Fourth generation (2022-Present)
The current fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson debuted in the 2022 model year and is easily distinguishable from its predecessor. It has a more high-tech look with a wide grille that cleverly integrates LED accent lights in its outer edges with the actual headlights positioned where the fog lights typically reside. The side bodywork features the sharp creases that have been incorporated into other Hyundai vehicles, while the taillights have two downward spikes at the corners with a single illuminated bar tying them together at the top.
Compared with the previous Tucson, this newer model has grown by roughly 15 centimetres in length, with the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) accounting for about half of that. This results in an additional 7.5 cm in rear passenger legroom and a 25% increase in cargo capacity behind those seats. As with every Tucson, it shares many parts with the concurrent Kia Sportage.
The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels (FWD) with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. (In Canada, AWD became standard beginning in 2024.) There’s also a Tucson Hybrid with 227 horsepower and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, both of which are classed as separate models.
The standard Tucson is one of the slower SUVs in its class, requiring 10 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h — lethargic enough to make even conservative drivers wish for more power. The suspension is also tuned for comfort, which makes for a smooth ride but not a particularly exciting drive.
In Canada, the latest Tucson was introduced in five trim levels: Essential, Preferred, N Line, Luxury, and Ultimate. (The latter two trims were hybrid or plug-in hybrid only.) Standard feature highlights for the base Essential trim in 2022 included LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Safety highlights include a forward collision-avoidance system with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane follow assist, automatic high beams, a rear occupant alert, and driver attention warnings. AWD was available.
2022 Tucson Preferred models also had available AWD and included roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and steering intervention. An available Trend package upgraded to a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, dual rear USB ports, and added exterior styling elements.
The sporty N Line model includes the contents of the Trend package plus standard AWD and spruces things up with unique styling accents inside and out, 19-inch wheels, sport seats, a digital instrument cluster, interior ambient lighting, aluminum sport pedals, and an upgraded Bose audio system.
The Limited and Ultimate trims were available with the hybrid powertrain only and included premium features like ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, Hyundai’s camera-based Blind View Monitor, and more.
For the 2023 model year, the Urban trim was added and incorporated some of the N Line’s features without the sporty styling. In the following year, AWD became standard across the Tucson line-up. The N Line switched to the more powerful hybrid powertrain for 2024 and was dropped from the standard Tucson lineup, leaving only the Preferred trim with a non-electrified powertrain.
In 2025, the Hyundai Tucson received a minor styling update with a subtly revised grille and bumpers. More significant changes happened inside with a new-look dashboard featuring a single rectangular panel that houses both a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a touchscreen side by side. To get it, you had to upgrade to at least the Preferred trim with the Trend package. Otherwise, the Tucson came with an analog instrument panel. All models also gained a new climate control layout, and the outdoorsy XRT model was added to the Canadian line-up with raised roof rails and gloss black exterior accents. This model was dropped for 2026.
Natural Resources Canada initially estimated the Tucson would return 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving (9.1 city/7.1 highway) with front-wheel drive. The AWD model was estimated at 9.0 L/100 km combined (9.9 city/8.0 highway). The AWD figures were reduced by 0.2 L/100 km combined beginning in 2025.
The 2022 Tucson initially received a four-star rating in overall, frontal, and rollover tests, and five stars in side impact evaluations from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Later in the year, the frontal crash test score was upgraded to five stars, increasing the FWD overall rating to five stars, but the AWD model remained at four. By the 2024 model year, the AWD Tucson increased to five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2022 Tucson its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests, and named it a Top Safety Pick+, the Institute's highest honour.
As of early 2026, the MSRP for a new Hyundai Tucson starts at $38,096 including destination charges and fees for the Preferred trim, while the Trend package adds $3,700 to the price. The hybrid-only trims are priced at $46,796 for the N Line and $50,796 for the Ultimate.
Recalls have been fairly light for this Tucson. In its inaugural year, they were issued for the hitch wiring harness, roof moldings, and headlights/taillights. For 2023 and 2024, a problem with the oil pump emerged, while the hitch wiring problem persisted and were addressed that year. For 2025, unrelated issues included the airbags, engine bolts, and a transmission that could slip out of park.
The relative lack of mechanical gremlins likely helped the Hyundai Tucson to retain its value over time. While data is still rather limited, initial reports have it depreciating at a slower rate than many other SUVs in the class.
On the Canadian used vehicle market, Tucsons of this generation are plentiful. 2022 and 2023 models present the best value and can be picked up with reasonable odometer readings for roughly $25,000.
Third generation (2016-2021)
The third-generation Hyundai Tucson was introduced for the 2016 model year, sporting a far more refined look than its predecessor. It also grew in length by more than 6.5 cm and in width and wheelbase by roughly 2.5 cm. This translated to a larger cargo capacity, though passenger space remained about the same.
