2019 Hyundai Tucson

Much like the city it’s named after, the Hyundai Tucson has always played 2nd city to other establishments, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. 

But, spend any time in Tucson; and you’ll find it offers just about everything that its neighbors to the north have, only it’s a lot less crowded.

For 2019, Hyundai has made some capital improvements to their 3rd-gen Tucson compact crossover to attract even more permanent residents. 

Exterior freshening comes courtesy of a new face with updated grille, and headlights; as well as different wheel designs across the board for 17, 18s, and 19s. 

New tail lights for the rear, along with redesigned exhaust tips for SEL trim and above. 

Inside, the dash gets significant updates including a new center stack, topped with a standard 7-inch display screen.  The air vents have been reshaped too, and a new gauge cluster thrown in for good measure.  While the optional leather seats get a new design; and regardless of trim, you’ll now be setting the parking brake electronically.  

Now, this modernized Tucson may be all about looking forward, but if you do choose to look back; you can do so with the upgraded rear view mirror.  

Safety updates are always attractive, and for 2019, all Tucsons will come with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist as standard equipment. 

While a 2.0-liter is still standard, gone, is the optional 1.6-liter I4 turbo engine.  It wasn’t a bad power plant; but us, as well as others, were not fans of the 7-speed DCT transmission that was mated to it. 

They’ve filled that gap with wider availability of this naturally-aspirated 181-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 option, with 6-speed automatic transmission, that was previously only available with Sport Trim.  

Add in a rezoning of available trim levels, and Hyundai has handed the compact crossover shopper a much better result. 

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is on sale now, with prices starting under $24,000.