Hyundai Tucson Used Engines

Tucson engines follow Hyundai engine families rather than generations, so the family name is the thing to get right. The first car used the 2.0 Beta and the 2.7 Delta V6. The second moved to the 2.0 Nu and the 2.4 Theta II. The third brought the 1.6 Gamma turbo alongside the 2.0 Nu, and the fourth runs the 2.5 Smartstream. Kia Sportage engines of the same year are the same parts, which widens the pool considerably. The Theta II recall history matters here as it does on the Santa Fe.

Hyundai Tucson Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

Generation and engine family, in that order. The Beta to Nu change at 2010 and the Nu to Smartstream change at 2022 are both absolute. On a 2010-2015 car, the 2.0 Nu and the 2.4 Theta II are different families with different blocks and different management, so the displacement alone is not enough. The 1.6 Gamma turbo is a dedicated part with its own cooling and its own turbocharger plumbing, and it was paired with a dual-clutch gearbox, so if yours is a 1.6 tell us. Kia Sportage engines of the same year are the same parts. Send the VIN and we read the engine code off the build record.

What usually fails on these engines

If your Tucson has the 2.4 Theta II, check your VIN before you buy anything. Hyundai recalled a large number of Theta II engines in the US for connecting-rod bearing failure caused by machining debris, extended the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles and settled a class action - the symptom is a knock that arrives suddenly and then a seizure, and your engine may be covered. On the 2.0 Nu the common items are the timing chain tensioner, oil consumption on higher-mileage units and the variable valve timing solenoid. On the 1.6 Gamma turbo, carbon on the intake valves and turbo oil feed restriction are what we see, and that engine is less forgiving of long oil intervals than the naturally aspirated ones. Every engine is compression and leak-down tested.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Hyundai/Kia Theta II 2.4L engine guide, all engine guides.

Hyundai Tucson used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Hyundai Tucson use?

Across 2005 to today the Hyundai Tucson was built with 2.0L Beta G4GC, 2.7L Delta V6 G6BA, 2.0L Nu G4NA, 2.4L Theta II G4KE, 1.6L Gamma turbo G4FJ and 2.5L Smartstream G4KS. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Hyundai Tucson?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Hyundai Tucson?

Generation and engine family, in that order. The Beta to Nu change at 2010 and the Nu to Smartstream change at 2022 are both absolute.

What usually fails on these engines?

If your Tucson has the 2.4 Theta II, check your VIN before you buy anything. Hyundai recalled a large number of Theta II engines in the US for connecting-rod bearing failure caused by machining debris, extended the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles and settled a class action - the symptom is a knock that arrives suddenly and then a seizure, and your engine may be covered.

What comes with a used Hyundai Tucson engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.