In the crowded crossover market, some of the SUV’s opt for practicality over style. Some are ultra -modern while some are completely utilitarian. The 2019 Hyundai Tucson combines all of them into a handsome looking package with class-leading cabin and exceptional value. It has also got 5 star rating from federal agencies in terms of security which is commendable at this price point.
Hyundai Tucson is powered by standard inline four which puts out 164 hp and a much powerful 181 hp four banger. You get front wheel drive as standard with optional all-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic is standard. The interior is pleasant and spacious which is crafted from world class material.
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That the Tucson undercuts its rivals by thousands of dollars and comes equipped with a long list of safety features. For 2019 the revised Tucson competes with sales leaders such as Subaru Forester, GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Features
Hyundai is known for offering less in more. The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is available in 6 trim levels which are as follows:
SE: $24,245
Value: $25,695
SEL: $26,645
Sport: $28,745
Limited: $29,945
Ultimate: $32,595
The Hyundai Tucson is well equipped no matter what trim you choose. The SE and the Value come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The SEL, Sport, Limited and ultimate gets a 2.4-liter engine generating 181 hp and 175 lb-ft. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Tucson starts at $24,245 for base trim and goes up to $32,595 for the top variant.
Trims
SE
SEL
SEL PLUS
VALUE
LIMITED
MSRP
(FWD)
$22,550
$23,800
$26,700
$26,550
$29,425
MSRP
(AWD)
$23,950
$25,200
$28,100
$27,950
$30,825
Key Features
Automatic projector headlights.
SE+
LED accents and LED Daytime Running Lights
SEL+
LED approach lights (front door handles).
SEL+
Panoramic sunroof (one-touch open and rear shade).
VALUE+
LED headlights.
HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light
(Optional).
Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Light (CHMSL).
Front fog lights.
8-way power driver seat
Side mirrors with turn-signal indicators.
Premium Audio System.
Clari-Fi Music Restoration
8-way power passenger seat
Heated side mirrors.
Power lumbar support.
Shark-fin roof antenna.
Technology, external amp and 8 speakers (2 front-door-mounted speakers,
2 tweeters, 2 rear speakers, center front, subwoofer) (no CD player).
Premium instrument panel.
Ventilated front seats.
Cloth seating surfaces.
Heated front seats (3-steps).
Leather seating surfaces.
8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and Infinity Premium Audio System
YES, Essentials cloth (Beige and Gray only).
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and Infinity
6-way adjustable driver seat.
HD Radio/Sirius Satellite Radio
Blue LinkConnected Car System.
Air conditioning.
We Recommend
The Tucson is well equipped no matter which trims you choose. The SEL variant hits the sweet spot, as it adds more features at a cheaper price. You get features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat USB port and swanky exterior styling.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Engine
“If you decide to buy a Tucson, we recommend going with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. Yes, the price is lower on the 2.0-liter equipped SE, but this engine is less refined and just doesn't feel powerful enough for a vehicle of this size. The turbocharged engine is peppy, smooth and respectably fuel-efficient” – Edmunds
The Hyundai Tucson in the SE and Value trims come standard with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine which generates 164 hp and 151-pound feet of torque. The SEL, Sport and Limited variant are powered by a 2.4 liter inline four which puts out 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both of the powertrains are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Front –wheel drive is standard on all trims and you can also opt for all-wheel drive. Power delivery is linear and shifts are butter smooth.
Models
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
MSRP
$24,245
$24,795
$24,295
$26,195
$25,690
$25,100
Engine
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.5L i4 Turbocharged gas
2.5L flat4 Regular Unleaded
1.5L i4 Turbo Gas/Ethanol
2.4L i4
2.5L i4 Regular Unleaded
Transmission
6 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
Continuously variable automatic
9 Speed automatic
Continuously variable automatic
6 Speed automatic
Horsepower
164 hp@ 6200rpm
170 hp@ 5600rpm
182 hp@ 5800 rpm
170 hp@ 5600rpm
166 hp@ 6000rpm
168 hp@ 6000rpm
Torque
151 ft-lbs@ 4500rpm
203 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm
176 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm
203 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm
162 ft-lbs@ 4200rpm
170 ft-lbs@ 4500rpm
The Subaru Forester produces the highest amount of horsepower and torque because of the bigger capacity powertrain. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are similar in terms of output while the Tucson stands at last.
