Yahoo Autos 2019 Hyundai Tucson Succeeds at Being Smart and Sensible
Crossovers and SUVs are like ice cream. They come in a seemingly endless variety of flavors and almost everyone can find at least one to love. If we compare compact crossovers to these tasty treats, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is the equivalent of vanilla, a plain yet widely satisfying flavor.
Despite being significantly outsold by competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, the Hyundai's holistic sophistication and on-road refinement are noteworthy, as is its mid-cycle refresh for 2019 that brings more distinctive front-end styling, a redesigned upper dashboard, more standard infotainment features, and driver-assistance technology. Although the superficial changes barely notch up its curb appeal, the updates help make the Tucson even more compelling than discerning tastes might expect.
Stacking up Tucsons
The Ultimate model tested here is the cherry on top of the Tucson lineup. Starting at $32,595, it includes as standard automatic high-beam headlamps, ventilated leather front seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Additional standard highlights include a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. Every Tucson has automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but SEL models and up add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
We had already tested a Tucson Ultimate with all-wheel drive, so we forfeited the $1400 upgrade this time around to see how the front-drive version stacks up. Both share a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four—good for 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque—mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is responsive to throttle inputs and never rises above a dull moan even when its accelerator is buried in the carpet. The transmission goes through its motions with similar refinement, despite feeling a beat slow to downshift when executing passing maneuvers or accelerating out of corners. The differences in driving behavior between front- and all-wheel drive are negligible, yet our testing does reveal subtle performance variations. The front-drive version's 8.8-second zero-to-60-mph time is 0.4 second slower than the AWD's and that, despite it weighing 112 pounds less and rolling on the same 225/55R-18 Michelin Primacy Tour A/S all-season tires, the front-drive model needed an extra 15 feet to stop from 70 mph (186 feet). Still, both test cars posted the same 50-to-70-mph time of 6.4 seconds, which is an insightful metric that simulates passing on the highway.
Regardless of drivetrain, the Tucson is not especially quick for this segment. Those looking for a speedy compact crossover should consider turbocharged alternatives, such as Hyundai's corporate sibling, the Kia Sportage SX Turbo. The Hyundai trades as a more affordable and fuel-efficient choice, with the EPA estimating that the Tucson Ultimate FWD will earn 25 mpg combined, 22 in the city, and 28 on the highway; all-wheel drive drops those figures to 23 mpg combined, 21 city, and 26 highway. More significant is that the front-driver returned an impressive 32 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test versus just 26 mpg for the all-wheel-drive model.
The Virtues of Vanilla
Unless its painted Aqua Blue or Gemstone Red, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson's low-key appearance will be lost in parking lots and traffic shuffles. Likewise, the available beige leather upholstery would've made our test car’s all-black interior more inviting. But hidden behind the Tucson's no-frills image are overlooked traits that make more popular compact crossovers look cut-rate, including pleasant interior materials, solid build quality, and a cabin that is well-insulated to wind and road noise. Although the Tucson lacks the driving engagement and upscale aura of our top pick in the segment, the Mazda CX-5, its comfortable ride and steady composure around corners make it feel reassuringly competent. As long as you give the Tucson a taste in the first place, it's difficult to complain about any of its vanilla qualities.
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