In a quiet yet significant move, Hyundai Motor India has removed the Tucson SUV from its official website, effectively confirming its discontinuation from the Indian market. This decision comes just over three years after the current-generation Tucson was launched, marking the end of its relatively short presence in Hyundai’s premium SUV lineup in India.
Hyundai Tucson: Launch and Positioning
The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson was introduced in India in 2022 as the brand’s flagship SUV, positioned above the Alcazar. It was imported as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and assembled at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.
The Tucson was designed to project a futuristic and sophisticated image, adopting Hyundai’s distinctive “Parametric Dynamics” design language. Its bold grille, hidden LED daytime running lamps, and crisp body lines made it one of the most modern-looking SUVs in its segment. Inside, the model offered a high level of comfort and technology, appealing to premium buyers seeking refinement and innovation.
Powertrain and Performance
The SUV was offered with two engine options — a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Both powertrains were paired exclusively with automatic transmissions, reinforcing the model’s premium positioning.
The petrol variant featured a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel unit came with an eight-speed automatic. The diesel variant also offered an all-wheel-drive configuration, making it the preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking greater capability and performance.
This powertrain lineup gave the Tucson a balance of smooth drivability and long-distance comfort, making it one of the most refined SUVs in its class.
Safety and Features
The Hyundai Tucson set a benchmark in the segment for its safety and technology package. It became the first Hyundai SUV tested under Bharat NCAP and earned a full five-star safety rating, underscoring its commitment to occupant protection.
In terms of technology, the Tucson offered Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Other notable features included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory function, and a panoramic sunroof.
The combination of these features positioned the Tucson as one of the most advanced and comfortable SUVs in its class.
Market Performance and Pricing
Despite its rich feature list and impressive safety credentials, the Hyundai Tucson remained a niche product in the company’s portfolio. Its premium pricing and limited variant availability meant it catered to a small, discerning customer base rather than the mass market.
At the time of delisting, the Tucson was priced between Rs 27.31 lakh for the base Platinum Petrol AT and Rs 33.64 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end Signature Diesel AT with AWD.
Industry sources suggest that Hyundai dealerships are currently offering significant discounts on remaining stock to clear existing inventory, indicating that the phase-out process has been underway for several weeks.
Competition and Segment Overview
During its tenure, the Hyundai Tucson competed in the premium midsize SUV segment against models such as the Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Citroën C5 Aircross.
While it distinguished itself with its advanced ADAS suite, refined diesel powertrain, and spacious interior, the Tucson struggled to gain significant traction in the Indian market. Limited marketing activity and a relatively higher price point compared to its rivals restricted its broader appeal.
Future Outlook
Hyundai’s decision to remove the Tucson from its official website appears to be part of a broader restructuring strategy for its premium SUV lineup in India. The company has already outlined plans to introduce multiple hybrid and electric vehicles in the coming years, which could eventually fill the space left by the Tucson.
Industry speculation suggests that Hyundai may be preparing to launch the updated Tucson facelift that has already been introduced internationally. The facelift features revised exterior styling, a refreshed interior layout, and the possibility of new hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Alternatively, Hyundai could replace the Tucson with an all-new premium electric SUV positioned between the upcoming Creta EV and the facelifted Ioniq 5.
Until an official announcement is made, the removal of the Tucson from Hyundai’s website effectively marks the end of the model’s journey in India for now.
