Hyundai's Tucson compact SUV has quietly become a strong seller for the company among commercial fleets, and now represents one of every four vehicles sold to commercial users. A heavy refresh for the 2019 model year should help it gain even more ground with traditional sedan fleets continuing to opt for larger vehicles.

In 2018, Hyundai sold more than 10,000 vehicles to commercial fleets, and the company estimates it will exceed14,000 in 2019, according to Richard Pipenhagen, senior manager of corporate sales.

"Tucson has been very popular with many fleets, and competes directly in the compact sport utility market," Pipenhagen said. "It offers many creature comforts and (has earned NHTSA's) five-star safety (rating)," Pipenhagen said. "Even at the base trim level, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has standard features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, and forward collision warning."

New for 2019: Engine Power

While the 2019 Tucson remains in its third generation, the compact SUV arrives with a heavy refresh that brings revised styling, a new higher-trim engine that replaces the turbocharged engine, and more safety features as standard equipment.

Let's start with the new engine — a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that replaces the outgoing 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the four highest trim grades. Hyundai is offering its 2019 Tucson in the base SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. The former SEL Plus model has been dropped, and Ultimate replaced the former Limited with the Ultimate option package.

We tested the front-wheel Tucson Ultimate, which offered a more peppy driving experience. The engine, which produces 181 peak horsepower, enables better responsiveness in city and highway driving, even though fuel economy is slightly impacted by the engineering choice.

More Standard Safety Technology

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have both given the Tucson stong marks for its performance in crash tests, and the vehicle arrives with additional standard safety tech. Driver-assistance features include forward collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning to alert drowsy drivers.

Adaptive cruise control is available.

The near-luxury interior offers comfortable seating and value. Lower trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, while Limited and Ultimate offer an 8-inch screen and navigation.

Newly purchased Tucsons offer limited warranty coverage over 5 years or 60,000 miles with powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Lesser coverage transfers to the second owner.

The 2019 Tucson retails for at least $24,245, which including a $1,045 delivery fee. Our test vehicle would retail for $32,720.

2019 Hyundai Tucson Specs:

• Engines: 2.0L I-4 (164 hp, 151 lb.-ft.) or 2.4L inline-four (181 hp and 175 lb.-ft.)

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

• All-wheel drive: Optional on all trims

• Cargo space: 61.9 cu.-ft. and 31 cu.-ft. with second row seating