Hyundai has given its compact Tucson SUV a number of notable updates for 2019, including revised styling, a new 2.4L engine to replace last year's 1.6L turbo four-cylinder, less-expensive active safety features and standard smartphone integration.
Gone is the 1.6T trim and its turbocharged engine. In its place is a 2.4L naturally aspirated motor that makes 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque; that's a bump of six horsepower compared to the old turbo but marks a loss of 20 lb-ft of torque.
The larger engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, one ratio down from the seven-speed dual-clutch that was standard with the 1.6T motor. Entry-level models carry forward a 2.0L engine with 161 hp and 150 lb-ft and a six-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive is optional with the 2.0L engine and standard in 2.4L models.
Considering the auto industry's current obsession with reducing fuel consumption, the Tucson with the 2.4L also stands out for being thirstier than last year's 1.6T, with ratings of 11.0/9.1 L/100 km (city/highway); the 1.6T's estimates in 2018 were 9.9/8.5.
Tucson's change in motivation leaves the subcompact Kona as the brand's only crossover/SUV model to use the 1.6T engine.
Updated styling accompanies a new trim structure adopted from other recent Hyundai designs. Offerings include Essential, Preferred, Luxury and Ultimate.
Other standard kit at the base level ($25,599, up $600 from 2018's entry point) includes a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic on/off headlights, 17-inch steel wheels and heated front seats.
New active safety features come bundled in Hyundai's $400 SmartSense suite, which brings forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist and a driver attention warning to the $26,000 Essential 2.0L FWD model, along with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert; last year, those items were limited to the Tucson's Ultimate trim at more than $38,000.
Preferred trim ($27,999, an $800 bump over the 2018 Premium model) adds a heated steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED mirror-mounted turn signal repeaters.
Preferred AWD trim with the Trend package is the least-expensive way to get the 2.4L engine, at $32,499, where it's joined by an eight-way power driver's seat, panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels.
The Luxury AWD package is a $34,699 model (up $500) that adds a new 360-degree exterior camera system, along with leather seating, hands-free tailgate and soft-touch interior door panels.
Ultimate trim is still where you'll find the most advanced features like pedestrian detection, driver attention warning, automatic high beams and park distance warning. It also gets ventilated front seats and 19-inch wheels. Notably, Tucson Ultimate is the one trim whose price drops for 2019, coming in at $37,999, or $300 less than last year.
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is on sale now.
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