2019 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2018 Hyundai Tucson

Exterior Updates

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson gets a lot of exterior updates, though they are subtle. You'll notice a difference between it and the 2018 model if they are parked side-by-side, but it may take you a bit to articulate what's different.

Primarily, the 2019 Tucson gets a new, cascading grille that's deeper than the previous one and has more slats. It is flanked by redesigned headlights that have a more rounded shape at the ends and are slightly thicker. The rear end gets some similar adjustments, including redesigned tail lights. The wheel designs have also been tweaked.

Hyundai is planning some major design changes across its lineup, so the new Tucson is premiering some of those aesthetics. Industry insiders expect the 2019 Santa Fe to have more of the new design language. Depending on how those changes are received, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson could have big changes in store.

Interior Differences

Hyundai redesigned the new Tucson both inside and out, with a few more of the changes happening on the inside.

Most notably, the interior of the Tucson has a new dash that has a similar design to the Kona. A large, 7-inch touchscreen display rises out of the lower dash, giving drivers easy control over the infotainment system, which includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchscreen appears to be floating on the dash, creating a markedly different look from the 2018 model's interior. The center console is also redesigned thanks to the introduction of a parking brake knob, which moves around the position of the other buttons.

Changes have also been made to the design of the air vents and the leather seating.

Because the design changes are so much more pronounced than the exterior changes on the all-new Hyundai Tucson, you may find that you prefer the look of the 2018 Tucson. While we think that the updates are well-designed, there's no accounting for personal preference, and yours may steer you elsewhere. Fortunately, you have two good options in the 2018 and the 2019 Hyundai Tucson.

Performance

With the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, you'll get a little more power under the hood and improved performance. The new model comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that puts out 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4-liter engine that puts out 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque also comes on the SEL, Sport, and Limited Trim levels.

The 2018 Tucson comes standard with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automated manual transmission, but some considered the drivetrain to be too noisy. Three other engine options are available, which some may prefer if they have specific preferences.

The new Tucson comes with only a six-speed automatic transmission, which many find to offer a smoother drive.

While there are improvements with the all-new Hyundai Tucson in terms of performance, both models offer a great ride and great fuel efficiency. You won't go wrong with either choice. However, you should plan to take a test drive before you commit so that you know what the performance feels like in action.

Trim Changes

The major change for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson in terms of trim levels is that the SEL Plus trim is no longer being offered. The SEL Plus had most of the same features as the Limited trim, with a few exceptions. Dropping it from the lineup has essentially streamlined the offerings.

With some changes to the overall offerings in the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, there are also some adjustments to what is offered on the trim levels. For example, the more powerful engine on the 2019 Tucson is only available on the higher trim levels, as mentioned previously. Other additions, like forward-collision warning and active lane control, will be offered with all trim levels, providing excellent value with even the base model.

The full specs for the 2019 trim levels haven't been released yet, so it will be worth visiting your local Hyundai dealership when the 2019 model arrives to test out the features and determine which trim level would be right for you. The good news is that you will have plenty of options with five trim levels and available features packages.

Which is Right for You?

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson will be arriving at dealerships soon, which gives you the perfect opportunity to take a test drive and learn more about it in person. While you're there, you can also drive the 2018 Tucson and test out its features, giving you an immediate comparison of the two models. You'll quickly learn which features are must haves and which model feels better to drive.

When you visit, you will be uniquely suited to get the best pricing on whichever model you choose by taking advantage of promotional offers and applying for competitive financing. The 2018 model starts at just $22,500. Pricing has not been confirmed for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, but it will also be affordable for many budgets. With the right financing, you can make the Tucson even more affordable, or you can add in some fun features or extended warranty protections. Visit your local Hyundai dealership today to learn more!