Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai
Production	2004–present
Model years	2005–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive

The Hyundai Tucson (Korean: 현대 투싼) is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2004. In the marque's lineup, the Tucson fits below the Santa Fe and Veracruz. It is named after the city of Tucson, Arizona.

First generation (JM; 2004–2009)

First generation (JM)
Overview
Also called	Hyundai JM (Japan) Beijing-Hyundai Tucson
Production	2004–2009 2010–present (Brazil)[1] 2007–present (Ukraine) 2005–2010 (Taiwan)
Model years	2005–2009
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea Chennai, India Anápolis, Brazil Beijing, China Cairo, Egypt (Ghabbour Group) Cherkasy, Ukraine (Bogdan) Taiwan (SYM Motors)
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Matrix Hyundai Tiburon Kia Spectra/Cerato Kia Sportage
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L Beta II I4 (petrol) 2.7 L Delta V6 (petrol) 2.0 L CRDI I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Length	4,325 mm (170.3 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in) 1,830 mm (72.0 in)
Height	1,680 mm (66.1 in) 1,730 mm (68.1 in)

The first generation Tucson was launched in 2004. It shares its Elantra-based platform with the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage.

Engines

Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
Petrol engines
2.0	2004–2009	1,975 cc (121 cu in) I4	141 PS (104 kW; 139 hp) @ 6000 184 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 4500
2.7 V6	2004–2009	2,656 cc (162 cu in) V6	175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) @ 6000 241 N·m (178 lb·ft) @ 4000
Diesel engines
2.0 CRDi	2004–2006	1,991 cc (121 cu in) I4	113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm
2.0 CRDi	2006–2009	1,991 cc (121 cu in) I4 turbo	150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) @ 3800 rpm 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 1800-2500 rpm
2.0 CRDi (Italy)	2006–2009	1,991 cc (121 cu in) I4 turbo	140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 4000 rpm 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm

Later 2.0 CRDi models include variable geometry turbocharger.

Transmissions

Model	Years	Standard	Optional
2.0	2004–2009	5-speed manual	4-speed automatic with Shiftronic
2.7 V6	2004–2009	4-speed automaic with Shiftronic	-
2.0 CRDi	2004–2006	5-speed manual	4-speed automatic with Shiftronic
2.0 CRDi	2006–2009	6-speed manual	4-speed automatic with Shiftronic

In the U.S., the 2.0 model, automatic is standard in Limited trim.

Handling

Model	Years	Drive
2.0	2004–2009	FWD, 4WD
2.7 V6	2004–2009	FWD, 4WD
2.0 CRDi	2004–2006	4WD
2.0 CRDi	2006–2009	FWD, 4WD

Four-wheel drive models of the Tucson include a Borg-Warner torque controller system.

Equipment

2007–2010 Hyundai Tucson City Elite (Australia)

In the U.S., the Tucson is offered in base GLS, mid-line SE, and top-tier Limited (formerly LX) trim levels for 2007 models. Earlier 2005 and 2006 models were offered as GL/GLS/Limited. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth seats. The SE adds to the roster with contrasting gray body cladding, a different alloy design, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD as well as fog lights and a front windshield wiper de-icing grid. The Limited adds leather seating surfaces, a 6-disc in dash CD changer, body-colored cladding, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The SE and Limited are only available with the 2.7 L V6. The GLS comes only with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

The Tucson offers modest cargo space but its easy-to-fold seats can expand this volume so they lie flat. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for extra-long cargo.

Safety

There are dual-stage frontal impact airbags, torso side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain airbags for side-impact protection for front and rear passengers.

2009 Hyundai Tucson by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)^[2]

• Frontal Rating (Driver):
• Frontal Rating (Passenger):
• Side Rating (Driver):
• Side Rating (Passenger):

2006

Changes for 2006 were minimal. The LX became the Limited and got color-coded cladding, automatic climate control, and a high-performance sound system. The GLS retained the gray cladding but 'HYUNDAI' is no longer branded into the cladding on the front doors. The GLS also got improved cloth seats with the option of a heating element. Both GLS and Limited got redesigned alloy wheels. The base GL remained unchanged.

