2009 Hyundai Tucson: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson gets a light update led by drivetrain refinements that improve fuel economy by roughly 4 to 6 percent. It also receives modest exterior and trim-specific equipment changes rather than a full redesign.
About the 2009 Hyundai Tucson
1st generation Tucson (2005-2009), final model year before the all-new 2010 redesign.
The 2009 Tucson is Hyundai’s small, easy-to-live-with SUV for shoppers who want a higher seating position and flexible cargo space without moving up to a larger vehicle. Hyundai leaned on roomy passenger space, fold-flat cargo versatility, available 4WD, strong standard safety equipment and a long warranty. Against rivals like the CR-V, Escape and Patriot, Tucson’s core pitch was simple: a compact SUV with useful features and good value, not a stripped-down entry model.
The 2009 Tucson lineup runs from the practical GLS to the V6-powered SE and comfort-focused Limited. The GLS has fold-flat rear seats and a six-speaker stereo, the SE adds cruise control and upgraded cabin trim, and the Limited brings leather, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
2009 Hyundai Tucson specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / V6, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 26 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 173 hp | 140 hp | 140–173 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft | 136–178 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 65.5 cu-ft | 65.5 cu-ft | 65.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.2 in | 37.2 in | 37.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Hyundai Tucson a redesign?
No. The 2009 Tucson is a light update to the first-generation model, with fuel-economy refinements, small exterior changes, and revised trim equipment. An all-new Tucson follows for 2010.
Does the 2009 Hyundai Tucson get better fuel economy than the 2008 model?
Yes. Drivetrain and engine-management refinements improve fuel economy by roughly 4 to 6 percent, while the engine choices and basic transmissions stay the same.
What exterior changes were made to the 2009 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2009 Tucson gets new wheel designs, a revised chrome grille, and new tailgate trim. These are modest appearance updates rather than a new body design.
What equipment changed on the 2009 Hyundai Tucson trims?
SE models with four-wheel drive gain heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer. V6 Limited models gain a standard sunroof, and the Limited receives a Kenwood navigation and audio system later in the model year.
Which trim names joined the 2009 Hyundai Tucson lineup?
GLS, SE, and Limited joined the 2009 Tucson lineup. GLS is the practical entry trim, SE emphasizes V6 power, and Limited focuses on comfort features such as leather and heated front seats.