Nissan is kicking some tail at the dealerships with sales of their Rogue. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are standbys that some customers are only willing to look at. Now, Hyundai has revealed its 2016 Tucson and we’re pleasantly surprise.

Not that we expected less, it’s just that the Tucson has always felt a little behind its competitors in design and, lets face it, market appeal. What did they do that upped the ante?

It’s more aggressive – Not only is the exterior design more aggressive with a more chiseled nose, the manufacturer is giving buyers two engine choices- a 1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine mated to a 7-Speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission and a 2.0L 4-Cylinder engine mated to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission.

Four distinct trim levels – Honda, we’re looking at you and your eight different Odyssey trim levels. We’re over it. Hyundai’s four distinct trim levels are neat, tidy packages of offerings made even better by the fact that they’re named four distinct things and not just similar sound letter abbreviations.

• SE – Well-equipped, price-leading model including popular options
• Eco – Affordable turbo model that delivers more power and improved fuel economy
• Sport – Features sporty cues and driving dynamics
• Limited – Luxury model with leather, advanced technology and other premium features

More standard features for your money – Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America said it best when he said, “the Tucson SE has a MSRP advantage and averages $700 in additional content compared to its competitors in the class.” There’s also a more comprehensive warranty offered on the 2016 Tuscon than competitors offer.

They’ve strengthened its rigidity – While it may seem not as important as the aesthetic of the vehicle, personal safety is something all families should consider when looking at a vehicle. Hyundai has enhanced the Tucson’s rigidity 48% from the previous model and straightened the A pillar, translating in a safer vehicle frame.

You’ll ride more smoothly – The new Tucson’s added ridgidity combined with a newly engineered suspension translates to less road and wind noise for the driver and passengers to hear than competitor’s vehicles.

Hyundai added more cargo room – While it still has a smaller cargo area than the CR-V, RAV4, and Rogue, the 2016 Tucson has seen its cargo volume rise to 31 cubic feet. That’s over 7 inches more than what the new Honda HR-V offers.

The trunk opens without a balancing act – Ford had the right idea when they introduced their hands free lift gate. However, we’ve never driven a Ford that hasn’t left us wildly waving our foot under the lift gate hoping to have triggered the lift gate sensor while trying not to fall over. Hyundai made it easy. Simply have the fob on you (in a purse, in your pocket, etc.) and stand at the back of the vehicle for three seconds. Presto! The lift gate rises. Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?!

It just feels good – We’re talking about the soft-touch steering wheel and other components that feel just-right in your hands and on your fingertips- much like what Lexus and Lincoln offer.

What does this all mean for competitors? The competition is getting stiff. More used to be options have become standard. Buyers are going to be getting more for their money. The #NewTucson shows it is possible to take on the CR-V and RAV4.