Acceleration
The Hyundai Tucson with its 2.0 liter engine doesn’t provide brisk acceleration but it is ample grunt for city driving and highway passes. The 2.4 liters 181 hp four-cylinder is a bit quicker in attaining 0 to 60 mark. The transmission shifts smoothly over the rev range and makes most of the horsepower.
Models
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
0-60 MPH
8.8 sec
7.5
9.6 sec
6.8 sec
N/A
7.1 sec
Quarter mile
N/A
N/A
17.3 sec
15.4 sec
N/A
16.7 sec
Engine
2.0L i4 Regular Unleaded
1.5L i4 Turbocharged gas
2.5L flat4 Regular Unleaded
1.5L i4 Turbo Gas/Ethanol
2.4L i4
2.5L i4 Regular Unleaded
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
6.7
6.3
N/A
N/A
6.5
7.3
The GMC sprints to 60 mph in just 6.8 second because of its low curb weight followed by Chevrolet Equinox. Hyundai Tucson takes 8.8 seconds while Subaru stands at last with 9.6 seconds.
Ride and Handling
The Hyundai Tucson is a capable crossover with two engine options to choose from: the 2.0 liter producing 161 hp and 2.4 liters producing 184 hp. Both of them are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The cabin is noticeably quiet at highway speed and wind noise can be barely heard. Tucson’s suspension is composed and does a good job in soaking bumps. The ride quality is compliant and the car feels connected to the tarmac.
The electric-assisted steering doesn’t feel sporty but it is very predictable. It is well weighted and changes direction with confidence. It is not athletic like the Mazda CX-5 but nimble steering helps in controlled body movement. Choosing Sport mode from the drive settings changes the reactions of the throttle and transmission for somewhat more fun. The larger 19-inch alloy wheels do impact ride quality in a negative way.
Braking
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson packs a 12-inch front and 11.9 inch rear disk braking system. The brakes are easy to modulate in the city and on the highway. Emergency stops are straight and the brakes feel confident on corners.
Model
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
Brake Front (in.)
12
11.8
11.8
11.6
11.6
12.8
Brake Rear (in.)
11.9
11.4
11.3
11.2
11.9
12
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3300
3274
3499
3449
3329
3552
60-0 MPH (ft.)
118
123
129
130
N/A
112
Hyundai Tucson stops at 118 feet which is above average in this segment. Most of the rivals take more distance than the Tucson in case of an emergency stop.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Tucson provides a decent fuel economy with both of its engines. The 2.0 liter four cylinder with 164 hp delivers 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.4-liter engine with 181 hp is able to deliver 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Opting for all wheel drive will significantly drop the mileage in both the variants.
Model
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
MPG (city)
23
26
26
26
25
21
MPG (highway)
30
32
30
32
30
29
MPG (combined)
26
28
28
28
27
24
Range (miles) (city/highway)
377/492
387 / 477
431.6/547.8
387.4/447
415/498
330/455
Tank Capacity (gal)
16.4
14.9
14.9
14.9
16.6
15.7
Most of the rivals return similar fuel economies while the Hyundai Tucson stands at last with 26 mpg combined.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Interior
“Once underway you'll be impressed by the Tucson's quiet and refined ride quality, something Hyundai representatives told us was a specific focus for the new crossover." - Forbes
Seating and comfort
The cabin is more like European cars with a monochromatic theme and inspired by the popular Kona. It is spacious and well-built with a new center stack and a new infotainment screen. The neatly designed dashboard houses clearly labeled controls and the layout is driver focused.
Inside the Kona is brilliantly designed to look good with an ample amount of space. The front seats are reasonably comfortable with a great amount of support and cushioning. Touchpoints for knees and elbows are nicely padded. The 60/40 rear folding seats provide a good amount of headroom and legroom for an average individual. They also feature a slight reclining adjustment. The panoramic sunroof can be slide all the way back to feel limitless space and fresh air.
Model
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
7
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.6/57.1/41.5
40.0/57.2/40.9
40.0/57.2/40.9
41.2/58.2/43.3
40.6/56.4/40.9
39.9/55.9/43.1
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.2/55.5/38.2
38.5/55.5/39.7
38.5/55.6/39.7
39.6/57.2/39.4
38.4/56.0/37.3
39.0/55.2/37.3
The Chevrolet Equinox because of its larger dimensions have much interior space, just like the Subaru Forester and GMC Terrain. Hyundai Tucson is a little bit smaller in terms of interior space.
