"There’s an underlying current of simplicity and goodness to this basic Tucson that wins us over. And to throw a little more gas on the fire, choosing the $36,649 2016 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Limited (that still undercuts the as-tested price of our loaded Ford Escape SE) nets a 175-hp 195 lb-ft 1.6-litre turbo four, slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, leather, 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, premium audio, power liftgate, 19-inch wheels… you get the picture."
Have you driven the dual clutch ?! It's the antithesis of "slick" and was the reason we bought the Escape instead (2.0 turbo/6 spd. auto).
The sweet spot in the Tucson lineup is the 2.0 Luxury ( $34,014 D and D + $1000 currently on hood) if you value smoothness over power.
At that price it blows away a loaded Escape SE except of course on driving dynamics. It also comes with sensible and good riding 17" tires.