2007

Changes for 2007 were also minimal. The GL and GLS trims were renamed to GLS and SE, respectively, to match the standard for all new Hyundai vehicles.

2009

2009 Hyundai Tucson

2009 Tucsons see minor restyling and trim changes.

Tucson FCEV (2005)

Hyundai Tucson FCEV

The Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is a test fuel cell vehicle for Hyundai's 2nd generation hydrogen fuel cell. The vehicle includes an 80 kW electric motor by Enova Systems of Torrance, California, UTC Fuel Cells by South Windsor, Connecticut, 152V battery co-developed by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Chem in Seoul, Korea, 152 litres (33 imp gal; 40 US gal) hydrogen storage tanks developed by Dynetek Industries of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The vehicle has range of 300 kilometres (186.4 mi) and top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).^[3]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 at the Los Angeles Auto Show^[4] and completed a 4,300-mile (6,900 km) journey as part of the Hydrogen Road Tour in 2008.^[5]

CRTD Xenith (2007–2009)

It is a version of the 2.0 CRDi 6-speed manual 4WD for UK market. It included following:

• Colour-coded side mouldings and bumpers
• Rear privacy glass
• Two tone leather and Alcantara upholstery
• Alcantara covered instrument cluster surround, gear gaiter, steering wheel, handbrake, armrest, door pull linings and door inserts
• Birds eye black maple wood effect trim on dashboard, console and door pulls
• Leather and alloy sports gear knob
• Luxury stainless steel embossed door entry guards
• Aluminium sports pedal trims
• 19" multi spoke alloy wheels with polished rims

The vehicle has MSRP of £20,670.^[6]

25th Anniversary Edition (2008)

It is a version of the 2009 Tucson 2.0 GLS FWD model with premium Kenwood stereo system, a Garmin in-dash GPS system, a 2-way power sunroof, body colour door handles and mirrors.^[7]

The options cost $1,000.^[8]

International markets

In Japan, it was sold as Hyundai JM. Sold in Europe, but not EuroNCAP tested.

Receptions

The Hyundai Tucson received accolades from Canadian Car of the Year Best New Crossover award for 2005.

The Tucson was named as one of the most reliable vehicles from the 2009 Consumer Reports reliability survey.^[9]

Second generation (LM; 2009–2015)

Second generation (LM)
Overview
Also called	Hyundai ix35 Hyundai Tucson ix (South Korea) Hyundai Tucson ix35 (Colombia)
Production	2009–2015
Model years	2010–2015
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea Žilina Plant, Žilina, Slovakia Beijing, China Bekasi, Indonesia (2010–) Cairo, Egypt (Ghabbour Group) Nošovice, Czech Republic (2011) Taiwan (SYM Motors) Malaysia (Hyundai Malaysia) Anápolis, Brazil (2013–)
Designer	Cha Il-Hoei (exterior: 2007)[10] Thomas Bürkle (chief designer) [11]
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Elantra Hyundai i30 Kia Sportage Kia cee'd Kia Forte Kia Forte Koup
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L Gamma GDI I4 (petrol) 2.0 L Theta II I4 (petrol) 2.0 L Nu I4 (petrol) 2.4 L Theta II I4 (petrol) 1.7 L U-Line CRDi I4 (diesel) 2.0 L R-Line CRDi I4 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length	4,410 mm (173.6 in)
Width	1,820 mm (71.7 in)
Height	1,655–1,685 mm (65.2–66.3 in)
Curb weight	1,425–1,580 kg (3,142–3,483 lb)

In most markets outside South Korea and North America, the Hyundai Tucson name (also known as the 'Hyundai Tucson ix' in Korea) was retired in favour of Hyundai ix35. Vehicles sold in the USA continued to be called Tucson.^[12] The ix35 was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.^[13] The power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features have been all upgraded. Known by the project name LM, it took 36 months and 280 billion won (approx. US$225 million) to develop.

