Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson (현대 투싼) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai. It is named after the city of Tucson, Arizona. It was originally known as the Hyundai JM when it was introduced in Japan in 2004.

The second-generation model was marketed as the Hyundai ix35 in several markets, including Europe, Australia and China, before reverting to Tucson for the third-generation. Since its first-generation, the Tucson has been developed alongside the Kia Sportage, sharing platforms and engines.

The Tucson is the best-selling Hyundai SUV model, with more than 7 million units sold globally since it launched in 2004. Of these, 1.4 million units have been sold in Europe. , the Tucson is positioned between the Kona or Creta and the three-row Santa Fe in Hyundai's crossover SUV lineup.

First generation (JM; 2004)
The first-generation Tucson was launched in 2004, after its name was announced in November 2003. Positioned as a smaller alternative to the Santa Fe, it shared its Hyundai Elantra-based platform with the second-generation Kia Sportage.

North America
In the U.S., the Tucson was offered in base GLS, mid-line SE, and top-tier Limited (formerly LX) trim levels for 2007 models. Earlier 2005 and 2006 models were offered as GL/GLS/Limited. Standard equipment included air conditioning, six airbags, electronic stability control, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth seats. The SE added to the roster with contrasting gray body cladding, a different alloy design, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD as well as fog lights and a front windshield wiper de-icing grid. The Limited added leather seating surfaces, a 6-disc in dash CD changer, body-coloured cladding, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The GLS and Limited were only available with the 2.7 L V6. The GL came only with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

The Tucson offers modest cargo space but its easy-to-fold seats can expand this volume so they lie flat. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for extra-long cargo.

Safety
There are dual-stage frontal impact airbags, torso side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain airbags for side-impact protection for front and rear passengers.

2009 Hyundai Tucson by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
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Model year changes
In 2006, the LX became the Limited and got colour-coded cladding, automatic climate control, and a high-performance sound system. The GLS retained the gray cladding but 'HYUNDAI' is no longer branded into the cladding on the front doors. The GLS also got improved cloth seats with the option of a heating element. Both GLS and Limited got redesigned alloy wheels. The base GL remained unchanged.

In 2007, the GL and GLS trims were respectively renamed to GLS and SE to match the standard for all new Hyundai vehicles. The SE comes with a sport utility rack, has 4-wheel drive, and is a 6-cylinder engine.

2009 Tucsons saw restyling and trim changes.

Tucson FCEV
The Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is a test fuel cell vehicle for Hyundai's second-generation hydrogen fuel cell. The vehicle includes an 80 kW electric motor by Enova Systems of Torrance, California, UTC Fuel Cells by South Windsor, Connecticut, 152V battery co-developed by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Chem in Seoul, Korea, 152 L hydrogen storage tanks developed by Dynetek Industries of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The vehicle has range of 300 km and top speed of 150 km/h.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show and completed a 4300 mi journey as part of the Hydrogen Road Tour in 2008.

Other markets
In Japan, the Hyundai Tucson was sold as the Hyundai JM until November 2009.

In Brazil, the Hyundai Tucson was produced from October 2009 until the second half of 2018, initially in GL and GLS trim levels - the former available only with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the latter offering a 2.7-litre V6 engine in addition to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder, both mated exclusively to the 4-speed auto.

A facelifted version of the first-generation exclusive to China was produced by Beijing Hyundai. The second-generation Tucson was renamed to ix35 in China and Brazil, and later became an independent model while the Tucson name returned with the introduction of the third-generation.

Reception
The Hyundai Tucson received accolades from Canadian Car of the Year Best New Crossover award for 2005. It was named as one of the most reliable vehicles from the 2009 Consumer Reports reliability survey.

Safety
The first-generation Tucson in its standard European market configuration received 4 stars for adult occupants, 3 stars for toddlers, and 1 star for pedestrians from Euro NCAP in 2006.

Second generation (LM; 2009)
In most markets outside South Korea and North America, the Hyundai Tucson name (also known as the "Hyundai Tucson ix" in Korea) was changed to Hyundai ix35. Vehicles sold in the North America and several other regions continued to be called Tucson. The ix35 was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features were claimed to have been all upgraded. Known by the project name LM, it took 36 months and 280 billion won (approx. US$225 million) to develop.

The ix35's styling was reported to be based on Hyundai ix-onic concept. The ix35 was penned by Hyundai designer Cha Il-Hoei in 2007, under the guidance of former BMW designer Thomas Bürkle at Hyundai's Rüsselsheim design studio in Germany and continues the company's styling language, marketed as "fluidic sculpture". The compact crossover vehicle has sweeping coupe-like lines, a premium vehicle feel and comes with features unavailable on its predecessor.

