The Hyundai Tucson that we see on the roads of the United Arab Emirates represents the South Korean brand’s third-generation model of one of their best-selling cars. The Hyundai Tucson has always been a well-liked car for buyers who are looking for a compact, well-priced, stylish, and reliable crossover SUV. Buyers interested in the new 2019 Tucson in the UAE have at least four different variants to choose from. But before we dwell deeper into the nitty-gritty details of each of those trim options, you might want to peek at some the Hyundai’s closest rivals as well. These include the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Toyota’s RAV4.
Being one of Hyundai’s top sales performers, the Tucson is a highly-valued member within its expansive model lineup. Therefore, the carmaker has done its best to keep the design of the Tucson updated over the years. While the exterior styling of the Sportage can divide opinions, the RAV4’s can come off as a bit bland in comparison to the new flamboyant Fluidic design language that’s used on the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. On the outside, the facelift brings with it a more sophisticated styling for the headlamps, front grille and bumper, and different sets of alloy wheels. The rear also benefits from newer design for the LED taillights, slightly updated tailgate, and far sportier rear bumper piece. The Tucson’s interior also strikes a good balance between design flair and user-friendly practicality and ergonomics. As with other modern Hyundai vehicles, the new Tucson also sets a favorably-high standard for build quality, fit & finish, and is suitably well-kitted out with many of the modern necessities and features.
As for the bit where you’ve to part ways with your hard-earned money, the variant you should go for comes down to your individual preferences. For example, if you’re really rigid on your budget, then your only bet will be the 80,900-Dirham Hyundai Tucson base trim with the 2.0-liter MPI motor and front-wheel drive (FWD). This model will get you some basic features such as keyless-entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, roof rails, halogen headlights, manual air-con, and Bluetooth-enabled audio system. Standard safety kit includes dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill assist, a tire-pressure monitor, and ISOFIX anchor points. Pay 7,000 Dirhams extra and there’s the Mid-Option trim with all-wheel drive (AWD). This one adds parking sensors with rear camera, LED daytime-running lights, push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, a touch-infotainment head unit, leather steering wheel & seat upholstery, split-folding rear seats with power adjustment for the driver’s, and electronic stability control.
At 90,000 Dirhams, the Full-Option 2019 Hyundai Tucson with AWD and the same two-liter mill only tacks on HID headlights and larger 18-inch alloy wheel among a few other minor updates. However, if you don’t mind spending some more, the 110,000-Dirham Full-Option model with all-wheel drive and a punchier 2.4-liter engine becomes fair game. It comes loaded with automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, power tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-folding wing mirrors, chrome-tipped exhausts & door handles, dual-zone climate control, a high-definition touchscreen with navigation and voice command, power-adjustable front seats, electric parking brake, and a panoramic sunroof. Its standard safety features are complemented by a total of 6 airbags and blind-spot warning.
The power output of the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine stands at 153 hp and 192 Nm of torque, which can be sent to all four corners (in the AWD variants) via 6-speed automatic transmission. The larger 2.4-liter MPI four-popper puts out 173 hp and 226 Nm of torque, again channeled via a 6-speed automatic and to all four wheels. As for fuel economy, the two-liter models with FWD and AWD return 8.0 & 8.7 L/100 km, respectively. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range 2.4-liter Hyundai Tucson averages around 9.5 L/100 km.
