2019 Hyundai Tucson Drops Turbo, Adds Safety

For 2019, Hyundai has decided to finesse its recipe for the Tucson instead of giving the compact crossover a major overhaul. The refined Tucson was revealed Wednesday at the New York Auto Show with more safety features, new powertrain options, and refreshed styling – both inside and out.

If you weren't a fan of the Tucson's exterior design before, you probably won't like the small changes Hyundai's made for 2019, either. Only minor changes have been made to the crossover's exterior, including the addition of the automaker's cascading grille and slightly redesigned front and rear fascias. New wheels designs are offered in various sizes ranging from 17- to 19-inch units. Lastly, the headlights and taillights have been altered, as well, but you'll need a sharp eye to notice those.

Changes are a little more substantial on the inside where the Tucson borrows some design elements from the more compact Kona. The center stack has been redone and now sees the infotainment system rise above the dashboard, while the previous generation had a screen that was integrated directly into the center console. Drivers are also treated to an updated instrument cluster.

Tech wise, the Tucson now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a seven-inch touchscreen as standard. Hyundai's Blue-Link connected car service is also on the house for the first three years. Ponying up some more money for a higher trim brings you things like wireless charging for your smartphone and a second-row USB charger.

New safety features have also been added to the crossover for the 2019 model year. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are standard, while consumers can also add pedestrian detection to the collision warning system, high beam assist, driver attention warning, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view monitor.

Interestingly, Hyundai has made some confusing changes under the Tucson's hood. The base engine is still a 164-hp 2.0-liter inline-four, but last year's mid-range option – the turbocharged four-cylinder motor – has been axed. The move makes the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four the range-topping motor. Power for that engine is still rated at 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only available gearbox, as the seven-speed dual-clutch has been nixed, as well.

Hyundai didn't provide any information on the new Tucson's pricing, but did state that the crossover would go on sale this fall.