The Hyundai Tucson II 2.4 (176 hp) Shiftronic, produced from 2009 to 2013, represented a significant step forward for Hyundai’s compact SUV offering in the North American market. Part of the second generation Tucson (codenamed JM), this variant occupied a middle-ground position in the lineup, offering a balance between affordability and performance. It aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, comfortable, and reasonably equipped SUV for daily commuting and family use. The Tucson II was a crucial model for Hyundai as it continued to build brand recognition and challenge established Japanese and American competitors in the increasingly popular crossover segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | Tucson |
| Generation | Tucson II |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (176 Hp) SHIFTRONIC |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | ULEV |
| Power | 176 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 228 Nm @ 4000 rpm (168.16 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4KE |
| Engine displacement | 2359 cm3 (143.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 728 l (25.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1580 l (55.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4399 mm (173.19 in.) |
| Width | 1821 mm (71.69 in.) |
| Height | 1656 mm (65.2 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2639 mm (103.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Front overhang | 871 mm (34.29 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 889 mm (35 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.37 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Shiftronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17; 225/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17; 6.5J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The Hyundai Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic, launched in 2009, was a key component of Hyundai’s strategy to gain market share in the competitive compact SUV segment. Building upon the success of the first-generation Tucson, the second generation offered a more refined design, improved interior quality, and enhanced safety features. The 2.4-liter engine paired with the six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission was positioned as a mainstream option, appealing to buyers who prioritized comfort and convenience over outright performance. This variant was sold alongside other engine options, including a 2.0-liter base engine and, in some markets, a diesel variant.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic lies the Hyundai G4KE engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The CVVT system optimizes engine performance and fuel efficiency by adjusting valve timing based on engine load and speed. The G4KE produces 176 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 228 Nm (168 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The Shiftronic automatic transmission is a six-speed unit that offers both fully automatic operation and a manual shift mode, allowing drivers to have some control over gear selection. While not a dual-clutch transmission, the Shiftronic provided smoother shifts compared to older four-speed automatics.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.4-liter engine and Shiftronic automatic transmission combination delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was sufficient for everyday driving, with a 0-60 mph time estimated around 9-10 seconds. The automatic transmission was tuned for comfort, with relatively smooth gear changes. However, it could sometimes feel hesitant during quick acceleration or when downshifting. Compared to the base 2.0-liter engine, the 2.4 offered noticeably more power, making it better suited for highway driving and carrying a full load of passengers. Compared to a manual transmission equipped Tucson, the automatic resulted in a slight decrease in fuel economy and a less engaging driving experience. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency and cruising comfort rather than sporty performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player with MP3 compatibility, and basic safety equipment like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels added features like a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system, and alloy wheels. The Shiftronic transmission was often paired with mid-range trims, offering a step up in convenience and features compared to the base models. Optional extras included a navigation system and a rearview camera, which were becoming increasingly popular at the time.
Chassis & Braking
The Tucson II utilized a front-wheel-drive platform with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear suspension to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to provide a balance between handling and ride comfort, prioritizing stability and ease of driving over sporty handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and value for money. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Tucson offered a similar level of practicality and features at a lower price point. Fuel economy was competitive for its class, averaging around 26 mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission over the long term.
Legacy
The Hyundai Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic remains a relatively affordable and reliable used car option today. The G4KE engine is known for its durability, and the Shiftronic transmission, while not without its quirks, has proven to be reasonably dependable with proper maintenance. Parts availability is generally good, and repair costs are typically lower than those for Japanese or European competitors. While it may not offer the latest technology or the most exciting driving experience, the Tucson II 2.4 Shiftronic continues to provide a practical and comfortable transportation solution for budget-conscious buyers.