Facelift
The facelifted Tucson was released in South Korea on 2 May 2013, based on the European market ix35 styling with new grille, projector headlights, tail lights, rounded fog lights and front bumper. This facelift was also released in China in August 2013 under the ix35 nameplate, and was not applied in most markets outside South Korea and China, especially in Europe, where only headlights and tail lights were changed, and in North America and Australia, where it retained the pre-facelift styling with only headlights were changed. While in Indonesia, the Tucson received its own facelift in April 2014 based on the global model styling with new grille (similar to the South Korean and Chinese markets), projector headlights, tail lights and fog lights.

United States
The Tucson sold in the United States came in three trims: GL, GLS and Limited, with all-wheel drive available for GLS and Limited trims. The GL comes with a standard manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic transmission is available and is standard on GLS and Limited. The North American version uses a different gauge cluster design than the Korean version.

The 2011 Tucson offered in the U.S. a new GL trim which replaces the 2010 GLS model as Tucson's base trim. The GL is powered by a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic transmission in order to obtain better fuel economy than the 2.4-litre engine.

2014 model year Tucson for North America have been upgraded with GDI direct injected Theta II engines that obtain more power and better emissions, LED tail/head lights, more stylish alloy rim designs, and a few minor improvements to the interior/audio system.

Australia
In Australia, the ix35 is available in Active, Elite and Highlander trim levels. The 2.0-litre Theta II petrol engine in front-wheel drive is available on Active and Elite trims, while the 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine and the 2.0-litre R-series diesel engine are available on Elite and Highlander trims.

Europe
The European market ix35 has a restyled grille, front bumper, rounded fog lights and projector headlights, to differentiate it with global models. This styling was also sold in Malaysia from November 2012 as the Tucson.

In the United Kingdom, the ix35 was initially available in Style and Premium trim levels. It received an update in September 2013 with new headlights and tail lights, and is available in S, SE and Premium trim levels.

China
In China, the first-generation Tucson was sold alongside the ix35, which adopted the European market styling, and was replaced by the third-generation Tucson directly while the ix35 spawned its own successor, the Hyundai ix35 (NU). The ix35 NU was revealed on the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show in China and was available to the Chinese car market in the third quarter of 2017.

Powertrain
The Tucson/ix35 is available with several engines: an all-new 2.0-litre diesel R engine, one of two Theta-II petrol engine variants (2.0-litre or 2.4-litre), 1.7-litre UII diesel and 1.6-litre Gamma GDI petrol. The later two only in Europe. The automatic transmission is Hyundai's all-new six-speed design. The manual transmissions available in Europe is a 6-speed for 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre diesels and 1.6 Gamma and a 5-speed for 2.0 Theta. The 2.0-litre diesel engine, available outside of North America, meets the Euro-5 emissions standards and achieves 6.5 l/100km fuel economy with maximum power output of 184 hp. The 2.0-litre petrol engine has a fuel economy of 8.5 l/100km with 166 hp. In South Korea, the diesel engine is offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the 2.0-litre petrol engine is available only in front-wheel drive.

The North American versions are powered by either the 2.0-litre producing 165 hp or a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 176 hp mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-litre engine makes almost the same power as the previous generation V6 engine while managing 20% better fuel economy than the previous generation four-cylinder.

Safety
The second-generation Tucson earned 'Top Safety Pick' award in 2010 from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the U.S.

Third generation (TL; 2015)
In February 2015, Hyundai released the first details about the third-generation Tucson ahead of the crossover's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2015. This model arrived in showrooms in the second half of 2015, as a 2016 model year. Since this generation, Hyundai has discontinued the use of the ix35 nameplate, reverting to Tucson globally.

The third-generation Tucson measures 65 mm longer and 30 mm wider than its predecessor, while riding on a 30 mm longer wheelbase. Rear storage space is also larger, with seats-up capacity growing from 465 to 513 litres.

Starting from this generation, safety technologies such as lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and auto braking for pedestrians and cars, along with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and torque vectoring known as Hyundai Active Cornering Control are offered.

North America
Revealed in April 2015 for the 2016 model year, the North American market Tucson was offered with a choice of two engines, a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder delivering 164 hp and 151 lbft of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 175 hp and 195 lbft of torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both engines are available in front and all-wheel drive versions. Available in July 2015, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson was available in four trim levels: SE, Eco, Sport and Limited.

