Hyundai Tucson (TL) - 2019 minor change

Just like what happened to the Kia Sportage recently, its Hyundai equivalent, the Tucson, currently on its third generation, is in its 2019 model year and has received some minor changes to keep this commoner Korean compact crossover active for a few moments, whatever that means.

2019 Hyundai Tucson

2019 Hyundai Tucson interior

In this updated version of Hyundai's award-winning crossover, the Tucson received some design revisions including the new Hyundai signature grille and daytime running lamps as well as revised rear design and newly redesigned alloy wheels that will keep the Tucson fresh for a new day or so.

Although the interior remains the same, the 2019 minor change features some added convenience such as a second-row USB charger and wireless device charging. They even offer this car with a new IoT Service, which is a car-to-home service that lets you communicate with your Tucson while at home. Fancy, isn't it?

The 2019 Tucson is now armed with Hyundai's breakthrough HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system that works rather well in various conditions by taking advantage of its 4-Wheel Drive Coupling and three driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, and Sport, among many others. When you drive it normally, it's not so bad even on the summer storms but treat it rough, the handling might cost your arms more, especially when this car has MDPS.

The engine lineup's changed to as not only the 2.0L CRDi-VGT engine and the 1.6L Turbo is offered but also the brand new 1.6-litre 'U3' Smartstream D engine which promises a combined fuel economy of 16.3km/L. Easier said than done, perhaps, but anyway, there is no manual gearbox available in this minor change as the 1.6L Turbo and the Smartstream D 1.6L variants are mated with a 7-speed double clutch gearbox while the 2.0L diesel is mated exclusively with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2019 Tucson minor change also comes with the cutting-edge safety tech as well courtesy of its Hyundai Smartsense suite of driver aids such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and High Beam Assist, among many others.

Should you buy it? The 2019 Tucson minor change starts at around 23,510,000 Korean Won (Php 1.12 million) for the petrol variant, 23,810,000 Korean Won (Php 1.131 million) for the Smartstream 1.6 D variant, and 24,300,000 Korean Won (1.1543 million pesos) for the 2.0L diesel. You can also opt in for an Ultimate Edition variant featuring special touches such as a glossy black radiator grill, metallic silver side mirror, large front disc brakes, body side color garnishes, special exhaust designs depending on the variant, and other extras. 

Considering most of them familiar with the Tucson, this minor change pushes the Tucson's envelope to more ways and means that is still a value for money among crossover shoppers and although not exciting, it's still a functional crossover that gets the job done without explanations.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company