This Tucson generation's initial base engine offering was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produced 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade engine was a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder good for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option on most lower trims and standard on higher trims.
With the turbocharged engine, the Tucson could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, which was an average performance among its peers. Points were deducted for the dual-clutch transmission's occasional stumbles and hesitation, though this was typically only a problem at low speeds. The base engine's specs weren't significantly lower, but it was noticeably slower to get up to highway speeds.
In Canada, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson was available in five trim levels: base, Premium, Luxury, Limited, and Ultimate. The base Tucson started you off with the non-turbo engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, cloth upholstery, a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen display, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and an auxiliary audio input jack.
The Premium trim was the least expensive way to get the turbocharged engine and also came with standard AWD, 19-inch wheels, unique front and rear fascias, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
For 2017, the Tucson added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only for higher trims. Meanwhile, models with cloth upholstery were upgraded to a stain-resistant fabric and rear vents were made standard.
The 2019 Tucson underwent a minor styling refresh that updated the front end to Hyundai's cascading grille with a curving lower section. Inside, the infotainment touchscreen was moved from within the dash to its own enclosure, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard. There was also a push for increased safety, with most models coming standard with frontal collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. This year also killed off the turbocharged engine and added a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Sonata sedan and Santa Fe SUV making 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Trim levels were renamed to the current standard convention: Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate.
The following year, 2020, was a mostly carryover year for the Tucson, with a Sun & Leather package added to the Preferred model to bolt on a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. There were no changes for 2021 as Hyundai prepared to roll out a new model.
NRCan estimated the 2016 Hyundai Tucson would return 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined (10.1 city/7.6 highway) with FWD and 10.1 L/100 km combined (11.0 city/9.0 highway) with AWD and the base 2.0-litre engine. The turbo engine was surprisingly efficient by comparison at 9.2 L/100 km combined (9.9 city/8.4 highway) with standard AWD. By the end of third-generation production, the FWD models were rated at 9.1 L/100 km combined, AWD at 10.1 L/100 km combined, and the 2.4-litre engine at 10.1 L/100 km combined with standard AWD (11.0 city/9.1 highway).
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the third-generation Hyundai Tucson five out of five stars in overall, frontal, and side collisions, and four stars in rollover tests. Likewise, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Tucson its highest score of "Good" in all crash tests except for an updated side impact evaluation, where it scored a second-best "Moderate." It was named a Top Safety Pick+, the Institute's highest honour, until the 2018 calendar year, when it was downgraded to a second-best Top Safety Pick. It regained the Top Safety Pick+ designation, but only for 2019.
The few recalls issued for this generation were somewhat concerning and included a possible fire caused by the antilock brake controller, which persisted throughout this production run. Other problems included stalling engines and the wired trailer brakes/signals that continued into 2017. Thanks to its relatively trouble-free nature and Hyundai's quick action to address any issues, the third-generation Tucson holds its value about as well as any other SUV in its class. Like its rivals, it's dependent on the trim level, with the top trims retaining more of their value over time than the base models.
Used third-generation Hyundai Tucsons are plentiful in Canada. Expect to pay between $7,000 for very high-kilometre early models and $30,000 for lower-kilometre late models.
Second generation (2010-2015)
The debut of the second-generation Tucson coincided with Hyundai's transformation from a budget brand to a legitimate alternative to Japanese rivals. Across the entire stable of vehicles, the design switched from depressingly anonymous to distinctive and attractive inside and out. The redesigned Tucson showcased the new trapezoidal corporate grille with sculpted headlights that bridged the span to the fenders, marking a significant improvement over the previous generation's bugeye headlights and plain rectangular grille.
The Tucson's interior also left a more favourable impression with elements bespoke to the vehicle rather than pulled from a common parts bin. Even the air vents were shaped to mimic the curves of the dash, and the rows of buttons were tapered to look more purposeful and intentional. Material quality also saw big improvements with more soft-touch surfaces and fewer hard plastics.
In terms of size, the 2010 Tucson grew about 7.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width, though it lost almost 5 cm in height. Despite this, the rear passengers gained a bit of headroom and legroom increased nearly 4 cm.
The second-generation Tucson was initially limited to only one engine: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit producing 176 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on the base model, while a six-speed automatic was available on the base model and standard on other trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on lower trims and standard on the top Limited. The automatic transmission was mandatory for all AWD models. Engine power was about average for the time, but the Tucson distinguished itself from most rivals with its sharper handling.
In Canada, the 2010 Hyundai Tucson was offered in three trim levels: GL, GLS, and Limited. Standard feature highlights for the GL included 17-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a six-speaker audio system, a USB port with an iPod/iPhone interface, Bluetooth, and an auxiliary audio input jack.
