Hyundai Tucson 2019 review
Overview
The facelifted third-generation Tucson went on sale in the UK on 26 July 2018, and the 1.6 T-GDi 177 Premium SE is the range-topping trim and the most commonly listed 2019 used Tucson in the UK. The facelift brought the cascading grille, a revised cabin and new engines, and Premium SE piles on everything Hyundai offered, which makes a 2019 car a lot of kit for the money now.
The 1.6-litre Gamma II turbo petrol makes 177 PS and 265 Nm from just 1,500 rpm, so it feels punchy and flexible in everyday driving and reaches 62 mph in 8.9 seconds. Official economy is 37 to 39 mpg on the WLTP cycle, and you should expect low-30s mpg around town, while CO2 sits around 160 to 175 g/km depending on the test cycle and specification. The seven-speed DCT automatic is the used-buyer default for this trim, and the 513-litre boot, 1,503 litres with the seats folded, is genuinely big for the class.
Premium SE equipment is genuinely complete: Bi-LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats with a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Krell premium audio, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and go, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and a 360-degree Around View Monitor. Safety is five stars from the 2015 Euro NCAP test of the same generation, with a full SmartSense assistance suite.
Test the DCT carefully before you buy, because low-speed judder and hesitation are the best-documented issue on this car, worst in stop-and-go traffic and on slopes. Take it through slow traffic and a hill start, and check the oil level and full Hyundai service history. Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm the HECU and ABS recall remedy is done for the individual car, as no specific UK recall number could be verified for this variant, and check every driver aid, the panoramic sunroof and the 360-degree camera. The five-year unlimited-mileage warranty has expired on a 2019 car, but the model scored 96.6 percent in the 2019 What Car reliability survey, fifth of 21 mid-size SUVs.
UK price from: £30,475
Specifications
| Engine | 1,591cc Gamma II turbo petrol, 4-cylinder (G4FJ) |
| Power | 177 PS (174 bhp) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 265 Nm @ 1,500-4,500 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 125 mph |
| Fuel economy (WLTP combined) | 37-39 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 160-175 g/km depending on test cycle and spec |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DCT automatic |
| Boot space | 513 litres (1,503 litres seats folded; 488 litres with spare wheel) |
| Kerb weight | 1,695 kg |
| Insurance group | 20 |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2015 test; facelift not re-tested) |
| Fuel tank | 62 litres |
| Warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles when new (expired 2024) |
Features
- 8-inch touchscreen sat-nav with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Krell premium audio with 8 speakers and subwoofer
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated and ventilated leather front seats with heated steering wheel
- Around View Monitor 360-degree camera
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Bi-LED headlights
- Keyless entry and go with wireless phone charging
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake discs (pair) | £90 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
| Front brake pads (axle set) | £45 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
| Rear brake pads (axle set) | £40 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
| Battery (AGM 70Ah, stop-start) | £155 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
| Wiper blades (front pair) | £28 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
| Oil filter | £12 | Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified |
Pros
- Strong standard kit for the money, with Premium SE genuinely fully loaded
- Punchy, flexible 177 PS turbo petrol with 265 Nm from 1,500 rpm
- Big, practical boot at 513 litres and roomy rear seats with reclining backrests
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating with a full SmartSense safety suite
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty when new, a sign of Hyundai confidence
Cons
- DCT can be jerky and hesitant at low speed, worse than a conventional auto in traffic
- Real-world economy is modest, at around 37 mpg WLTP and low-30s around town
- High CO2 of 160 to 175 g/km means higher tax banding than diesel rivals
- Firm ride on 19-inch wheels and some hard cabin plastics, with occasional infotainment glitches
