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Photo of a Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

Tucson Fuel Cell: 152.2 km/h at Soggy Dry Lake Bed, an unofficial production fuel-cell SUV record.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 37 sources

At a glance

0150300
111–288 hpPower
0510
7.1–9.6 s0–60 mph
0125250
152.2–202 km/hTop speed
0200400
160.8–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,379–1,742 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.124111718

Engine
Gas/diesel inline-fours; early 2.7 L V6; later 1.6 L turbo hybrids212
Layout
Front engine; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4/6/8-speed automatics; 7-speed dual-clutch21314
Built at
Ulsan, South Korea; HMMC, Nošovice, Czech Republic2
Units built
First generation: over 1 million assembled by 20091516

The story

Launched in 2004 as a smaller Santa Fe alternative, Tucson took its name from Tucson, Arizona. Its first generation shared an Elantra-based platform with the Kia Sportage; by 2024, sales had reached 7 million globally and 1.4 million in Europe.23

2004: Tucson launches with Elantra roots20042009: ix35 debuts at Frankfurt20092014: Mass-produced Tucson Fuel Cell hits the US20142015: Third generation restores Tucson name20152018: 48-volt diesel power arrives20182021: 2022 Plug-in Hybrid: 261 hp20212024: 20th Anniversary goes Pine Green Matte20242026: Fifth generation premieres in New York2026 Hyundai Tucson (first generation) (JM): 2004–2009; later regional productionJMHyundai Tucson / ix35 (second generation) (LM): 2009–2022 (including Brazil)LMHyundai Tucson (third generation): 2015–2020Hyundai Tucson (fourth generation) (NX4): 2020–NX4Hyundai Tucson (fifth generation): 2027 (planned) 20052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones26710111217
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2004–2009; later regional productionHyundai Tucson (first generation) (JM)
2009–2022 (including Brazil)Hyundai Tucson / ix35 (second generation) (LM)
2015–2020Hyundai Tucson (third generation)
2020–Hyundai Tucson (fourth generation) (NX4)
2027 (planned)Hyundai Tucson (fifth generation)
2004Tucson launches with Elantra roots
2009ix35 debuts at Frankfurt
2014Mass-produced Tucson Fuel Cell hits the US
2015Third generation restores Tucson name
201848-volt diesel power arrives
20212022 Plug-in Hybrid: 261 hp
202420th Anniversary goes Pine Green Matte
2026Fifth generation premieres in New York
  1. 2004

    Tucson launches with Elantra roots

    The first generation combines an Elantra-based platform with optional Borg-Warner AWD: up to 50% rearward power, or a locked 50:50 torque split.24

  2. 2009

    ix35 debuts at Frankfurt

    Europe, Australia and China receive ix35 branding; the second generation takes 36 months and 280 billion won to develop.2

  3. 2014

    Mass-produced Tucson Fuel Cell hits the US

    Tucson Fuel Cell reaches US soil near Los Angeles, marking the country's first delivery of a mass-produced fuel-cell vehicle.5

  4. 2015

    Third generation restores Tucson name

    The third generation brings Tucson branding back to Europe, Australia and China, succeeding the ix35.26

  5. 2018

    48-volt diesel power arrives

    The 2.0 CRDi gains 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance; the 1.6 CRDi follows in 2019 with a 0.44-kWh battery.67

  6. 2021

    2022 Plug-in Hybrid: 261 hp

    Announced with an estimated 261 hp and 32 electric miles, the plug-in uses a 13.8-kWh battery and a 7.2-kW charger for a recharge in under 2 hours.8

  7. 2024

    20th Anniversary goes Pine Green Matte

    Europe gets Pine Green Matte paint, Satin Dark Grey 19-inch wheels, green-stitched leather/suede and anniversary badges; August production has no fixed cap.9

  8. 2026

    Fifth generation premieres in New York

    Its announced Plug-in Hybrid makes 288 hp with an estimated 81-km electric range; global rollout is planned from 2027.1011

Every generation

  • Hyundai Elantra
    XD
  • Hyundai Tucson (first generation)
    JM2004–2009; later regional production
  • Hyundai Tucson / ix35 (second generation)
    LM2009–2022 (including Brazil)
  • Hyundai Tucson (third generation)
    Hyundai Tucson (third generation)2015–2020
  • Hyundai Tucson (fourth generation)
    NX42020–
  • Hyundai Tucson (fifth generation)
    Hyundai Tucson (fifth generation)2027 (planned)

Power over the years

From 111 hp to 288 hp in 22 years.

