Tucson hybrid drives record Europe sales, with 80,000 units in sight

Hyundai Motor Co's compact SUV Tucson is sustaining a sales upswing in Europe, powered by growing demand for its hybrid models. Even as appetite for electric vehicles cools, rising consumer preference for hybrids is reinforcing the Tucson's foothold in the region.

According to Hyundai Motor, the Tucson sold 44,887 units in Europe from January through April this year, up 15.1 percent from 38,993 units in the same period last year.

The Tucson has been a cornerstone of Hyundai Motor's SUV lineup in Europe since its debut there in 2004. Cumulative European sales surpassed 1 million units in 2017 and crossed the 2 million mark last year. Through April this year, total cumulative sales stood at 2,121,523 units.

Hybrid models have been the driving force behind recent sales momentum. The Tucson hybrid — including the plug-in hybrid variant — has consistently grown its sales since launching in Europe in 2020, recording 72,000 units in 2023, 71,000 in 2024 and 76,000 in 2025, surpassing 70,000 units annually for three consecutive years.

In the first four months of this year, Tucson hybrid sales reached 27,210 units, accounting for more than 60 percent of total Tucson sales — meaning more than six in every 10 Tucsons sold in Europe were hybrids. That figure is the highest January-to-April tally since the Tucson hybrid went on sale in Europe. If the current pace holds, the industry expects annual hybrid sales to break the 80,000-unit mark.

Hyundai Motor has also bolstered the Tucson's credentials in safety and driving performance. The vehicle comes equipped with an eight-airbag system that includes second-row side airbags, and braking performance has been enhanced. The hybrid model features "E-Motion Drive," a system that uses the drive motor to improve ride comfort and handling stability.

European reception has been positive. The Tucson was named best family car by the BBC motoring program "Top Gear" in 2022 and was also selected as best import vehicle by German automotive magazine "Auto Bild."

Industry observers are watching whether the planned launch of a new-generation Tucson this year will add a fresh-model boost to European sales. Analysts note that European consumers tend to weigh fuel efficiency alongside practicality, suggesting that demand for hybrid SUVs will continue to underpin Tucson sales.

"The Tucson is maintaining stable sales in Europe, centered on the hybrid model," a Hyundai Motor official said. "We plan to continue improving the product to match customer preferences."