 2016, compared to the 2017 MSRP of $31,175. The newly added 2017 Tucson SE Plus, Value
, and Night trims slotted in between the Sport
and Limited trims. Here is a comparison of MotorTrend’s Clean Retail Price ratings between the two model years: | | |
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Hyundai Tucson SE Plus FWD | | |
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Hyundai Tucson SE Plus AWD | | |
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Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD | | |
Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD | | |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers General specs
Thetwo models are really quite similar—the price difference can be attributed mostly to an extra year of value depreciation. 2017 Eco and Sport models get rear air-conditioning vents and the cloth upholstery in non-leather models got upgraded to YES Essentials stain-resistant material.
The extra gap in value between the Limited trims can be attributed to the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on 2017 models.
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Base engine (SE, SE Plus) | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (164 horsepower) | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (164 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (Eco, Sport, Value, Night, and Limited) | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower) | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower) |
| 6-speed automatic (2.0-liter) or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (1.6-liter turbo) | 6-speed automatic (2.0-liter) or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (1.6-liter turbo) |
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Fuel economy
The upgraded turbocharged engine allows for slightly better city fuel economy than the base engine, and the Eco models are tuned for even better efficiency. According to the EPA, highway fuel economy was slightly better on certain 2016 Tucson models, despite the fact that the powertrains in the 2017 models are essentially identical.
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Base engine (2.0-liter) w/FWD | | |
Base engine (2.0-liter) w/AWD | | |
Upgraded engine (1.6-liter turbo) w/FWD | | |
Upgraded engine (1.6-liter turbo) w/AWD | | |
Tucson Eco (1.6-liter turbo) w/FWD | | |
Tucson Eco (1.6-liter turbo) w/AWD | | |
Safety ratings
Both the 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Tucson received five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and they both got Top Safety Pick+ accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for their respective years.
However, the IIHS awards only apply to Tucson models that were equipped with the optional lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking systems.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Styling and interior changes
The interior of the Hyundai Tucson was the main change between the 2016 and 2017 models. For 2017, Limited trims received an infotainment upgrade that included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an upgraded 315-watt Infinity sound system.
Stain-resistant fabric was also added to the Eco and Sport trims. Eco models also got console-mounted vents for rear-seat climate control, and starting with the Sport trims and up, interior door paneling materials were updated for higher quality.
Other available interior feature highlights include:
5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
8.0-inch screen on SE Plus and Limited models
Night edition
The coolest new addition to the Hyundai Tucson lineup for the 2017 model year was the Tucson Night. This model was essentially a Tucson Sport with custom 19-inch matte-black Rays wheels, a tinted panoramic sunroof, a perforated-leather steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Red highlights on details like the valve-stem caps also give the Night edition its own subtle uniqueness.
2016 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2017 Hyundai Tucson: which should you buy?
For the best value, go with the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco, but if you want the most luxury and technology features, choose the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Limited. AWD models will unlock the full 1,500-lb towing capacity, while sacrificing some fuel economy.
How to save on Hyundai insurance
Regardless of which Hyundai model you end up driving, you’ll enjoy the fact that Hyundai insurance costs
are usually fairly low. This is especially true for models equipped with the award-winning driver assistance tech. But if you want the ultimate in car insurance savings, download the Jerry
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