New or Redesigned SUV & Crossover Models for 2016

2016 Fiat 500X - Exterior - Blue - Front Driver Three-Quarter View ・ Photo by FCA Media

Believe it or not, the 2016 models are already starting to appear in dealers' showrooms. In the SUV and crossover category, new models for 2016 include the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-3. Read on to learn more about these new and redesigned 2016 models.

2016 Fiat 500X - The Authentic Italian.. Jeep?

The 2016 FIAT 500X is an all-new 5-door small crossover that rides on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade. Available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the Fiat is tuned a little more towards on-road comfort and performance than the Jeep. Engine options are a 1.4 liter MultiAir turbo engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (this combo is only available with front-wheel drive), or a 2.4 liter MultiAir normally aspirated unit mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Photo by FCA Media

2016 Fiat 500X - Notable Features

All-wheel drive models get a disconnecting rear axle to improve fuel efficiency when the extra traction isn’t needed, and three driving modes (Auto, Sport, and Traction +) are available for different conditions. Safety systems include Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Cross Path detection, while the stability control system incorporates Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation. The 500x is also available with one of the industry-leading Uconnect systems, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Photo by FIAT

2016 Honda HR-V - Enlarging the Mini Crossover Segment

The HR-V is Honda’s entry into the nascent mini crossover segment. Riding on a new global platform, the 4-door HR-V is powered by a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission (2WD models only) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda’s G-design shift logic. All-wheel drive models use Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System that automatically transfers power to the rear wheels when a loss of traction is detected.

2016 Honda HR-V - Notable Features

The 2016 Honda HR-V incorporates Honda’s second generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, which is designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from frontal collisions. Other safety features include an ABS system with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, the Honda LaneWatch Blind Spot Display, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Honda’s ECO Assist feature changes the speedometer illumination from blue to green depending on the driver’s fuel efficiency.

Photo by Honda

2016 Honda Pilot - All It’s Missing is a HondaVAC

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size 8-passenger crossover SUV that was designed and developed (and will be built) in the USA. The new 2016 model includes a more powerful direct injected 3.5 liter Earth Dreams V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a 6 or 9-speed automatic transmission. The available Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system and selectable Intelligent Traction Management system (featuring Normal, Mud, sand, and Snow modes) help keep the Pilot moving, no matter the road conditions.

Photo by Honda

2016 Honda Pilot - Notable Features

The 2016 Pilot features upgraded Display Audio and navigation systems. The Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance systems include Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, while the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) II Body Structure helps distribute crash forces. Also available are Song By Voice, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines, a Rear Entertainment System with HDMI interface and 115V power outlet, and Auto High-Beam Headlights. Towing capacity is 3,500 lbs for 2WD models and 5,000 lbs for AWD models.

Photo by Honda

2016 Hyundai Tucson - More Comfortable, More Economical, and More Usable

The new Hyundai Tuscon offers a new exterior (and interior) design, more space, and better fuel efficiency. Longer, wider, and with a stretched wheelbase, cargo room has been increased by 5 cubic feet (to 31.0 cubic feet), with a dual-level rear cargo floor to maximize versatility. The base engine is a 2.0 liter direct injected 4 cylinder, while a new optional 1.6 liter turbo engine makes a bit less horsepower than the previously optional 2.4 litre unit, but significantly more torque, while improving fuel economy by 3 to 5 MPG.

Photo by Hyundai

2016 Hyundai Tucson - Notable Features

The Tucson’s safety systems include Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. The interior has available ventilated front seats to keep you cool and YES Essentials stain resistant seats to help deal with anything you (or your kids) can throw at it. All-wheel drive versions have a driver-selectable AWD lock for off-road and slippery conditions, as well as Hillstart Assist, Downhill Brake Control, and Active Cornering Control that transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction.

2016 Kia Sorento - Another Successful Update From the Korean Manufacturer

When developing the new 2016 Kia Sorento, the design and engineering teams focused on a stronger body structure, which helps reduce NVH and increase driving confidence. The available advanced AWD system automatically sends power to the wheel that has the most traction, while the 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear axles. Engine choices include a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder, a new turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder, and a 3.3 liter V6; power ranges from 185 horsepower up to 290 HP.

Photo by Kia Media

2016 Kia Sorento - Notable Features

Sorentos powered by 4-cylinder engines can carry five passengers, while V6 powered models have seating for seven. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, premium Nappa leather, and dual-zone HVAC are optional. An available 12-speaker Infinity stereo system uses Clari-Fi technology to restore missing highs and lows and remove unwanted distortion from compressed audio files. Kia’s UVO eServices now includes Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score, great for those with new drivers in their family. Other safety features include the Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Surround View Monitor (SVM).

Photo by Kia Media