The GLS added 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colour mirrors and door handles, fog lights, privacy glass, silver roof rails, a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, and heated front seats with leatherette bolsters.
The Limited trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior elements, leather seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. This trim could also be equipped optionally with a navigation system.
For 2011, the Tucson lineup grew to include a new base L trim that came with a 165-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It was paired with either a five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, but AWD was not available. With the L trim added, the GL’s manual transmission was dropped, making the automatic standard on that trim.
In 2012, the suspension was adjusted for a more comfortable ride quality, FWD models got larger front brake discs, the GL trim received heated front seats, and the fuel tank capacity was increased slightly from 55 to 58 litres.
In 2014, the L trim was discontinued. Both engines kept the same displacement but were new and included direct injection, which increased output on the 2.4-litre engine to 182 hp. Exterior lighting was updated with LED daytime running lights and projector beam headlamps, new wheel designs were launched, heated outboard second-row seats became available, and the navigation system became standard on the Limited trim.
In its final model year for 2015, the second-generation Tucson carried over without any notable changes as Hyundai prepared for the next big redesign.
The 2010 Tucson was estimated to return 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined (11.0 city/8.0 highway) with FWD and the manual transmission, while the automatic burned 9.1 L/100 km combined (10.3 city/7.5 highway). Adding AWD raised those figures to 10.0 L/100 km combined (11.2 city/8.5 highway). The 2.0-litre engine was initially rated at 9.2 L/100 km combined (10.4 city/7.8 highway) with the automatic and 10.3 L/100 km combined (11.5 city/8.8 highway) with the manual. By 2015, figures on all setups had improved slightly.
Crash tests from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available for the first few years of production, but the 2012 Tucson received four out of five stars for overall, frontal, and rollover protection and five stars in side impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2010 Tucson its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests except the newer driver-side small overlap frontal collision, where it received the lowest score of "Poor." Despite this, the Tucson was named a Top Safety Pick through 2013, the Institute's highest honour until the Top Safety Pick+ debuted that same year.
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson received recalls for a possible fire caused by the antilock brake controller, malfunctioning brake lights, and an airbag passenger sensor. The brake lights and airbag sensor were fixed by the next year, but a transmission cooler hose problem appeared in 2011. The ABS controller issue persisted throughout the production run and was joined by a steering wheel airbag problem that wasn't fixed until 2014, and an oil leak that wasn't addressed until 2013.
In Canada, prices for used second-generation Hyundai Tucsons range from $4,000 for very high-kilometre cars to $13,000 for later-model, lower-kilometre units.
First generation (2005-2009)
The original Hyundai Tucson went on sale as a 2005 model. The base GL was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The top GLS trim was upgraded to a 2.7-litre V6 good for 173 hp and 178 lb-ft, and it was exclusively mated to the four-speed automatic. The V6 could optionally be equipped on the GL trim as well.
This was well before the adoption of advanced safety features, so the most notable items included anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and airbags.
For 2006, side airbags became standard and the base engine could be ordered with AWD, though the latter option disappeared again for 2007. The trim lines were renamed for 2008: the GL trim was renamed L, while the GL with Air became just GL, a new four-cylinder GLS trim was added, and the GLS V6 became the Limited. Heated front seats were standard beginning at the GL trim, cruise control was added to all models with an automatic transmission, and there were other minor interior updates.
In its final year before redesign, the 2009 Tucson made some driveline upgrades to improve fuel economy and a 25th Anniversary model was launched to celebrate the brand’s milestone in Canada.
NRCan estimated that the 2005 Hyundai Tucson would return 10.8 L/100 km combined (12.0 city/9.4 highway) with the base 2.0-litre engine with the manual transmission and FWD. The automatic was nearly identical at 10.9 L/100 km combined (12.1 city/9.5 highway). The V6 was rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined (13.4 city/9.9 highway) with FWD and 12.3 L/100 km combined (13.8 city/10.4 highway) with AWD. Over the years, these estimates varied by less than a litre per 100 kilometres.
Crash test results from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available for the first-generation Tucson, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the second-best score of "Acceptable" for frontal and side protection and the lowest score of "Poor" in Rollover evaluations.
The 2005 Tucson was issued recalls for its brake lights, airbags, parking brake, and stability control. The brake light problem persisted throughout production, while the airbag issues were finally addressed in 2007.
Surprisingly, there are still a few first-generation Hyundai Tucsons kicking around on the Canadian used vehicle market. Given that the earliest examples are now more than 20 years old and that a Tucson of this era isn’t likely to be anyone’s prized possession, it’s worth giving any potential purchase a good test drive to check for any obvious issues. Expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for a car that’s almost certain to have more than 200,000 kilometres on the odometer.
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