2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited FWD Review by David Colman - It's E15 Approved +VIDEO
It's handy dandy but puzzling
By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL
![]() 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited |
Accentuating the performance drain for 2019 is the loss of the old model's 7 speed twin clutch automatic transmission in favor of a new 6-speed automatic. Although the 6 speed does offer Shiftronic gear changing via the console stick (no paddles), the loss of the extra gear (compared to the old Tucson) adds to the acceleration shortfall. In 2 wheel drive form, the Tucson we drove weighs in at a hefty 3,475 pounds, which means each horsepower is responsible for motivating 19.1 pounds of SUV. This is a power to weight ratio that does not favor rapid response. But for such a comparatively heavy crossover, the Tucson does post a respectable 25 MPG in overall driving.
Most buyers of this vehicle, however, will not often prod the accelerator hard enough to notice the loss of those 20 foot pounds of torque. That's because the Tucson is endowed with so many comfort and safety features that you will marvel that its base price is just $28,900. There's really no need to amplify that base price with expensive options, because they're all included by Hyundai in the mix if you order the Limited model. Our test vehicle's sticker added just $135 for carpeted floor mats to make the total sales price, including $1,045 for inland freight and handling, a low $30,080.
![]() 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited |
![]() 2019 Hyundai Tucson Limited |
The Tucson is handy in ways you might not expect. Light towing chores, for example. You can pull a trailer (unequipped with brakes) weighing 1,600 pounds, or a trailer with brakes weighing 2,000 pounds. Inside the airy cabin, you'll find enough room to carry 5 adults and their belongings, or slip 29.5 cubic feet of goods aboard after dropping the rear seats flat. The interior layout of the Tucson is practical and sensible, with prominently located buttons for important climate and safety functions. But practicality does have its limits, and the Tucson interior could use a little color dynamism. As it stands in Limited form, the interior is a sea of black seats, dash and door panels unrelieved by even a hint of color. This stands in stark contrast to the stunning exterior shade of our test SUV. Done in metallic Aqua Blue, and enhanced with silver roof rails and matching silver rocker panels, the clean lined new Tucson cut a most dashing profile.
2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED FWD
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ENGINE: 2.4 liter inline 4, direct gas injection (DGI)
HORSEPOWER: 181hp
TORQUE: 175lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22 MPG City/28 MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $30,080
HYPES: Practical and Economical to Buy and Operate
GRIPES: Bring Back the Turbo
STAR RATING: 8 Stars out of 10