The 2009 Tucson is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the GLS 2.0 2WD to the Limited 2.7 4WD.

Upon introduction, the GLS 2.0 2WD is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The Limited 2.7 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.7-liter, V6, 173-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 Tucson is a carryover from 2008.