Design

The ix35's styling was reported to be based on Hyundai ix-onic concept.^[14] The ix35 was penned by Hyundai designer Cha Il-Hoei in 2007, under the guidance of former BMW designer Thomas Buerkle at Hyundai's Russelsheim design studio in Germany and continues the company's styling language, marketed as "fluidic sculpture".^[15][16] The compact crossover vehicle has sweeping coupe-like lines, a premium vehicle feel and comes with features unavailable on its predecessor.

Engines

2010 Hyundai ix35 (LM) Active (Australia)

The Tucson/ix35 is available with several engines: an all-new 2-litre diesel R engine, one of two Theta-II gasoline engine variants (2.0L or 2.4L), 1.7L UII diesel and 1.6L Gamma GDI gasoline. The later two only in Europe. The automatic transmission is Hyundai’s all-new six-speed design. The manual transmissions available in Europe is a 6-speed for 1.7 and 2.0 diesels and 1.6 Gamma and a 5-speed for 2.0 Theta. The 2-litre diesel engine, available outside of North America, meets the Euro-5 emissions standards and achieves 15.4 kilometers per liter fuel economy with maximum power output of 184 horsepower. The 2.0L gasoline engine has a fuel economy of 11.7 kilometers per liter with 166 horsepower. In South Korea, the diesel engine is offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the 2.0L gasoline engine is available only in front-wheel-drive. The North American versions are powered by either the 2.0L producing 165 horsepower or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 176 horsepower mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine makes almost the same power as the previous generation V6 engine while managing 20% better fuel economy than the previous generation four-cylinder.^[17]

The Tucson/ix35 sold in the U.S. came in three trims: GL, GLS and Limited, with All-Wheel Drive available for GLS and Limited trims. The GL comes with a standard manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic transmission is available and is standard on GLS and Limited. Features include available steering wheel-mounted audio controls, hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity, navigation system, and a standard iPod interface system including iPod cable. An array of advanced safety equipment is standard, including Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control. A Proximity Key and Push Button Start system is available in the Korean market but not the North American. The North American version uses a different gauge cluster design than the Korean version.

2014 model Tucson for North America have been upgraded with GDI direct injected theta-II engines that obtain more power and better emissions, LED tail/head lights, more stylish alloy rim designs, and a few minor improvements to the interior/audio system.

2011

The 2011 Tucson offered in the U.S. a new GL trim which replaces the 2010 GLS model as Tucson's base trim. The GL is powered by a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic transmission in order to obtain better fuel economy than the 2.4-liter engine. The 2011 GLS trim includes the features of the 2010 "Popular Equipment Package" and an automatic transmission as standard equipment. Limited models now include standard electrochromatic mirrors with Homelink and has received Sachs dampeners to provide a smoother ride. The electronic stability control and motor driven power steering systems have been enhanced for improved performance. All AWD models now receive standard heated seats. This model was a prominent vehicle used by the survivors in AMC's The Walking Dead.

Equipment

Brazilian ix35 flex-fuel variant. Shown the flex badge.

Some of the notable features of Tucson are as follows:

• Vehicle Dynamic Control: improves the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids
• Downhill Brake Control and Hillstart Assist Control: DBC allows the vehicle to maintain a safe speed on steep declines without having to use the brakes while HAC helps the vehicle maintain its position on a steep or slippery hill without rolling backwards.
• Emergency Stop Signal: In the event of a panic stop, this feature automatically triggers the emergency hazard lights whose flashing alerts the driver behind thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes.
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Proximity Key+

Safety

A 2010 Tucson GLS crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

The second-generation Hyundai Tucson earned 'Top Safety Pick' award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA ^[18]

IIHS scores^[19]

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Good
Small overlap frontal offset	Poor
Side impact	Good
Roof strength	Good

