2019 Hyundai Tucson pricing sharpens value

Hyundai has treated its popular Tucson mid-sized SUV to a mid-life refresh that replaces the previous Active variant with a more affordable Go option, adds a smattering of extra technology and introduces a new eight-speed auto option for the diesel-powered line-up.

Priced from $28,150 before on-road costs, the new Tucson Go lands with two-wheel drive and a 121kW/203Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine bolted to a six-speed manual gearbox. However, get in before the end of August and it will be available for a driveaway price of $27,990.

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The driveaway deal has been extended to the auto version, bringing it down from the before on-road cost of $30,650 to $29,990, and also covers the more generously equipped Active X manual, which costs $30,990 driveaway or $32,990 for the auto.

As part of the update, the Go entry variant is now also available with a new eight-speed auto bolted to the 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre diesel variant for $35,950 before on-road costs. New petrol (before on-road costs) pricing represents a reduction in the asking price over the outgoing model, while the diesel is now $860 more expensive.

Diesel versions of the Go are only available with four-wheel drive and the new more sophisticated transmission replaces the previous six-cog diesel auto with a more refined and fuel efficient unit, says Hyundai, although updated performance figures have not yet been revealed.

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As before, the Tucson Active X manual is positioned above the entry variants offering extra kit for a starting price of $31,350 (+$200) or $33,850 (+$200) for the six-speed auto, while the diesel, which is new to the Active X range, costs $39,150.

Above that, the most affordable Elite variant is on offer for $37,850 (+$1600) with the same drivetrain as the Active X auto but is also available with a downsized 1.6-litre petrol, which pumps out 130kW and 265Nm thanks to a turbo.

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Pricing for the 1.6-litre turbo Elite starts at $40,850 (+$1600) and includes four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, in place of the six-speed torque converter version, while the diesel rounds out the Elite line-up for $43,150 (+$1900).

At the top of the pack, the Highlander is available exclusively with the four-wheel drive 1.6-litre DCT combination or diesel four-wheel drive for $46,500 and $48,800 respectively, which represent $1050 and $1350 increases.

All versions get a lightly facelifted exterior with new headlights and corresponding daytime running lights, complemented by new wheel designs that measure 17-inch for the Go and Active X, the Elite gets 18-inch rims, while the Highlander has 19s.

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The equipment upgrades continue on the inside with a new ‘floating’ style central information screen which spans 7.0-inches in the entry Go and 8.0-inches for all other versions. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity also join the range for the first time.

Opt for the base Go and you’ll get a reversing camera, six airbags, a full-size spare wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

Active X equipment highlights include part leather upholstery, higher spec Infinity audio system, navigation, rear parking assistant and tyre pressure monitoring.

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Elite versions add extra safety gear including forward collision avoidance assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, although those features can be added to the more affordable Go and Active X with the optional SmartSense pack for $2200.

As well, the Elite has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers and privacy glass.

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The flagship Highlander is kitted out with LED headlights and tail lights, front and rear parking assistance, a panoramic sunroof, cooled and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable front passenger seat, cordless device charging and a 4.2-inch driver’s information screen in the instrument cluster.