2019 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is rather unremarkable to drive. To clarify, it's not bad, not by any means, but it's just unmemorable by most measures which may be exactly what endears it to some buyers who don't want anything that lingers in the memory for too long.

The base engine is best avoided if you can afford a higher specification level, as it's gutless and loathes being worked. The 2.4 is decent, with peppy low-down responses and it works well with the six-speed automatic to slur through gears in comfort while still providing decent performance and economy.

The Tucson handles well too, with suspension that balances comfort with support on changing surfaces quite well. It always maintains composure, is never unsettled, and filters out small bumps to perfection while minimizing the effects of larger bumps. Body roll is kept in check too, but it's by no means a sporty SUV, especially when the Mazda CX-5 begs to be driven like a hot hatch. The steering is responsive and turn-in is sharp and direct, but because it's an electrically power-assisted setup it has zero feedback, even if they did get the weighting pretty spot on. That's about par for the course though as not many rivals offer steering setups dripping with feedback.

There's nothing the Tucson does wrong, and in any circumstance, on just about any surface you'll be pleased with the levels of comfort and refinement, and with next to no noise intrusion you'll feel mighty relaxed when you climb out at the end of your journey. But there's just no character to the Tucson. He's a nice guy, and mom and dad would approve, but he'd make a very boring husband, and it's that sort of attitude that makes the Tucson an appliance and nothing more.

The Hyundai Tucson's 2019 upgrade has given it a stylish new face and increased safety and specification across the range without compromising on the comfort, affordability, and practicality we've always liked about it. It's not the most exciting to drive, but it is supremely comfortable, and taller passengers will appreciate the copious amounts of space in the rear of the cabin. If you're after a driver's SUV, the Mazda CX-5 should get your hard-earned cash, and if it's cargo space and top quality materials you're after, then look at a Honda CR-V, but if comfort, reliability, and getting from A to B with all the necessary features at a decent price is high on your priority list, a Tucson SEL is one of the best possible ways to get around. As an established player in this segment, the Tucson continues to prove Hyundai is right up there with the best of the established brands.

The Mazda CX-5 caters to those who enjoy driving, with an endearing chassis, thrilling dynamics, supple ride, and a new, potent turbocharged engine. It performs better than the Tucson but remains more economical as well. It's also just as well equipped, if not more so at base level, but carries with it a slightly higher asking price. The CX-5 is equipped with a premium feeling interior that the Tucson can't match, but the Tucson's infotainment is more intuitive and feels more modern. Where the Tucson is better, however, is in the rear passenger space, where it boasts space for tall adults compared to the CX-5's cramped quarters. Both models have comparable cargo space. Overall, the CX-5 is more premium, more refined, and better to drive, and we'd recommend it over the Tucson.

The Honda CR-V is one of the best crossovers in its segment, and for a number of good reasons. It's the most practical by far, with an abundance of cargo volume the Tucson can't match. However, the Tucson forgoes storage capacity in favor of rear passenger legroom and is one of the only vehicles in this segment capable of rivaling the CR-V in this regard. But the Honda feels nicer inside, is equipped better across the range, and is more involving to drive. Its engines are more willing and the suspension and chassis cater to those who enjoy being behind the wheel, unlike the Tucson which divorces occupants from the road around them. The Honda is reliable and carries great gas mileage estimates, making it better in most aspects. The only aspect in which the Tucson has the CR-V beaten is its infotainment system which is vastly more intuitive.