The 2019 Tucson fits snugly between the new Kona and refreshed Santa Fe in Hyundai’s limited SUV lineup. And behind the wheel of the latest Hyundai Tucson, you’ll find an SUV that’s a middle-of-the-road option.

Bigger than your typical city cruiser but not so large that it’s hard to park or maneuver, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is the perfect new SUV to add to your family. Check out its details below.

Performance Specifications

Customers can choose from the following colors on their new 2019 Tucson:

  • Gemstone Red
  • Coliseum Grey
  • Dazzling White
  • Aqua Blue
  • Black Noir Pearl
  • Molten Silver
  • Sage Brown
  • Dusk Blue
  • White Pearl

Two powertrain options are available, and both are inline-4-cylinders. The first is a 2.0-liter capable of 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The second is 2.4 liters and posts 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai offers the Tucson in front-wheel standard but all-wheel drive is optional.  

Entertainment and Safety Features

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson received high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the model 5 out of 5 stars in their overall safety rating and the IIHS followed suit, giving the 2019 Tucson a “Good” rating in all categories.

Standard this year on all Tucson models is the Hyundai SmartSense package, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.

Base SE models come standard with the smaller 2.0-liter engine, riding on 17-inch wheels. Bluetooth, heated power side mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like all 2019 Tucson trims, front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is optional.

The Value trim is an upgrade from the SE model. You’ll enjoy heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button start, and roof rails, along with additional safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

SEL, Sport, and Limited trims make up the middle tier of the 2019 Tucson lineup. Every trim from the SEL up is powered by the 2.4-liter engine. The SEL features 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and more USB ports. Choose the Sport trim for 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a hands-free liftgate. If you like leather seats, opt for the Limited trim level. You’ll also enjoy an 8-inch touchscreen for your infotainment system, which includes navigation and the premium Infinity audio system, and the 360-degree parking system, as well as a heated steering wheel.

The Ultimate trim best suits those wanting to pull out all the stops, from a panoramic roof to automatic high beams. The full suite of safety features include adaptive cruise control and your front seats will be heated and ventilated.

Fuel Efficiency

Depending on which Tucson engine and drive type pairing you choose, you should see anywhere from 21 to 30 EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG). The smaller 2.0-liter engine is capable of 23 city and 30 highway MPG in front-wheel drive variants, while those equipped with all-wheel drive dip down to 22 city and 25 highway MPG.

Choosing the 2.4-liter engine will get you about the same MPG ratings, with front-wheel drive models seeing around 22 city and 28 highway and all-wheel drive variants ranking at 21 city and 26 highway MPG.

How the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Stacks Up

With many of the big names in the automotive industry ditching four-door sedans for the more lucrative crossover market, the door opens for clever manufacturers to fill the void. Many family sedans are priced between $20,000-$30,000, which is right where most of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson trims fall.

Experts are divided when it comes to the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) appreciated that the “hands-free tailgate operation doesn’t even need a dancing foot under the rear bumper.” At the same time, they wanted more feedback from the steering wheel.

Edmunds and Consumer Reports both had remarks about the 2019 Tucson’s interior. Consumer Reports appreciate the “open and airy cabin,” but noted the underwhelming utility of the interior plastics. Interestingly enough, Edmunds’ experts approved of the array of available options but still recommend the Value trim.

Pros

  • Variety of trims and options to choose from
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
  • Available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Cons

  • Limited engine lineup
  • Less than stellar fuel economy
  • No turbo or hybrid engine options

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is a practical vehicle that can still offer luxury trimmings on a budget. Which Hyundai model will you choose?

Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock

Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.