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2016 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2017 Hyundai Tucson: Which is Better?

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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:
Model
2016 Clean Retail Price
2017 Clean Retail Price
Hyundai Tucson SE FWD
$16,601
$17,547
Hyundai Tucson SE AWD
$16,601
$17,547
Hyundai Tucson Eco FWD
$16,876
$17,722
Hyundai Tucson Eco AWD
$16,901
$17,772
Hyundai Tucson Sport FWD
$17,326
$18,397
Hyundai Tucson Value FWD
N/A
$18,772
Hyundai Tucson SE Plus FWD
N/A
$19,272
Hyundai Tucson Sport AWD
$18,076
$19,547
Hyundai Tucson Night FWD
N/A
$20,072
Hyundai Tucson Value AWD
N/A
$20,047
Hyundai Tucson SE Plus AWD
N/A
$19,847
Hyundai Tucson Night AWD
N/A
$20,797
Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD
$18,976
$21,097
Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD
$19,576
$21,822
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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.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
2017 Hyundai Tucson
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) 
Transmission
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)
Drivetrain
FWD or AWD
FWD or AWD
Maximum towing capacity
1,500 lbs
1,500 lbs

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.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
2017 Hyundai Tucson
Base engine (2.0-liter) w/FWD
23/31 mpg (city/highway)
23/30 mpg (city/highway)
Base engine (2.0-liter) w/AWD
21/26 mpg
21/26 mpg
Upgraded engine (1.6-liter turbo) w/FWD
25/30 mpg
25/30 mpg
Upgraded engine (1.6-liter turbo) w/AWD
24/28 mpg
24/28 mpg
Tucson Eco (1.6-liter turbo) w/FWD
26/33 mpg
26/32 mpg
Tucson Eco (1.6-liter turbo) w/AWD
25/31 mpg
25/30 mpg

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.
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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:
  • Heated seats
  • Power front seats
  • Power liftgate
  • 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • 8.0-inch screen on SE Plus and Limited models
  • Hyundai BlueLink
  • Navigation

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
app for a personalized list of the most competitive quotes available to you from over 55 top insurers. It only takes a minute to sign up, and Jerry can gather and compare custom quotes in just 45 seconds.
Plus, since Jerry is a licensed insurance broker, you can use our
trustworthy super app
to get set up with your new policy when you find one that you want!
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