Interior Features
Some of the standard seating features include:
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Eight-way power adjustable front seats
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Infotainment system
The sensible dash houses simple controls for the climate and audio systems. At night, those controls are backlit in soft blue lighting. The digital display doesn't overload the driver with too much information. The 5-inch infotainment screen is intuitive to use and comes with the following amenities:
5-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth and USB port
Rearview camera
Optional features include:
7 or 8-inch touchscreen
Satellite radio
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Navigation
Infinity audio system
Aux Input and Audio Jack
Sirius XM HD radio
Cargo Capacity
The Tucson has 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Individual’s praise about Tucson's available hands-free tailgate, which automatically opens when you stand behind the vehicle with the key in your pocket.
Model
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
31.0
29.9
29.6
35.4
10.3
34.0
The GMC Terrain has the best cargo space followed by Hyundai Tucson. The Equinox and GMC Terrain are similar in cargo capacity.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Exterior
The 2019 Tucson swims in the crossover mainstream -carconnection
Dimension and Height
The 2019 Tucson adopts the latest styling theme of Hyundai with bold and dynamic lines. The front end sports a glossy black and chrome hexagonal grille with angled shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights. Tucson’s rounded-square wheel arches are ideal for its 19-inch alloy wheels.
Tucson’s rear is smartly shaped with some new headlights and sleek aerodynamic spoiler. Two character lines, one from the front fender to the rear fender and just above the door handles accentuate the sporty appeal with beefy C pillar. Dimensions-wise, there isn’t much difference and the chassis that uses more than 50-percent high-strength steel contributes to Tucson’s excellent safety scores.
Model
Hyundai Tucson SE suv
Chevrolet Equinox L suv
Subaru Forester 2.5i suv
GMC Terrain SL suv
Mitsubishi Outlander ES suv
Ford Escape S suv
Curb weight (lbs.)
3300
3274
3499
3449
3329
3552
Length(in)
176.2
183.1
182.3
182.1
184.8
178.1
Width(in)
72.8
72.6
72.4
71.5
71.3
72.4
Height(in)
65.0
65.4
65.4
68.1
67.3
66.3
Ground clearance (in)
6.4
N/A
6.9
8.7
8.5
7.8
Wheelbase (in)
105.1
107.3
107.3
105.1
105.1
105.9
Track width (in) F/R
63.3/63.8
62.2/62.2
62.2/62.2
61.6/61.8
60.6/60.6
61.5/61.6
The Chevrolet Equinox cast the largest shadow with 183 inches of length. Subaru Forester and GMC terrain have somewhat similar dimensions and there is not much of a difference. Hyundai Tucson is the smallest among all.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Safety
The base Tucson gets all the standard safety features, however forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are available only on the higher trims. The value and Limited model also gets blind -spot monitoring, lane departure and parking sensors.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
2019 Hyundai Tucson Competition
Chevrolet Equinox Vs Hyundai Tucson
If you feel that the Tucson is a bit slow then you should refer to the Equinox. It accelerates fast while maintaining a smooth ride and feels agile through the turns. Plush interior and more cargo space is also a plus point for the Ford which might attract your attention. The Chevrolet Equinox has an edge in terms of overall performance.
Subaru Forester Vs Hyundai Tucson
There is not much difference between the two, the Tucson is a bit wider and has more headroom in the back. The Forester is longer with more ground clearance. The only area where the Subaru edges past Hyundai is the cargo space. Forester has almost 10 cubic-feet extra cargo space than the Tucson and it a better choice to go with as there is not much difference in the price. Subaru Forester is the best bang for your bucks and it is a worldwide bestseller.
GMC terrain Vs Hyundai Tucson
The GMC Terrain is a pretty appealing car which is powered by standard 1.5 liters turbocharged four cylinders which puts out 170 hp and comes mated to 9-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai Tucson has an edge in terms of overall performance while the Terrain excels in terms of interior space. Overall the Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded SUV with lots of features.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Final Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson doesn’t shine in anyone but it’s a solid all-around contender with smooth powertrain and comfortable cabin. You get peace of mind with outstanding crash test scores and excellent warranty coverage. It doesn’t try to be overly sporty and feels composed out on the road. Overall it is the best bang for your bucks.