Controversy

In April 2013, Hyundai Motors UK released a commercial depicting a man attempting to commit suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning in an ix35 FCEV, only to fail to do so because of the vehicle's non-toxic emissions. The advert, produced by Hyundai's in-house agency Innocean Worldwide, received widespread criticism for promoting suicide.^[20] Blogger Holly Brockwell posted an open letter to Innocean and Hyundai, describing how her father had committed suicide in a similar manner, and how much the advert had upset her.^[21] Hyundai has since taken down the video and issued a formal apology.^[20][22]

Third generation (TL; 2015–present)

Third generation

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi

Interior

On February 17, 2015 Hyundai released the first details about its next-generation Tucson ahead of the crossover's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2015. This model arrived in showrooms in the second half of 2015, as a 2016 model year, and for the first time will use the Tucson name in all markets where it’s sold.^[23]

During the Geneva show Hyundai also unveiled two concept variants, a Tucson hybrid electric and a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. The 48V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter diesel model with 134 hp (100 kW) and a six-speed manual transmission along with a 14 hp (10 kW) electric motor; combined system performance is 148 hp (110 kW) and 413 N·m (305 lb-ft) of torque. This boosts system power by 10% while emitting only 109 g/km CO₂. The concept plug-in-hybrid is also based on the all-new Tucson platform, is equipped with a 1.7-liter diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine generates 113 hp (85 kW) and is accompanied by a 67 hp (50 kW) electric motor and a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, which delivers an all-electric range of more than 50 km (31 mi). Combined system output is a maximum of 180 hp (135 kW) with 474 N·m (350 lb-ft) of torque, with estimated CO₂ emissions of less than 48 g/km.^[24]

Trim levels

As per Hyundai's website, the U.S.-spec Hyundai Tucson is available in the following trim levels, each offering a plentiful array of standard equipment:

The SE serves as the base trim level of the Tucson, replacing the previously available GLS trim level, which is being discontinued and replaced by the SE trim level on all new Hyundai models. Standard equipment includes a 2.0L Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDi) Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, a6-Speed Shift-Tronic Automatic transmission, seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels with P225/60HR17 tires, exterior-colored side-view mirrors and door handles, front solar-tinted and rear privacy glass, a five-inch (5") touch-screen audio system (an A/M-F/M radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a single-disc CD/MP3 player, a full-color touch-screen display, full voice command, and Bluetooth for phone and audio, as well as USB and iPod integration with 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack), a rearview backup camera, YES Essentials cloth seating surfaces, a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment, a 3.5-inch (3.5") monochromatic center instrument cluster display screen, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and air conditioning. Pricing for the SE trim level begins at $22,700, without options.

The Eco serves as the "eco-friendly" trim level of the Tucson, and is a new trim level for the Tucson.. It adds these standard features to the base SE trim level: a 1.6L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, a 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), premium front and rear fascias, a chrome dual-tipped exhaust system, dual side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED daytime running lamps (DRL's), halogen front fog lamps, roof rack side rails, metallic-painted roof side rails, a power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a driver's automatic up/down power window, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, an illuminated glove compartment, and an Eco emblem on the tailgate. Pricing for the Eco trim level begins at $24,150, without options.

The Sport serves as thew "sporty" trim level of the Tucson, and is a new trim level for the Tucson.. It adds these features to the "eco-friendly" Eco trim level: nineteen-inch (19") Sport alloy wheels with P245/45HR19 tires, a "hands-free" proximity-sensing tailgate with automatic opening functionality, proximity key with push-button start, illuminated door handles (on later-built models), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift lever, and a Sport emblem on the tailgate. Pricing for the Sport trim level begins at $26,150, without options.

