Once thought of as a cheap Korean car with negligible quality control, Hyundai has come a long way in building its reputation as a safe, solid, and reliable competitor to more expensive foreign automakers. Its new emphasis on improved quality and performance was evident in the introduction of the Hyundai Tucson in 2005. This compact SUV took the place of the Santa Fe as Hyundai's entry-level SUV, as the Santa Fe rightly moved into the mid-sized segment.

The Tucson packs a lot of standard equipment into even its base model, the most notable of which are the safety features. When introduced in 2005, all levels came with six airbags, ABS brakes, and traction and stability control, eclipsing most other compact SUVs in the segment, like the Ford Escape. Though the CR-V came with all of these features, it was sold at a higher price point. Offered as GL, GLS, and LX (later Limited), the Tucson was well equipped with power features, cruise control, and CD player, with leather seats and upgraded audio added as you moved up the line. Both an I4 and V6 were offered in either front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. The Tucson sat four in a surprisingly roomy interior, with more backseat head and legroom than the Santa Fe. Rear seats folded flat into the floor to expand the somewhat small cargo area. The front passenger seat also folded flat.

There have been few changes to the Hyundai Tucson since its debut in 2005. These have mostly been alterations in trim designations in order to align with the other names in the Hyundai brand. The current lineup consists of the base GLS, SE, and top-end Limited. It remains a popular choice for single owners or young families who are looking for the functionality of an SUV without the high price tag or unwieldy handling of larger models.