2019 Hyundai Tucson
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Overview
The Hyundai Tucson has developed a reputation as an economy SUV from an economy automaker, but the past few years have seen great changes in the Hyundai ethos. For the Tucson, recent updates from Hyundai engineers in both design aesthetics and technology upgrades have changed that public image to nothing less than impressive. The 2019 model year continues to offer reliability, versatility, and pure fun drive-ability.
The Perfect Ride for...
The driver who wants modern style with well-rounded ability in a compact and affordable package. The 2019 Tucson will look great in your driveway and deliver the value and versatility you expect from a crossover SUV. Plus, the Tucson boasts powertrain options that help boost efficiency without leaving the driver wanting for more power. A five-door, five-seat compact crossover, the 2019 Tucson is offered in five trim levels with prices starting at $23,200.*
Drive & Handling
Base models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also choose a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, offering 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, while both powertrains are offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
With the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive, the Tucson gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway), while all-wheel-drive versions get 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).** Front-wheel drive models equipped with the 2.4-liter engine get 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).**
Key Features
Upgrades by Trim Level
The base Tucson model is the SE, which continues Hyundai’s tradition of offering a lot of standard equipment for a low price. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels; projector headlights; power-folding heated exterior mirrors; stain-resistant YES Essentials® cloth seating surfaces; six-way power driver’s seat; a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat; steering-wheel-mounted audio, cruise, and Bluetooth® controls; and a 7-inch color touchscreen, among other features.
The Tucson SEL package includes all of the applicable standard equipment from the SE and adds additional premiums features like fog lights, outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators, roof rails, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, and an illuminated glove box.
The top Tucson trim levels (the Sport and the Limited) add premium features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and proximity key entry. Finally, the Tucson Limited alone comes standard with LED headlights (HID headlights are optional), LED taillights, extra chrome exterior trim, leather seats, a power passenger’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Hyundai’s BlueLink® 2.0 telematics system, and an 8.0-inch central touchscreen display with integrated navigation.
Design
The Hyundai Tucson's exterior features the latest version of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, adapting the handsome look of the larger Santa Fe crossover and the stylish Sonata sedan. The body grille and wheel-arch flares give the Tucson some SUV toughness, but the overall appearance is still very sleek and car-like.
On the inside, the Tucson sports a comparably sophisticated design, with a contoured instrument panel meant to create a greater sense of space, a feeling backed up by 102.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. Increased use of premium materials for a higher-quality feel satisfies the modern appetite for tech, and infotainment system options vary with either the standard 7-inch or available 8.0-inch touchscreens. There’s also a usable 31.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 61.9 cubic feet of space with the seats folded.
Safety
The list of standard safety equipment on the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is lengthy, including anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and six standard airbags. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and backup warning sensors.
Alternative Options
If you're looking for a compact car with modern exterior styling that extends to a cleanly designed interior, the polished Hyundai Elantra rivals any of the competition's offerings, and its attractive looks, fuel efficiency, and plentiful options make it a high-value choice. Need something a bit more spacious than that? Not only does the Hyundai Sonata offer a powerful yet efficient ride, it's also a roomy and comfortable sedan that flirts with luxury levels of equipment and provides plenty of cargo space.
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* Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
** EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
Image Credit: Hyundai