The 2019 Hyundai Tucson aims to provide a touch of modern driving at an affordable price. There’s no spin or gimmick to it. There are seven different model trims available for the 2019 Tucson. That’s almost a glut of choices. There’s the base model SE that comes well-equipped with features like forward crash avoidance technology and a 7-inch touchscreen. Value, SEL, Sport, Night, Limited, and Ultimate trims add features incrementally even though the price tag doesn’t jump up drastically for each level. There are two powertrain options, both of which are four-cylinder fuel sippers. You can even equip all-wheel drive on any of the models but expect a hit on fuel economy if you do so.
The features you want on a crossover SUV are there, but you’ll have to find which model trim carries them. For example, the hands-free liftgate is useful, but it’s not available on the base model. The Tucson provides an affordable base, but you must determine what you want from a crossover to build the Tucson that’s right for you. Check out some of the features in greater detail.
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2019 Hyundai Tucson Exterior
Designers of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson effectively updated the exterior of the vehicle without employing too much bulky paneling. It has a new front grille style and lighting configuration upfront. The rear lighting tacks on a few extra style points by borrowing from other vehicles in the Hyundai lineup. Altogether, the exterior of the new Tucson is modern, but not groundbreaking.
The size of the Tucson is nestled right in the sweet spot for mid-sized crossovers. The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is 72.8 inches wide and 176.4 inches long. For a point of comparison, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 73 inches wide and 180.9 inches long. The Night model trim gives the Tucson some of its best exterior looks. It comes with large 19-inch alloy wheels with a polished black finish. It has fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, dual exhaust, blacked-out front grille and other body-color elements around the vehicle.
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2019 Hyundai Tucson Performance
The 2019 Tucson isn’t necessarily built for speed, but it is remarkably fuel efficient for a non-hybrid. There are two engine configurations to choose from. In its Value and SE trims, the 2019 Tucson gets 23 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway. The base model and Value trims come with a 2.0 Liter, four-cylinder engine that gets 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.
Four other model trims are available that come with a slightly more-spirited 2.4 Liter version of the four-cylinder engine. It’s capable of achieving 181 horsepower and 175 lb. ft. of torque. That’s high-end torque though, so don’t expect to beat other vehicles in a drag race. When it comes to low RPMs, you won’t notice the bump in performance.
A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, but all models can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. The drive mode selector is a bit tame, but handy if you’re looking for some diversion on a boring drive. The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs., but the SE and Value trims can only tow 1,500 lbs. These are still respectable numbers for a four-cylinder crossover in today’s market and should be viewed as a bonus.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Interior
The interior layout of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is polarizing. You’ll either love the horizontal cascading surfaces or hate them. On one hand, you have a higher interface. On the other hand, you can’t overlook the budget look of the hard plastic itself. This design layout puts the Tucson in lockstep with the latest rendition of the Hyundai Kona, an update for this year.
Aside from the dashboard, there’s much to like about the interior of the Tucson. The Limited model trim is attractive with its leather seating. The Night and Ultimate models throw in a panoramic sunroof. The available panoramic sunroof really opens up the already expansive interior space. So does the hands-free liftgate in the back. The 2019 Tucson has 133.2 cubic feet of interior volume with plenty of storage options and legroom for rear row occupants.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Technology
The base model trim of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson comes well-equipped with technology and infotainment features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard and so are keyless entry and a 7-inch touchscreen display. You get 2 power outlets and a front USB connection, as well.
The top of the line Ultimate trim goes a long way to sweeten the tech of the Tucson. The center console interface is slightly larger. There is a sweet 8 speaker Infinity premium audio sound system and additional USB outlets in the back row. You also get a wireless charging console, so you never have to worry about that pesky low battery notification on your smartphone.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Safety Features
The 2019 Tucson from Hyundai was awarded a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its excellent use of LED lighting and collision avoidance technology. The Tucson also gets five stars from the NHTSA. Base models of the 2019 Tucson come competitively equipped with safety features. You get a rearview camera, a full complement of airbags and child safety locks on the rear doors.
Where other automakers would stop, the Hyundai Tucson goes a bit further by adding driver attention warnings, lane-keeping technology, and forward collision avoidance. Here is where the Value model trim gets a gold star. It adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision warnings with only a slight uptick in price from the base model SE. The only safety feature you’re missing is the Surround View Monitoring system that comes on the Limited model.
Value for the Win
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has an estimated net price of $20,950 and all models come with a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty. The base model is a budget vehicle, but even the higher model trims don’t stretch the budget beyond its limit. With only a slight boost to the bottom line, it would be beneficial to start looking at the SEL, Sport, and Limited model trims. It all depends on your needs. If fuel economy ranks high on your list, then don’t equip the all-wheel drive. If stylish amenities and useful features raise your eyebrows, then the 2019 Tucson can offer loads of value over its competitors. All in all, the 2019 Tucson from Hyundai puts a modern spin on budget buying.