What's New: 2019 Hyundai Tucson
Exterior
The most obvious styling change is a version of Hyundai’s signature “cascading grille,” bringing the Tucson in line with other recently redone Hyundai models. The 2019 also has slightly restyled front and rear bumpers as well as revised headlight and taillight designs. The 17- and 19-inch wheels also get a new look.
Interior and Tech
The design of the instrument cluster, climate-control vents, and the center multimedia display and controls are new for 2019. The 2019 also switches to a standard electronic parking brake. There also is a new seat design in Tucson interiors with leather upholstery.
A 7-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is standard. Newly available are wireless phone charging and a USB outlet for the second row. And all 2019 Tucsons will come with three years of free Hyundai Blue Link connected car services, including remote locking, remote start with climate control, emergency assistance, car finder and theft recovery.
Under the Hood
The 2019 Tucson steps back from the powertrain trends of small turbo engines and transmissions with more gears. A revised choice of powertrains drops the 2018 Tucson’s punchy little turbocharged 1.6-liter turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that came in the higher trim levels. Taking its place as the upmarket engine option is a 181-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter/six-speed combo was just added to the 2018 engine lineup as the engine for a mid-level 2018 Sport trim level and is a version of an engine also used in Hyundai’s Santa Fe Sport SUV and Sonata sedan. For 2019, this powertrain will be standard in the upper SEL, Sport and Limited trim levels.
While the 2.4’s horsepower rating is an increase of 6 hp over the turbo 1.6-liter, it produces 20 pounds-feet less torque and does it at higher engine rpms. We won’t know until we drive one, but that sounds to us like it will be less zippy around town. The engine has a standard start-stop system; no fuel-mileage estimates have been given.
The base engine carries over: a 164-hp, 2.0-liter four that puts out 151 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It will be standard in the base SE and Value trim levels.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The most significant change for 2019 is that the front collision system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection will be standard on all Tucson models. It was formerly an extra-cost option available only on the top Limited trim level. Also standard will be a lane keep assist feature.
Optional safety and driver assistance features will include a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a driver attention warning and a new automatic high-beams feature.