The Limited remains the top-of-the-line trim level for the Tucson.. It adds these features to the "sporty" Sport trim level: LED low-beam headlamps and tail lamps, a chrome grille and door handles, a "Shark-Fin" roof-mounted antenna, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a power passenger's seat, an eight-inch (8") touch-screen audio system (an A/M-F/M radio with HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a single-disc CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a full color touch-screen display, full voice command, Bluetooth for phone and audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, as well as USB and iPod integration with 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, with GPS navigation), an 8-speaker premium audio system with external amplifier and subwoofer, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with CleanAir ionizer and automatic defogger, floor-mounted rear air and heat vents, premium door sill trim plates, premium interior surfaces (instrument panel, driver's console side panel, and door panels), the BlueLink telematics system, a HomeLink transmitter, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass, and a Limited emblem on the tailgate. The Limited trim level begins at $29,900.00, without options. This is significantly lower than some of its fully loaded competitors, like the Honda CR-V, and the Nissan Rogue, both of which are priced in the low $30,000 range, when fully equipped.

Powertrain

The third-generation 2016 Hyundai Tucson is available with two engine choices in North America:

• The 2.0L Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDi) Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, available only on the base SE trim level, and a carryover engine from the previous-generation Hyundai Tucson, produces 168 horsepower.
• The 1.6L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, available on the Eco, Sport, and Limited trim levels, produces 175 horsepower.

The Tucson offers two transmission options in North America:

• The 2.0L I4 engine is paired with a 6-Speed Automatic transmission.
• The 1.6L Turbocharged I4 engine is paired with a 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Both engines and transmissions are available with either Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD), or All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).

References

1. "Tucson Flex - SUV Moderno e ConfortĂĄvel da Hyundai" (in Portuguese). Hyundai-motor.com.br. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
2. 2009 Hyundai Tucson NHTSA Star Rating CarsDirect.com
3. "Hyundai Tucson Hybrid FCEV". Hydrogen-motors.com. 2008-10-21. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
4. Keegan, Walter J (2005-12-18). "L.A. Auto Show: Hyundai Tucson FCEV". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
5. Abuelsamid, Sam (2008-11-19). "LA 2008: Hyundai announces Blue Drive efficiency strategy, 2010 Sonata hybrid". Green.autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
6. Nunez, Alex (2007-03-27). "In UK, Hyundai Tucson reaches its Xenith". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
7. "Hyundai Tucson 25th Anniversary Edition". Hyundaicanada.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
8. "2009 Hyundai Tucson 25th Anniversary Edition Road Test Review". Carpages.ca. 2008-11-15. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
9. Consumer Reports' 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey October 27, 2009. Reuters
10. https://oami.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/designs/001603085-0001
11. "Thomas Bürkle". Hyundai Motor UK Ltd. Retrieved 2013-08-12.
12. Edmunds Used Car Guide, http://www.edmunds.com/used-cars/ (retrieved 28 July 2015).
13. Abuelsamid, Sam (2009-08-18). "Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai officially teases the new Tucson *UPDATED". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
14. Ramsey, Jonathon (2009-08-09). "Hyundai ix35 (i.e. the new Tucson) spotted in Sydney". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-09-26.
15. New Hyundai ix35 Car September 08, 2009. CarTradeIndia.com
16. Made in Germany | Hyundai`s success - Designed in Germany 2009, DW-TV (Deutsche Welle)
17. "Hyundai Unveils Redesigned 2010 Tucson". Automoblog.net.
18. 2010 Hyundai Tucson Earns IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK” 10/06/2010. The FINANCIAL
19. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on May 3, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
20. Bunkley, Nick (2013-04-25). "Hyundai Apologizes for U.K. Ad That Depicts Suicide Attempt". Advertising Age. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
21. Brockwell, Holly (2013-04-25). "An Open Letter to Innocean and Hyundai". Retrieved 2016-03-20.
22. Okulski, Travis (2013-04-25). "This Is The Worst Car Ad In History (UPDATE)". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
23. 2016 Hyundai Tucson Press Release 02/17/2016. AutoBlog
24. Mike Millikin (2015-03-08). "Hyundai showcasing new Tucson 48V Hybrid Concept and diesel Plug-in-Hybrid Concept at Geneva". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2015-03-29.

External links

• Official website of Hyundai Tucson
• Official website of Hyundai Tucson (US)
• Official website of Hyundai Tucson ix (South Korea)(Korean)