0100200300 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 111 hp · 2.0 CRDi diesel2004 · 140 hp · 2.0 gasoline, 5MT/4AT2005 · 173 hp · GLS 2.7 V6, 4-speed automatic2009 · 134 hp · ix35 2.0 CRDi, lower output2009 · 181 hp · ix35 2.0 CRDi, higher output2010 · 176 hp · North American 2.4 gasoline2016 · 175 hp · 1.6T AWD, 264 Nm, 7-speed DCT2018 · 182 hp · 2.0 CRDi 48V mild hybrid2019 · 134 hp · 1.6 CRDi 48V mild hybrid2022 · 226 hp · Hybrid AWD, EPA city/hwy 37/36 mpg2026 · 288 hp · Announced next-gen Plug-in Hybrid 288 hp Announced next-gen Plug-in Hybrid 111 hp 2.0 CRDi diesel
2471114181920
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20041112.0 CRDi diesel
20041402.0 gasoline, 5MT/4AT
2005173GLS 2.7 V6, 4-speed automatic
2009134ix35 2.0 CRDi, lower output
2009181ix35 2.0 CRDi, higher output
2010176North American 2.4 gasoline
20161751.6T AWD, 264 Nm, 7-speed DCT
20181822.0 CRDi 48V mild hybrid
20191341.6 CRDi 48V mild hybrid
2022226Hybrid AWD, EPA city/hwy 37/36 mpg
2026288Announced next-gen Plug-in Hybrid

Versions

7 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    LX / Limited (first generation, US)

    2005–2009

  • Standard

    1.6T Eco / Sport / Limited

    2016

    175 hp
  • N Line (fourth generation)

    Performance

    N Line (fourth generation)

    2021 (Europe); 2022 (US)

  • Special

    20th Anniversary Edition (Europe)

    2024

  • Limited

    Night

    2016 launch

  • Limited

    The Walking Dead Special Edition

  • Limited

    Track Limited Edition (Taiwan)

    2018

    175 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: stubby nose and tail with strongly flared fenders.24
  • Third generation: chrome grille bars meet swept-back lights above squared arches and a Z-shaped flank crease.6
  • Fourth generation: full-width rear lighting with triangular details and a wiper hidden under the spoiler.1223

Year by year

  1. 2006 (US)

    Limited gained body-color cladding; GLS lost HYUNDAI lettering from its front-door cladding. Both received new alloy-wheel designs.2

  2. 2013 (Europe)

    European ix35 gained revised headlights and taillights.2

  3. 2018 (Europe)

    Third-generation facelift adds a cascading grille, revised light signatures, bumpers, skid plate, wheels and rear lamps.613

  4. 2020 reveal / 2022 US

    Fourth generation introduces grille-hidden daytime lights, a full-width rear light and a concealed rear wiper.12

  5. 2024 (Europe)

    Larger daytime lights, revised bumpers and wheels; inside, a horizontal dash and curved display joining two 12.3-inch screens.3

  6. 2026 reveal

    New generation switches to muscular fenders, calmer door panels, H-Edge front lighting and sculpted Prism rear lamps.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Hyundai Tucson
    Tucson
    Photo of a Hyundai Santa Fe
    Hyundai Santa Fe

    Hyundai Santa Fe

    First-generation Tucson has the shorter, stubbier body with flared fenders.24

Against its rivals

  • Ford Escape XLS

    Tucson vs Ford Escape XLS

    Entry price lower is better

    Tucson$18,094
    Ford Escape XLS$19,995
    4
  • Honda CR-V

    Tucson vs Honda CR-V

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Tucson7.6 s
    Honda CR-V8.2 s
    14
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

    Tucson vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

    EPA city economy

    Tucson37 mpg (US)
    Toyota RAV4 Hybrid41 mpg (US)
    18
  • Nissan Rogue Platinum

