Hyundai Tucson: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 13, 2026

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a five-seat compact SUV known for a roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, and plenty of everyday technology. Since 2022, the lineup has included gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions.

The Tucson has long been Hyundai’s practical compact SUV, with each major redesign bringing more space, newer technology, and a more modern cabin. Comfort and everyday usefulness have remained central even as its styling has grown bolder. The current generation expands that familiar formula with electrified versions and broader driver-assistance technology.

Strengths

  • The cabin makes good use of its compact footprint, and 2026 gas and hybrid models have 41.3 inches of rear legroom.
  • Cargo space is generous, with the 2026 gas version providing up to 80.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
  • The comfortable ride fits daily commuting, family errands, and longer highway trips.
  • Recent models offer a broad powertrain range, from straightforward gas versions to more efficient hybrids and plug-in hybrids for short electric trips.
  • The 2025 refresh made a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard throughout the lineup.
  • The 2026 plug-in hybrid is rated for 32 miles of electric driving before its gas engine is needed.

Who it's for

The Tucson suits commuters and small families who want one manageable SUV for errands, school runs, road trips, and weekend plans. It is especially appealing to shoppers who value an easygoing ride and a roomy interior more than sporty handling or serious off-road ability.

Hyundai Tucson lineup

SE has long been the straightforward entry point, while SEL is the recurring middle trim for shoppers who want more convenience without moving to the top of the range. In recent years, XRT has been the tougher-looking choice, with an outdoorsy appearance rather than a separate off-road-focused identity. Limited anchors the upscale end, while the 2026 SEL Premium sits below it after replacing the gas SEL Convenience trim. On the hybrid side, Blue SE became the new entry trim for 2026.

Hyundai Tucson generations

From 2009 to 2026, the Tucson spans four generations. The current 4th Generation — NX4 arrived for 2022, following the 3rd Generation — TL (2016–2021).

4th Generation — NX4 (2022–Present)

The fourth-generation Tucson is longer and roomier, with bolder styling and a more screen-focused cabin. It also introduced hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, then received a broad styling and dashboard update for 2025.

489 In Stock
4th Generation — NX4 (2022–Present) Hyundai Tucson
2026Trim changes

The gas SEL Convenience becomes SEL Premium, Hybrid Blue becomes SEL, and a new Hybrid Blue SE enters the lineup. Gas models also gain a higher 2,750-pound towing rating.

2025Mid-cycle update

Refreshed exterior styling, a redesigned dashboard, more physical controls, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen update the full lineup.

2024

N Line switches from the gas engine to the hybrid powertrain, and the lineup gains broader safety updates.

2023

Adaptive cruise control and broader driver-assist coverage become standard, while the SEL Premium package is dropped.

2022New generation

A larger body, roomier cabin, new interior, and bolder styling mark the redesign. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions debut alongside N Line and XRT.

3rd Generation — TL (2016–2021)

This generation brought a longer and wider body, more cargo room, a stiffer structure, and a redesigned cabin. It also introduced a turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission on several trims.

318 In Stock
3rd Generation — TL (2016–2021) Hyundai Tucson
2021

Carryover final year before the 2022 redesign.

2020Trim changes

Sport gains a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; the rest of the lineup changes little.

2019Mid-cycle update

Updated exterior and interior styling arrives with standard collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance, and smartphone integration across the lineup.

2018Trim changes

SEL and SEL Plus replace earlier names, Value gains equipment, and Sport enters later in the model year with a 2.4-liter engine.

2017Trim changes

SE Plus, Night, and the late-year Value trim enter the lineup. Upper trims also gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2016New generation

The redesign brings a larger body, more cargo room, a new cabin, and new powertrains, including a turbocharged engine on several trims.

2nd Generation — LM (2010–2015)

The second-generation Tucson became roomier and more efficient, with a more modern body and cabin. It launched with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed transmissions, and added standard safety hardware.

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2nd Generation — LM (2010–2015) Hyundai Tucson
2015

Carryover final year before the 2016 redesign.

2014Mid-cycle update

New direct-injection engines, refreshed front lighting, a standard six-speed automatic, and a revised trim lineup update the Tucson.

