Hyundai Tucson models and trim levels explained

Its popularity is no surprise, either, with recent models earning high praise from critics and owners alike. Every Tucson (pronounced 'too-sohn') is a spacious five-seat family SUV with grown-up driving dynamics, lots of standard kit and solid reliability – backed by Hyundai's five-year warranty.

This guide will walk you through the different Hyundai Tucson models and trims on sale, and explain how the car's evolved over time.

Hyundai Tucson models explained

The Hyundai Tucson was one of the first modern family SUVs on sale, arriving in 2004. It used unibody construction for better on-road performance than older ladder-frame 4x4s, and beat key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga to the punch by a few years.

All four generations of Tucson have been two-row, five-seater SUVs with five doors and a hatchback style bootlid. Like the mechanically related Kia Sportage, the Tucson is around 4.5 metres long, placing it in the C-segment, which means its comfortably large enough for a family of four and whatever cargo they can throw at it.

In North America, Hyundai sells the Santa Cruz, a compact pickup truck based on the same chassis as the Tucson. Meanwhile, in China, Hyundai offers the Mufasa SUV based on the same mechanicals.

Hyundai Tucson rivals include:

• Kia Sportage
• Nissan Qashqai
• Ford Kuga
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Mazda CX-5
• Peugeot 3008
• Renault Austral
• Toyota RAV4
• Citroen C5 Aircross
• Vauxhall Grandland
• Honda ZR-V
• Jaecoo 7

Hyundai Tucson trim levels

• SE Connect – now-discontinued entry-level trim with climate control, cruise control and smartphone connectivity
• Advance – current entry-level car with similar kit to SE Connect (and LED headlights)
• Premium – gains bigger alloys, heated seats and upgraded headlights
• N-Line – adds a sportier look with a meaner body kit, bigger alloy wheels and sports seats
• N-Line S – same sporty style as N-Line but with more standard equipment
• Ultimate – range-topping model with a panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated front seats

Hyundai Tucson generations

Fourth generation – 2020-present

• Current Tucson launched with a bold new look and dramatic lighting
• Model code – NX4
• Facelifted in 2024
• On pre-facelift models, the centre of the dashboard is designed to look like a waterfall
• Choice of turbo petrol and diesel engines, plus self-charging-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options

Third generation – 2015-2020

• Third-gen model returned to using the 'Tucson' name in the UK and Europe
• Model code – TL
• Facelifted in 2018
• Hyundai reportedly optimised the chassis for European roads and tastes
• Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines

Second generation – 2009-2015

• The second-gen Tucson was sold as the ix35 in the UK and other European markets
• Model code – LM
• Facelifted in 2013
• Featured Hyundai's swoopy 'fluidic sculpture' design language and a six-sided grille
• Choice of petrol and diesel engines

First generation – 2004-2009

• The first Tucson was Hyundai's second unibody SUV, positioned under the Santa Fe
• Model code – JM
• Small updates during its time on sale
• Included a folding front passenger seat so long objects could be carried in the cabin
• Choice of petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Hyundai Tucson model?

The first two generations of Tucson sold until 2015 are now fairly old. That means they're mostly bought by fans of older cars or bargain hunters, and will need some running maintenance to keep them going. The majority of Tucson models available on the market will be newer third and fourth-generation cars.

If your budget lies somewhere between £10,000 and £15,000, then you should be able to find a decent used third-generation Tucson. This delivers a lot of practicality for the money and has a calm, grown-up driving experience that makes it easy to cover many miles in comfort.

Push your budget comfortably above £15,000 and you can afford a fourth-generation Tucson. You don't really get much more practicality or a better driving experience than its predecessor, but the styling and on-board technology are substantial improvements. Plus, you have a wider availability of hybrid models, which work really well in mixed motoring.

Search nearly new and used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale, or read our Hyundai Tucson review to see what this family SUV is like to live with.