Hyundai Tucson Go 2019 review

The best bit about getting into the Tucson is that I had to look up what spec this particular model was. Because even though it’s bottom of the range, the interiors look really good. So yes, there are basic finishings on things - the seats are fabric but they feel nice.

The steering wheel isn't leather but it doesn’t feel like plastic either. What Hyundai has done is improve the overall design of the interior, like the centre console, so all together as a package you’re getting a great first impression. 

The steering wheel isn't leather but it doesn’t feel like plastic either. (image credit: Dean McCartney)

And things do look good. The centre console is clearly laid out, the multimedia screen sits up high, as do the climate controls. Everything is within reaching distance and it’s all quite functional and easy to use.

The exterior hasn’t changed much since last year’s model, just a few tweaks and refinements to make it a bit more sleek. It’s not as boxy as a RAV4, but it doesn’t have quite the same aesthetic appeal as a Mazda CX-5. The large shape tapers up towards the rear windows to give it a sporty feel and you definitely feel good driving a Tucson.

It’s an easy drive, with a 2.0-litre engine that is powerful enough to get up hills swiftly, and I didn’t feel like I had to press hard on the accelerator when driving along highways to reach the 110km/h speed limit. It was effortless and smooth.

With a 2.0-litre engine, the Tucson is powerful enough to get up hills swiftly. (image credit: Dean McCartney)

The Tucson handles well and it doesn’t feel heavy on the take-off. It’s too big to be called zippy but it picks up speed well. The steering wheel isn’t heavy either. Parking was a breeze this week because turning the wheel was easy. There’s also a clear reverse parking camera to help you out. 

I was in the 2WD model but there are all-wheel drive (AWD) versions on offer. If you often drive on dirt or gravel roads or if you’re an avid skier, you may want to lift your grade to an AWD for better traction on slippery surfaces. The 2WD was fine for suburban driving and along the highways. 

It’s the kind of car you just jump in and go, there’s not much to think about in the way of tech. The driver and front passenger seats are manually adjusted, which can get a bit taxing if you switch drivers often, and there is a manual park brake and key start, as opposed to a button park brake and push button start.

However both of those are available if you buy the 'SmartSense' safety pack, which comes with a bunch of safety options, and costs $2200.

There are two cupholders in the front, a small spot to stash keys and a phone, a bottle holder in each door plus a decent sized centre storage bin for all those receipts you keep meaning to do something with. 

Rear passengers get two cupholders in the centre armrest, but there are no air vents back there in this base model, which I think is an issue in a car this size, especially in an Australian summer. You will get rear air vents if you purchase the safety pack though. 

All Tucsons also come with a full size spare tyre, so if you like going on long road trips, that is a big plus. 

Happily you’ll be able to plug in for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it’s just the easiest way to connect your phone to the 7.0-inch multimedia screen and is also good if you constantly switch drivers, as different phones can connect easily. 

Use it to navigate via your maps app (CarPlay now lets you connect with Google Maps too, even if you’ve got an iPhone), play music or podcasts through Spotify and also use voice control to make calls and send texts. You’ll never have to touch your phone again. 

The 7.0-inch multimedia screen comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The speakers are good, so turn the volume up for a stress-busting music session. 

The Hyundai Tucson Go comes in at $30,650 (before on-road costs) as standard, with the safety pack an extra $2200. Fuel consumption for the 2WD petrol auto is a claimed 7.8L/100km which is fairly average for a car this size. 

It’s covered by Hyundai’s five year/unlimited km warranty and has a capped price service program that runs for the life of the car, which will surely help resale value.