Australia
The Tucson was revealed in the country in August 2015. At launch, the Tucson was offered two petrol engines and one diesel, along with 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto and 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmissions. The 2.0-litre petrol engines include the 2.0-litre GDi Nu petrol engine, while it was also offered alongside the older 2.0-litre MPi version of the Nu engine. Other engines offered are the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine and a turbocharged 2.0-litre R-Series diesel engine. Models with the 2.0-litre GDi engine were sourced from South Korea, while the 2.0 MPi, 1.6 T-GDi and 2.0 R-Series variants were imported from the Czech Republic.

2018 facelift
First shown at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the Tucson for the 2019 model year received a facelift and changes to the powertrain options. Exterior updates included a new cascade grille, reshaped hood and tailgate design, rectangular fuel door, new rim designs, and an updated LED headlight design for higher trim levels. The interior received an update to include a newly designed dash with lower centrally-placed air vents and a high-mounted head unit display.

In North America, the Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system is standard across all trim levels, and both the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) departure/correction system and Front Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) system are now also standard across all trim levels. The manual and dual clutch transmission options were dropped in favor of the 6-speed Shiftronic automatic used in the previous model. The 2.0-litre Nu GDi engine continues in the SE and Value trim levels but for other trims the 1.6-litre I4 turbocharged engine was dropped and replaced by a 2.4-litre I4 GDi naturally aspirated engine which produces 181 hp at 6,000 rpm and 175 lbft with a slight loss in fuel economy.

In spring 2019, Hyundai started selling the N-Line variant, mainly in the European market.

In August 2020, Hyundai Nishat commenced the local assembly of the facelifted model in Pakistan. Initially, it came in only two trim levels, the FWD GLS Sport and the AWD Ultimate. Later on, a third trim level, the FWD GLS, was also launched. All three trim levels come with the 2.0 L Nu MPi I4 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Chinese market facelift
For the Chinese market, the Tucson was given an alternate facelift for the 2019 model year with the single model name known as 280TGDi and 6 separate trim levels. The 1.6-litre G4FJ engine is available paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Powertrain
During the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai also unveiled two concept variants, a Tucson hybrid electric and a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. The 48V Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre diesel model with 134 hp (100 kW) and a six-speed manual transmission along with a 14 hp (10 kW) electric motor; combined system performance is 148 hp (110 kW) and 413 N·m (305 lb-ft) of torque. This increases system power by 10% while emitting only 109 g/km. The concept plug-in-hybrid is also based on the all-new Tucson platform and is equipped with a 1.7-litre diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine generates 113 hp (85 kW) and is accompanied by a 67 hp (50 kW) electric motor and a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, which delivers an all-electric range of more than 50 km. Combined system output is a maximum of 180 hp (135 kW) with 474 N·m (350 lb-ft) of torque, with estimated emissions of less than 48 g/km.

Fourth generation (NX4; 2020)
The fourth-generation Tucson was revealed on 15 September 2020. The all-new model features Hyundai's "jewel-like" grille, with geometric daytime running lights integrated in its design. Hyundai's design team, led by SangYup Lee, its senior vice president and head of Hyundai Global Design Center, has reshaped the Tucson with bulging fenders, angled wheel wells, a level roofline and short overhangs. Prior to its release, the fourth-generation Tucson was previewed as the Vision T Concept showcased at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019.

Riding on a shortened version of the N3 platform shared with the larger Santa Fe, the fourth-generation Tucson is offered with two wheelbase length for different markets to meet different customers needs and expectations in different regions, which are short-wheelbase (2680 mm), and long-wheelbase (2755 mm). Most regions outside Europe, Middle East and Mexico receives the long-wheelbase version. In China, the long-wheelbase-only fourth-generation Tucson is marketed as the Tucson L to differentiate itself with the older model.

In the interior, the new Tucson features an optional hoodless fully digital instrument cluster and a four-spoke steering wheel. It also includes a vertically stacked, dual 10.25 in full-touch screen with capacitive buttons. For the long-wheelbase version, Hyundai claimed the cargo volume will provide a 38.7 cuft of usable space.

Facelift
Hyundai released the facelift version of the fourth-generation Tucson in December 2023 for the 2025 model year.

Europe
Continued to be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech, the European-market Tucson is solely offered with the short 2680 mm wheelbase version. The European range of the fourth-generation Tucson includes five electrified powertrain options, as well as one petrol and one diesel.

