The Perfect 2019 Hyundai Tucson Manual – A Driver’s Dream
If you're looking for a reliable compact SUV with a hands-on driving experience the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is a great option. With its stylish design practical features and user-friendly infotainment system it appeals to a wide range of drivers. But what truly sets it apart is the manual transmission which offers a more engaging driving experience than the automatic options.
For car enthusiasts like Alex Collantes the manual transmission in the 2019 Tucson brings the perfect balance between control and performance. As Alex puts it "There’s something special about having full control over the gears. It makes every drive more fun and dynamic."
Now let's dive into what makes the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Manual a standout vehicle and explore some of its highlights features and a few potential drawbacks.
Overview of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson sits in the compact SUV category competing with rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. One of its strong selling points is its affordability combined with a comfortable interior and a good range of standard features.
The Tucson’s exterior design is sharp and modern with clean lines and a bold front grille. The interior is equally impressive with quality materials a simple but effective layout and ample space for passengers.
- Engine Options: The 2019 Hyundai Tucson comes with two engine choices – a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 161 horsepower or a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder delivering 181 horsepower.
- Transmission: While most buyers opt for the automatic versions the manual transmission variant adds a layer of driving involvement.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine delivers reasonable fuel efficiency with 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Design and Style
The design of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is sleek and modern. It has a commanding road presence without being too aggressive. The front features Hyundai’s cascading grille along with sharp headlights that give it a more premium look. The Tucson’s overall styling is more on the conservative side which works well for those who don’t want anything too flashy.
Exterior Design Details
- Bold front fascia with an assertive grille design
- Sleek profile with understated elegance
- LED daytime running lights for better visibility and style
- 17 to 19-inch wheels depending on trim
Interior Comfort
When you step inside the Tucson you’ll be greeted with a thoughtfully designed cabin. Materials feel solid and well-made while the overall layout is driver-friendly with an intuitive center stack and easy-to-reach controls. The seats are comfortable for long drives and there’s plenty of room for both front and rear passengers.
Key Interior Features:
- Cloth upholstery is standard but leather seats are available on higher trims.
- The infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard which is a huge plus.
- Rear seats can recline making them more comfortable for passengers on long trips.
Performance and Driving Experience
The manual transmission in the 2019 Hyundai Tucson brings back a connection between the driver and the road that’s often lost in modern SUVs. It’s a 6-speed manual which is not only smooth but also offers precise control. Shifting through the gears gives a satisfying click and makes driving more interactive.
According to Alex Collantes “The manual transmission in the Tucson is a blast. It’s not a sports car but it gives you enough to make everyday driving way more interesting.”
How the Manual Tucson Drives
- Power Delivery: The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power but it’s not particularly fast. You’ll feel more engaged in the driving process with the manual though.
- Handling: The Tucson handles well for an SUV. It’s stable around corners but don’t expect sports-car agility.
- Ride Comfort: The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than performance. You won’t feel many bumps even on rougher roads.
Pros of the Manual Transmission Tucson
- Better control over gear shifts especially in hilly or curvy areas
- Engaging driving experience for enthusiasts
- Potential for better fuel efficiency compared to automatics in some cases
Cons of the Manual Transmission Tucson
- Not as convenient in stop-and-go traffic as an automatic
- Limited availability in certain trims (manuals tend to be less common)
Technology and Infotainment
Hyundai’s tech package in the 2019 Tucson is impressive for the price. The standard infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as mentioned which makes smartphone integration seamless. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate and you won’t be bombarded with a confusing array of buttons.
Available Tech Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen with simple menu layouts
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and music streaming
- USB ports to keep devices charged
- Optional navigation system for those who prefer built-in guidance
Pros of the Infotainment System
- User-friendly interface that doesn’t require a tech degree to figure out
- Standard smartphone connectivity which is not always included in this price range
- Physical buttons for volume and climate control—less reliance on touch controls
Cons of the Infotainment System
- Graphics could be sharper compared to rivals like Mazda’s system
- No built-in Wi-Fi hotspot like some competitors offer
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has a strong reputation for safety. It received high marks from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) with a 5-star overall rating. Standard safety features include a rearview camera and lane-keeping assist.
Key Safety Features:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Pros of Tucson's Safety Systems
- Comprehensive standard safety features even on lower trims
- High safety ratings make it a solid choice for families
- Available parking sensors and surround-view camera for added convenience
Cons of Tucson’s Safety Systems
- Some rivals offer more advanced driver assistance features as standard
- The lane-keeping assist can be a bit too sensitive at times according to some users
Practicality and Cargo Space
As with any compact SUV practicality is one of the Tucson’s strong suits. The rear seats fold almost flat to create a large cargo area which is ideal for road trips or moving larger items. Overall cargo capacity is competitive for the class though it doesn’t lead the segment.
Cargo Capacity:
- 31 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats
- 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down
- Wide rear opening for easier loading of bulky items
Pros of the Cargo Space
- Wide trunk opening makes it easy to load larger objects
- Seats fold nearly flat for optimal cargo flexibility
- Ample in-cabin storage with smart cubbies and bins
Cons of the Cargo Space
- Some competitors like the Honda CR-V offer more overall cargo space
Pricing and Value
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson offers excellent value for money especially considering its extensive list of standard features. Pricing for the Tucson starts at around $23,000 which is lower than some of its competitors. Even with higher trims you're not paying exorbitant prices like you might with a Honda or Toyota.
Pros of Tucson’s Pricing
- Affordable starting price in the compact SUV class
- Generous standard features for the price point
- Strong warranty—Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry
Cons of Tucson’s Pricing
- Resale value may not hold as well as competitors like Toyota and Honda
- You may feel that the 2.0-liter engine is underpowered for highway driving
Conclusion – Why the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Manual Stands Out
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson manual offers a rare and satisfying driving experience for those who enjoy being more engaged with the car they drive. The manual transmission paired with solid safety features and a comfortable cabin makes it a smart buy in the compact SUV market.
While it’s not the fastest vehicle on the road and the cargo space could be a bit bigger the Tucson delivers great value and reliability. For someone like Alex Collantes "It’s about getting more out of every drive." And the manual version delivers on that front.
If you’re after a vehicle that gives you more control and makes everyday driving a bit more enjoyable the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Manual should definitely be on your list.