2013

GLS and Limited gain a few convenience features, but the styling and core hardware remain unchanged.

2012

Automatic models gain an economy setting, the suspension is retuned for a smoother ride, and GLS receives added equipment.

2011Trim changes

A new GL base trim enters with a 2.0-liter engine, while GLS and Limited gain equipment updates.

2010New generation

The full redesign brings a roomier body, a more modern cabin, a 2.4-liter engine, six-speed transmissions, and more standard safety equipment.

1st Generation (2005–2009)

This was the original Tucson generation. Its final year brought efficiency and appearance updates rather than a redesign.

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1st Generation (2005–2009) Hyundai Tucson
2009

Powertrain refinements improve fuel economy, while new wheels and small grille and tailgate changes freshen the exterior.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of vehicle is the Hyundai Tucson?

The Hyundai Tucson is a five-seat compact SUV. It is built around everyday passenger and cargo space, a comfortable ride, and easy-to-use display and driver-assistance technology.

Does the Hyundai Tucson come as a hybrid?

Yes. Since the fourth-generation redesign for 2022, the Tucson family has included gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid versions. Earlier Tucsons in this history are gas-powered.

How far can the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid drive on electricity?

The latest Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has a 32-mile EPA electric range. It also has a gas engine for longer trips, plus standard all-wheel drive and 268 horsepower.

Is the Hyundai Tucson roomy enough for a family?

Yes. The Tucson seats five and emphasizes generous rear-seat and cargo space, making it well suited to errands, family travel, and weekend gear. The plug-in hybrid gives up some cargo room compared with the gas and regular hybrid versions.

What is the Hyundai Tucson known for?

The Tucson is known for a roomy cabin, comfortable ride, bold styling, and a strong helping of screens and driver-assistance features. Its gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid versions also cover different driving needs.

Which Hyundai Tucson generations are the main ones to know?

The major redesign points are 2010, 2016, and 2022. The 2019 update modernized the third generation’s styling, safety equipment, and smartphone integration, while the 2025 refresh revised the fourth generation’s cabin, controls, and displays.

Does the Hyundai Tucson have all-wheel drive?

Yes. Tucson lineups include all-wheel-drive models. In the latest lineup, gas versions span front- and all-wheel drive, while the regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid use standard all-wheel drive.

Hyundai Tucson Reviews

What owners are saying about the Hyundai Tucson.

4.2
Hyundai Tucson
(4,697 reviews)
5 stars (1,933)
4 stars (1,814)
3 stars (720)
2 stars (197)
1 star (33)

About owner reviews

Carvana owner reviews are provided in partnership with Strategic Vision, one of the largest automotive consumer research providers in the U.S. Star ratings are from ranking surveys completed by owners one to six months post-purchase. Comments from owners are optional, but included here when available.

“Love just about everything about this car, the only hard thing is the brand name, this was not my first choice, but after looking at it and test driving one, totally changed my mind. Love the company so far”

JUJoe U.
2015 Hyundai Tucson GLS/Limited AWD

“My Hyundai Tucson is the most comfortable, easy to drive and fun vehicle on the road. The interior is beautiful, the ride is quiet and the view is open above and around. It is built for safety and performance and it delivers both while maintaining the quality of the ride for everyone in the car.”

CNConnie N.
2021 Hyundai Tucson FWD
No rating

“Great car. Has great gas mileage. Seats are comfortable. Lots of room in the rear seats. Large enough cargo area in the back for a 96 pound dog.”

DTDebra T.
2020 Hyundai Tucson FWD
No rating

“I find the Hyundai brand to be under continuous improvement and the value for my money is there.”

SFShawna F.
2015 Hyundai Tucson GLS/Limited AWD

“The vehicle is great but the infotainment system and navigation are substandard.”

RFRandall F.
2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in AWD

“The Hyundai Tucson Sport is super sleek. It's modern, but not flashy. I love the black grill and the sharp taillights. I also love the rear camera, screen display and the driver seat adjustability. I wish the back seat was more spacious and the passenger seat had more adjustment options. I also wish the trunk was electric open/shut. The cloth is light so you have to be careful with stains but it looks nice.”

DBDavid B.
2020 Hyundai Tucson FWD