The base options are the petrol 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged petrol direct injection) with 147 hp engine and the diesel 1.6-litre CRDi with 113 hp. Both engines are also offered with a mild hybrid 48-volt technology, which include the petrol 1.6-litre T-GDi in 147 hp and 177 hp versions, and the diesel 1.6-litre CRDi with 134 hp. Mild Hybrid (MHEV) models are fitted with the 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) as standard or a 7-speed dry-type Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

At launch, the most powerful Tucson is the hybrid 1.6-litre T-GDi HEV, which combines the turbocharged petrol engine with a 59 hp electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for a system output of 226 hp. The hybrid Tucson will be offered with a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) and optional all-wheel-drive drivetrain. A plug-in hybrid variant based on the 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol with a combined output of 261 hp was introduced in 2021.

North America
The fourth-generation Tucson was revealed for the North American market in November 2020 for the 2022 model year. Offered with the long-wheelbase specification, it features a new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Smartstream petrol engine rated at 187 hp and 178 lbft of torque. The Tucson Hybrid is also sold in the region, bringing a combination of 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with a 44 kW electric motor. It is capable of 226 hp, 258 lbft of torque and 30 percent increase in fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid version has also arrived, powered by a 13.8-kWh battery providing 51 km of zero-emission range.

Despite resistance from the labor union in South Korea, Hyundai started to produce the new Tucson in the United States due to its increasing popularity from February 2021. It is produced alongside the Elantra, Sonata and Santa Fe and Santa Cruz in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery.

South Korea
The fourth-generation Tucson was released in South Korea in September 2020. The range includes the 2.5-litre GDi petrol engine, 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol, 2.0-litre CRDi diesel, 1.6-litre T-GDi hybrid or 1.6-litre T-GDi plug-in hybrid.

China
The fourth-generation Tucson was unveiled at the 2020 Guangzhou Motor Show, marketed as the Tucson L. Several exterior changes for the Chinese market include false exhaust tips in the rear. Changes in the interior include a larger vertically mounted touch screen infotainment system. A Smartstream turbocharged engine is offered, which is a 1.5-litre T-GDi engine that produces 197 hp, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Mexico
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in Mexico on 10 February 2021, with three trim levels: GLS, Limited and Limited Tech. All variants are powered by a 2.5-litre GDi petrol engine.

In August 2022, a Hybrid version based on the Limited trim was added to the range.

Australia
The fourth generation Tucson was launched in Australia on 26 April 2021, with three trim levels: Tucson, Elite and Highlander. An N-line package is available as an option on all trim levels and adds a sportier look and various features. Three powertrain options are available on the Australian Tucson: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, a 2.0-litre MPi petrol combined with a 6-speed automatic, and finally a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel combined with a 8 speed automatic. All powertrains, except the 2.0-litre MPi petrol, comes equipped with AWD.

In June 2024, the facelifted Tucson debuted in Australia, which saw the diesel engine option discontinued and the option of a Hybrid version.

Singapore
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in Singapore on 7 July 2021, with three variants. Two powertrain options are available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol and a 1.6-litre Hybrid turbocharged petrol (followed at a later date).

New Zealand
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in New Zealand on 4 August 2021, with five trim levels: Tucson, Active, Elite, Limited and N-Line. Three powertrain options are available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, a 1.6-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre MPi petrol. The former powertrain comes standard with front-wheel-drive, and the latter two powertrains are equipped with AWD system.

In the second half of 2022, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions were added to the range for the Entry and Elite trims.

Vietnam
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in Vietnam on 27 December 2021, with four variants. Three powertrain options are available: 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, a 2.0-litre MPi petrol and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel.

South Africa
The fourth-generation Tucson went on sale in South Africa on 10 March 2022, with three trim levels: Premium, Executive and Elite. Two powertrain options are available: a 2.0-litre MPi petrol and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel.

In May 2023, the N-Line trim was added as the flagship variant, powered by a 2.0-litre MPi petrol.

Philippines
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in the Philippines on 20 June 2022 and it became available on dealerships on 17 August 2022. For the Philippines, the Tucson is offered in two trim levels: GLS and GLS+. Two powertrain options are available: 2.0-litre MPi petrol (for GLS) and a 2.0-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel (for GLS+).

Malaysia
The fourth-generation Tucson was launched in Malaysia on 10 November 2023, with three trim levels: Lite, Plus and Max. Two powertrain options are available: a 2.0-litre MPi petrol and a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol.