- New styling and new engine head up the updates for 2019
- Trim levels have been streamlined, more features will be standard
- Advanced safety features will be available
Hyundai’s refreshed 2019 Tucson compact SUV features new front and rear, looks, more technology and standard features, plus a new engine offering. The Korean automaker debuted the redesigned crossover at the New York International Auto Show. It’s expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.
Tucson was last completely redone for the 2016 model year and received some updates for 2018. It’s the fifth of eight all-new or redesigned CUVs Hyundai has said it will debut by 2020.
The 2019 Tucson trim packages have been changed a bit. It will be available in base SE trim, Value, SEL, new Sport and top Limited trim. The SEL Plus trim goes away.
Changes to the 2019 model’s exterior are subtle starting with a new cascading grille with more horizontal chrome elements and LED daytime running lights. The SUV also sports new front and rear fascias, as well as new taillights and fog lamps repositioned higher in the tailgate. The exhaust finisher for SEL and higher trims also was redone. A new shark-fin antenna also is fixed atop the back roof.
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All-new 18-inch alloy wheels come on the SEL trim, while Hyundai redesigned 17-inch and 19-inch wheels for remaining models. A dressed-up chrome trim was added to the bottom of the side windows on the Limited. Inside, buyers will find a new center stack, updated vents moved from the sides of the infotainment screen to below it, new leather seats, rearview mirror and an updated instrument cluster.
New engine
Hyundai also is adjusting its powertrain choices and will no longer use the 1.6-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder engine. Instead, it will offer its 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder on the Value and SE trims and a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine offering for the SEL, Sport and Limited trims. The 2.0-liter engine turns out 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and the 2.4-liter generates an estimated 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures have not been released. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive is optional across the lineup.
Hyundai also is making more features standard including forward collision-avoidance assist and lane keeping assist. Other standard equipment includes a 7-inch infotainment display (a 5-inch screen had been standard on the base Tucson), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and Blue Link Connected Car System with three years of free services starting on the Value trim. The SUV also now comes equipped with an electronic parking brake.
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To keep back seat riders happy, Hyundai has added a second-row USB charger in the SEL trim, while the Limited picks up wireless charging. Also available are forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, high beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, surround view monitor, smart cruise control with stop-and-go function and a driver attention warning system. Pricing was not disclosed for the 2019 Tucson. A base 2018 Tucson SE starts at $22,500, plus destination.
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