For its first two model years, the Hyundai Tucson looked like a shorter version of bigger-sibling , which to an extent it was. The comparison was not necessarily in the Santa Fe's favor; if Tucson was a bit stubby, it was not nearly so quirky, with taut sides and business-like fender flares in place of Santa Fe's oddly undulating flanks.

Then, for 2007, Santa Fe went all sleek and sophisticated, chasing after the same up-level crossover look recently adopted by the and . That leaves the Hyundai Tucson, by default, more distinctive-looking; the last of the cute-utes.

The size difference between the two siblings has grown as well. Where before Tucson was just about 7 inches shorter overall than Santa Fe, on a wheelbase that was actually a half-inch longer; now Tucson is shorter by almost 3 inches in wheelbase and close to 14 inches overall. But remember that's because Santa Fe has grown, while Tucson remains the same size it always was.

The Hyundai Tucson has clean lines with a relatively big grille up front and headlamps that blend in well with the hood line and edges of the fenders. The front bumper is a large one-piece molding that begins just below the grille, houses three large air openings and two fog lights (on models that have them) and then forms a spoiler at the bottom. Yet in profile this impressive piece of plastic barely protrudes in front of the grille opening. At the back, the outer edges of the rear bumper reaches up to the tail lights; this bumper sticks out a few inches, adding protection.

Tucson's rear tailgate slopes forward, avoiding the van-like vertical look of many other small SUVs. The rear window can be opened separately from the main tailgate, although it is not very big, making it ineffective for loading much more than small light stuff.

The Tucson SE comes with lower body cladding that runs from the front bumper, around the fenders and along the lower edges of the doors, to the rear bumper. Finished in gray, the cladding is not too obtrusive. Limited features a monochromatic look, with body-color cladding as well as the same body-color mirrors and door handles as the SE.

All models come with 16-inch alloy wheels; although the wheels on the Hyundai Tucson SE and Limited are more intricately styled. Roof rack side rails and tinted windows are also standard on all models.

Even though Tucson is not intended for serious off-road driving, it does have relatively short front and rear overhangs for clearance through gulleys and over obstacles. This is largely thanks to the Tucson's long wheelbase, fractionally longer than that of the Honda CR-V or , even though both of those vehicles are several inches longer overall. Tucson's longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs is a sign of superior design. The Tucson also has a relatively wide track, which helps improve its stability.