Nothing broke. That’s always a good start to a long-term test, and the Tucson is a model of simple practicality that promises ease of use and sturdy functionality. With a trim as modest as the Premium AWD, many of the electronic systems and interfaces that have been called out in JD Power’s recent Dependability Survey would not be a factor.

As a brand, Hyundai continues to rank below average, its 2013 models that were scored for this year’s study listed as having 158 Problem per 100 Vehicles (PP100), compared to industry average of 152 and leading brands (Lexus and Porsche) that score under 100. Although their overall brand ranking isn’t great, both the Accent and Sonata were top 3 in their respective segments, and 158 is a hugle leap better than the 188 PP100 Hyundai scored in the 2015 study (rating 2012 models) so these are some positive indicators for the brand.

In our tester, the touchscreen interface with traditional volume and tuning knob has been flawless. Sure, the screen is somewhat tiny, making the in-screen buttons a bit difficult to jab on the move when wearing gloves, which is necessary since this trim does not include higher trims’ heated steering wheel. Ate least the screen responds well no matter what gloves are worn, unlike the Kia Sorento’s screen, which is at times unresponsive to gloved hands.

In our week with the higher-spec Limited 1.6T, there was far more technology to play with that could challenge those that prefer simple controls, though it still retained Jacob’s favourite knobs (volume and tuning). Aside from the larger screen real estate, we miss the Limited’s navigation system (I just like having the maps on screen…) and auto climate control. Do I miss them enough to fork over an extra five to eight grand for the Luxury or Limited trim? Not even close.

With features like the split-folding rear seats, heated front and rear seats, cargo cover, roof rails and blind-spot warning, there is nothing that feels, well, missing. On top of my basic needs, I have some reservations about the powertrain upgrade.

First impressions: Long-Term Test Arrival: 2016 Hyundai Tucson

The 2.0L four-cylinder is a simple yet modern powertrain, with direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) powering it to 164 @ 6,200 rpm and 151 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm, modest numbers these days when even the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 pump out in excess of 180 hp and 180 lb-ft, while the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue manage 170 or more in both measures. Before we get into power delivery and driving characteristics, a note about fuel consumption. The 2.0 is not your efficiency option; at 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway in AWD trim, it trails more spacious and more powerful competitors mentioned above, by as much as 1.5 L/100 km in some cases. After a couple tanks of mixed winter driving, we are tracking at about 9.7 L/100 km, but we’ll see which way that goes long term.

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