HYUNDAI TUCSON
The Hyundai Tucson is a great-looking, reliable, and practical SUV that's been a strong contender in the compact crossover segment, and also the Korean automobile brand's best-selling model. Since it was introduced in 2004 and across its four generations, the Tucson has earned a reputation for its good lineup of standard safety equipment, and increasingly striking bold looks. More recently, the Tucson has also grown in size to offer more seating and cargo carry space.
Origin
The Tucson was launched in 2004 as a more compact alternative to the Santa Fe, aimed at drivers seeking a smaller SUV that still offered versatility and comfort. It was built on a platform derived from the popular Hyundai Elantra, which allowed it to maintain a balance between efficiency and performance. This platform was shared with Kia's second-generation Sportage SUV, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
From its inception, the Tucson featured a sleek and modern design, with a focus on function and practicality. Over the years, the Tucson has evolved, incorporating advanced technology and safety features, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV market.
First Generation (JM; 2004–2008)
The first-generation Tucson, which was launched in 2004, was a rugged compact SUV that sported big-eye headlights that sat shorter and wider than its competitors for light off-roading. It was well-suited for tackling snow and mud thanks to its nearly 200 mm ground clearance. Inside the Tucson, there were comfortable seats that came standard with cloth upholstery and optional leather. It boasted good value, since it was the cheapest SUV at the time to come with standard side airbags and electronic stability control. Engines were a 2.0 L inline four-cylinder and a 2.7 L V6 petrol, and a 2.0 L inline four-cylinder diesel.
Second Generation (LM; 2009–2014)
The second-generation Tucson carried on from the first generation the reputation of offering outstanding value, getting standard alloy wheels on the base trim. It received a drastic makeover for a sportier appearance that comprised more flowing lines, sharper angles, and a raked A-pillar. A mid-generation facelift in 2013 brought a new bumper with larger fog lights, new projector lights, and LED daytime running lights. The inside of the second-generation Tucson was spacious and well-equipped, coming in at a segment-topping 2885 litres of maximum cargo space (seats down) with features such as illuminated cup holders and climate control with an ionizer. In the engine lineup were a 1.6 L and 2.0 L equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection, 2.0 L and 2.4 L petrol with Multi-point Injection, and a 1.7 L and 2.0 L diesel with Common Rail Direct Fuel Injection.
Third Generation (TL; 2015–2019)
The Tucson was redesigned for its third generation, getting a larger body and an even sportier exterior that featured LED Daytime Running Lights and LED twin-projector headlights. The inside came with more premium features and materials, such as leather-wrapped instrument panel and soft-touch materials. The practicality of the Tucson also increased with this generation, thanks to an expansion of rear storage space with seats up from 465 to 513 litres. From this generation, advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and auto-braking for other cars and pedestrians were offered. Powering the Tucson were 1.6 L, 2.0 L, and 2.4 L petrols, and a 1.6 L, 1.7 L, and 2.0 L diesel.
Fourth Generation (NX4; 2020–present)
The latest generation of the Tucson looked more like a coupe SUV than a compact crossover, getting flared fenders at both the front and rear and Hyundai's "jewel-like" grille. Its sporty looks were also enhanced by its bulging fenders and front bumper that came with two wide scoops. A refresh in 2024 equipped the Tucson with new slim LEDs that flanked the grille. Inside the fourth-generation Tucson is an optional hoodless, fully digital instrument cluster and a four-spoke steering wheel. Two wheelbase versions are offered, with the longer wheelbase model getting more legroom and 1096 L of cargo space. Engines include 1.5 L and 1.6 L turbo petrols, 2.0 L and 2.5 L petrols, 1.6 L turbo and 2.0 L petrol hybrids, a 1.6 L plug-in hybrid, and 1.6 L and 2.0 L diesels.
Engine Performance & Technology
Hyundai has fitted the Tucson with robust engines that offer exceptional horsepower and a thrilling ride. Their engines found in the second generation onwards feature gasoline direct injection technology, which increases engine efficiency and power output while reducing exhaust emissions, or multi-point injection, which is able to better achieve the desired fuel-air ratio.
Hyundai also equipped the Tucsons in 2018 with their Smartstream all-aluminium engines that are optimised for fuel efficiency, low emissions, and improved performance.
Safety & Reliability
Safety and reliability are the Tucson's key strengths. So confident is Hyundai in the Tucson's reliability that it offers it with a comprehensive warranty (depending on the region). For the 2018's safety features, front crumple zones, body side reinforcements, dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, EBD, traction control, and electronic stability control come as standard. Higher trims open up optional advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear parking sensors.
Trim Configurations
The Tucson comes in a number of trims, although the exact trim lineup for the Tucson depends on the target market. The 2018 American Tucson features SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited Editions, with the standard SE getting a 5" color touchscreen display, a 6-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera as standard. Upgrading to the SEL brings along features like heated front seats and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while going for the SEL Plus loads the Tucson with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated leather front seats, an 8-speaker Infinity stereo system, blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Conclusion
Hyundai's Tucson is a versatile and reliable SUV, known for its practicality, safety features, and impressive equipment. You can find a well-maintained Tucson in great condition at a competitive price here at BE FORWARD. Don't miss the opportunity to drive a vehicle that combines style, performance, and value!
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