2019 Hyundai Tucson

2019 Hyundai Tucson Highlights

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson introduces significant updates, refreshing its appeal in the competitive small SUV segment. With revised styling, updated powertrains, and enhanced safety features, Tucson keeps up with segment leaders, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Refreshed exterior design with new grille, headlamps, and wheel designs
• Updated interior featuring a new dashboard layout
• The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine replaces the previous 1.6-liter turbo
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Standard automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist
• Enhanced suite of available driver-assistance technologies

Benefits

• Modernized styling, inside and out
• Improved standard safety features across all trims
• Simplified engine lineup
• User-friendly technology features

Related: How Long Do Hyundai Tucsons Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

2019 Hyundai Tucson Overview

Performance

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson offers two engine options:

2.0-liter four-cylinder (SE, Value):

• 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission

2.4-liter four-cylinder (SEL, Sport, Limited, Ultimate):

• 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission

Both engines are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The base 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. The 2.4-liter engine, new for 2019, replaces the previous turbocharged option, delivering more consistent power delivery and potentially improved reliability.

The six-speed automatic transmission with both engines offers smooth shifts and contributes to a more traditional driving feel than some competitors using continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction, making the Tucson a solid choice for those who live in unpredictable weather or occasionally venture off paved roads.

2019 Hyundai Tucson oil type:

• 2.0-liter: SAE 5W-20
• 2.4-liter: SAE 5W-20

2019 Hyundai Tucson oil capacity:

• 2.0-liter: 4.2 quarts
• 2.4-liter: 4.8 quarts

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Tucson a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also named the 2019 Tucson a Top Safety Pick+, its highest safety designation, for vehicles equipped with front crash prevention and upgraded headlights.

Standard safety features across all trims include:

• Six airbags, including side curtain airbags with rollover sensors
• Vehicle stability management (VSM)
• Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Downhill brake control and hill-start assist control

For 2019, Hyundai has made several advanced driver assistance features standard across all trims, including:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Driver attention warning

Additional available features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view monitor
• Automatic high beams

Driving

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson offers a no-surprises driving experience. Handling is predictable, and the ride is smooth. While not as engaging to drive as other compact SUVs, the Tucson corners without complaint. Light and precise steering helps in close quarters, like garages and parking lots.

Interior

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson’s slightly refreshed cabin provides this crossover with a needed update. The new iPad-style center display gives the Tucson a more contemporary feel inside, but designers didn’t deviate too far from emphasizing practicality. The Limited and Ultimate offer premium touches such as leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Meanwhile, passengers in both rows will find accommodating headroom and legroom.

Cargo space is competitive for the segment, offering:

• 31.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded

Key interior features include:

• New dashboard design with a floating touchscreen display
• Available panoramic sunroof
• Cloth seats are standard, with leather available on higher trims
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control (available)

Technology

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has various technology features centered around the updated infotainment system. Standard and available equipment includes:

• 7-inch touchscreen display (standard)
• Available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Available Infinity premium audio system
• Available wireless device charging

Fuel Economy

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, varying by engine and drivetrain configuration. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.0-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 25 highway / 23 combined

2.4-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2019 Hyundai Tucson Reviews

2019 Hyundai Tucson consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5. Owners give the Tucson high marks for comfort and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Refreshed exterior and interior styling
• Comfortable and quiet ride
• Spacious interior with good cargo capacity
• Strong safety ratings and standard safety features

Problems

• The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• Some advanced features are only available on higher trims
• Removal of the turbocharged engine option may disappoint some buyers
• Interior materials in lower trims may not match some competitors

Explore: Which Years Of Used Hyundai Tucsons Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The updated 2019 Tucson gives shoppers a compelling compact SUV option besides what most people buy, an RAV4 or CR-V. Exterior tweaks help in the looks department, and a new touchscreen shows that this crossover has crossed over into modern territory. Add two comfortable rows of seating, decent cargo space, and standard advanced safety equipment for an even more inviting recipe.

However, no vehicle is perfect. The base engine may leave some drivers wanting more. In addition, while the 2.4-liter engine offers a modest 6-horsepower increase over the turbo 1.6-liter powerplant, it comes up short in torque. The new engine produces 175 lb-ft, which is 20 lb-ft less than the turbo unit. This shortfall leads to less robust initial acceleration.

Dependability is a mixed bag, too. Consumer Reports gives the 2019 Tucson a subpar 50 out of 100 rating, while J.D. Power ranks this Hyundai as excellent (84 out of 100) for quality and reliability. Further, half of all complaints on file with NHTSA involve engine or transmission issues, which isn’t reassuring. These conflicting ratings underscore the importance of getting a pre-purchase inspection to avoid 2019 Hyundai Tucson problems.

2019 Hyundai Tucson FAQs

Is the Hyundai Tucson 2019 a good car?

Yes, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson can be an ideal car. It offers a comfortable ride, attractive styling, and a spacious interior. The 2019 model year brought updates, including refreshed exterior and interior designs and more standard safety features. Strong safety scores are also a plus. Shortcomings include less-inspiring engine options and a mixed reliability history.

How many miles will a 2019 Hyundai Tucson last?

With proper maintenance, a 2019 Hyundai Tucson can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Vehicle lifespan is impacted by:

• Regular maintenance and timely repairs
• Driving habits and conditions
• Climate and environmental factors
• Quality of parts used in repairs

Is there a recall on the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?

Yes, Hyundai issued a recall for the 2016-2021 Tucson due to a defective anti-lock brake module. The problem created a fire risk, prompting owners to take immediate action. The recall status for any vehicle can be checked at the NHTSA website. As of this writing, there are no other 2019 Hyundai Tucson recalls.

What is the engine issue on the 2019 Hyundai?

While the 2019 Tucson doesn't have widespread engine issues, a review of records from NHTSA and carcomplaints.com shows some patterns, including:

• Oil consumption: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption.
• Engine knock or ticking noise: A few cases of unusual engine noises have been reported.
• Hesitation or stalling: Some owners have experienced hesitation or stalling, particularly at low speeds.

According to the reports, while most of these problems involve the 2.4-liter engine, the 2.0-liter isn’t trouble-free.

Check Out: Hyundai Tucson Resale Value: Do They Hold Their Value? What To Know