    Tucson vs Nissan Rogue Platinum

    Price as tested lower is better

    Tucson$37,505
    Nissan Rogue Platinum$43,030
    28

Prices

Value today $2.9K–$3.4K31

Price when newValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 2010201520202025 Value today: $2,925–$3,400 2010 · $19,790 · US base, GLS manual FWD2010 · $25,140 · US base, Limited automatic2016 · $26,445 · US base, 1.6T AWD2016 · $32,510 · US as tested, 1.6T AWD2022 · $30,425 · US base, Hybrid Blue2022 · $39,320 · US as tested, Hybrid Limited2022 · $32,625 · US base, XRT FWD incl. destination2022 · $34,125 · US base, XRT AWD incl. destination
21214182022
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2010Price when new$19,790US base, GLS manual FWD
2010Price when new$25,140US base, Limited automatic
2016Price when new$26,445US base, 1.6T AWD
2016Price when new$32,510US as tested, 1.6T AWD
2022Price when new$30,425US base, Hybrid Blue
2022Price when new$39,320US as tested, Hybrid Limited
2022Price when new$32,625US base, XRT FWD incl. destination
2022Price when new$34,125US base, XRT AWD incl. destination
2026Value today$2,925–$3,400

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 7 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 10 stories from its legend
    • “33-inch tires for Uncharted's Beast”
    • “36 months and $225 million for the ix35”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. Hyundai Tucson sets land speed record for production fuel cell SUV newatlas.com
  2. Hyundai Tucson - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. The new Tucson: Europe’s best-selling compact SUV just got better hyundai.news
  4. Hyundai Tucson GLS — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  5. Hyundai's First Mass-Produced Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs Arrive In Southern California prnewswire.com
  6. Used Hyundai Tucson (Mk3, 2015-2020) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  7. Hyundai Tucson Becomes First N Line SUV | Hyundai N hyundai-n.com
  8. Hyundai Adds 2022 Tucson N Line and Plug-in Hybrid Models prnewswire.com
  9. Celebrating 20 years: special edition Tucson debuts in Europe hyundai.news
  10. Hyundai Tucson (2020) - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  11. Hyundai Motor Unveils The all-new TUCSON, Its Boldest SUV | News | Hyundai Motor Group hyundaimotorgroup.co.kr
  12. Hyundai Launches Dynamic New TUCSON with Best-in-Segment Features and Class-Leading Capabilities hyundai.com
  13. New Hyundai Tucson receives worldwide debut at New York International Auto Show hyundai.news
  14. 2016 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T AWD Tested: Going Continental caranddriver.com
  15. Hyundai ix35 - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  16. Hyundai Tucson - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  17. Hyundai Tucson (2015) - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  18. Tested: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Aids Mileage and Performance caranddriver.com
  19. Used buyer's guide: Hyundai ix35 | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. 2010 Hyundai Tucson – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  21. 2005-09 Hyundai Tucson | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  22. 2022 Hyundai Tucson Adds Rugged XRT Trim prnewswire.com
  23. All-new Tucson design story – interview with SangYup Lee hyundai.news
  24. Hyundai Motor reveals sporty N Line trim of all-new TUCSON | Hyundai N hyundai-n.com
  25. Hyundai Debuts Limited-Production “Night” Model Tucson | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) sema.org
  26. Hyundai Reveals "The Walking Dead" Special Edition Tucson prnewswire.com
  27. 品牌消息 | Hyundai 台灣官網 hyundai-motor.com.tw
  28. 2023 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, and 3 More! motortrend.com
  29. Behind the scenes: transforming Hyundai Motor’s TUCSON into the “Beast” hyundai.news
  30. Hyundai Partners With Bisimoto Engineering For A Fourth Straight Year To Create 700+ Horsepower 2016 Tucson prnewswire.com
  31. 2005 Hyundai Tucson Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  32. Here's How Much A 2023 Hyundai Tucson Has Depreciated Compared To Its Competitors jalopnik.com
  33. Hyundai autoservice.hyundaiusa.com
  34. Transport Canada Recall - 2020648 - - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  35. Home - Hyundai hyundaiantitheft.com
  36. 2006 Hyundai Tucson Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  37. 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price, Value, Ratings & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  • newatlas.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • hyundai.news
  • caranddriver.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • hyundai-n.com
  • it.wikipedia.org
  • hyundaimotorgroup.co.kr
  • hyundai.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • sema.org
  • hyundai-motor.com.tw
  • motortrend.com

Photo credits

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