When the first-generation Tucson launched, it quickly earned a reputation for style, comfort, and reliability. Its rugged and off-road-inspired design was a refreshing departure from the boxy SUVs of the past, and its spacious interior and advanced features made it a hit with adventurers and families alike. The Tucson’s innovative design and technology helped it to stand out in a crowded marketplace, quickly becoming one of Hyundai’s best-selling models.
Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has helped the Tucson to thrive. Two decades since its inception, the Tucson boasts a rich history of performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction, becoming a staple of the SUV market.
A frontrunner in the SUV market
For 20 years, the Tucson has captivated drivers across the continent. Since its launch in 2004, more than two million units have been sold in the European market alone. Now in its fourth generation, Tucson continues to prove itself popular with European customers.
Made in Europe, for Europe: the Tucson has undergone many enhancements over the years, allowing customers across the continent to choose an SUV that meets their needs while prioritising safety. In a time of limitless choice, the Tucson remains steadfast and continues to tick all the boxes for a fun and versatile ride.
Birth of Tucson
How did the popular Tucson come about? Inspired by the vibrant city of Tucson, Arizona, the first-generation Tucson debuted in 2004 as a compact SUV designed to appeal to adventure seekers. Its wealth of safety features, rugged looks, and off-road capabilities provided families with a practical yet stylish and affordable option. Hyundai’s focus on refining the design ensured comfort with a user-friendly dashboard and easy-to-read gauges, establishing the Tucson’s presence worldwide.
Evolution over time
In
2009, the Tucson underwent a significant transformation for its second
generation, shedding its rugged aesthetic in favour of a sharper, bolder
look in line with contemporary design trends. Renamed the Hyundai ix35
in many markets outside of South Korea and North America, the second
generation marked a leap forward in both style and functionality,
featuring improved performance, fuel efficiency, and safety features.
More
than half a decade later in 2015, Hyundai incorporated key upgrades and
design updates in the third-generation Tucson. Along with an expanded
range of technological features, including advanced infotainment systems
and driver assistance features, this iteration featured larger
dimensions and optional 19-inch alloy wheels, catering to the evolving
needs and desires of SUV enthusiasts. Customers looking for a more
dynamic look were in luck this iteration was the first to offer a
sporty-looking N Line version. As Hyundai prioritised improvements in
overall quality and safety, the Tucson experienced a significant
increase in customer satisfaction, solidifying its position as the
obvious choice for European drivers looking to purchase an SUV.
The Tucson in 2024: embarking on a new journey
Today, the new Tucson embodies two decades of history, becoming a formidable model that has travelled the roads of the world. Since the fourth generation’s launch in 2020, the model has earned the love and loyalty of customers over the years with a range of features that will continue to appeal to everyone today and tomorrow. Its striking and progressive exterior design turns heads on the road, while its spacious interior and ample cargo space ensure comfort and practicality. Crafted with the latest, high-quality materials, the interior exudes quality and refinement, complimented by a generous level of equipment that enhances the driving experience. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology further enhances safety and convenience, providing peace of mind on every journey.
The Tucson’s impact on the market
The
Tucson has achieved numerous milestones, both in terms of accolades and
production records. With its innovative design and safety elements that
deliver value beyond its segment, the fourth-generation Tucson raises
the bar for SUVs. Thanks to its best-in-class, family-oriented safety
package, the independent vehicle assessment organisation European New
Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded the model with a maximum
five-star safety rating in 2021.
In 2023, Hyundai Motor
Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) produced 244,495 Tucson units, which were
exported to 70 countries worldwide. That same year, 158,056 units of the
compact SUV were registered in Europe. This figure marked a notable
increase in sales from the previous year, in which Tucson was dubbed the
best-selling car in Europe’s compact SUV segment.
By January
2024, production of the fourth-generation Tucson had surpassed 727,344
units, making a significant contribution to Hyundai’s global footprint.
Later that year on 17 June, HMMC celebrated their two-millionth Tucson
coming off the assembly line in Nošovice.
Elevated choices for all
Hyundai is dedicated to its vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, focusing on creating a healthier and happier world. Catering to various driving preferences, the fourth-generation Tucson is offered with internal combustion engines, as mild hybrids, as pure hybrids, and as plug-in hybrids. Later this year, a two-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant will be introduced, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to innovative mobility solutions.
The plug-in hybrid Tucson features the second generation of Green Zone Driving Mode, which enhances zero-tailpipe-emissions driving. This geofencing capability allows the car to switch to pure-electric operation when entering designated low-emission zones or areas with emission restrictions.
Additionally, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come with Paddle Regenerative Braking Mode in ECO mode. Drivers can adjust the intensity of regenerative braking using paddle shift levers on the steering wheel, providing three levels of deceleration control.
These advanced features not only reduce emissions but also encourage responsible driving habits. Tucson’s 20-year evolution reflects Hyundai’s broader shift toward cleaner, more efficient technologies.
To even more years
The Tucson’s 20th anniversary celebrates the power of imagination, innovation, and consistency. It has been 20 years of adventure, two decades of storytelling, and two words that sum it up: forward-thinking. Hyundai’s commitment to advancing automotive technology and sustainability is linked to this model, shaping both its performance on the road and the driver's experience.
As the industry moves toward electrification and zero emissions, Tucson continues to evolve, from the traditional petrol engines of 2004 to the electrified powertrains today. Its transformation over time is inspiring: an automotive success that has influenced society and culture throughout the digital boom of the 2010s. To celebrate two decades of automotive excellence, an exclusive 20th Anniversary Edition of the Tucson will be launched in autumn this year.
In the next years, the Tucson promises to remain ahead of the curve and at the forefront of SUV competition. As technology develops at full speed, it will influence future iterations of the model, its integration with the surrounding infrastructure and, most importantly, its relationship with the driver. From city streets to tranquil country roads, one thing remains certain: the Tucson is here to stay.
