What Headlight Bulb Does a Hyundai Tucson Use?

Most recent Hyundai Tucson models use LED or projector-type headlights that do not have a simple “bulb size” like older halogen systems; instead, they use integrated LED modules or specific halogen bulb types that vary by model year, trim level, and whether you’re replacing low beam, high beam, or daytime running lights. To choose the correct headlight bulb for your Tucson, you must know the exact model year and check whether your vehicle has halogen or factory LED headlights.

Why the Exact Model Year (and Trim) Matters

The Hyundai Tucson has gone through several design generations, and its headlight technology has changed accordingly. Early models relied mostly on halogen bulbs, while newer models increasingly use factory LED setups and projector housings. These differences mean the bulb type for a 2013 Tucson may be entirely different from a 2022 or 2024 Tucson, even within the same market.

Typical Headlight Bulb Types by Generation (Global Overview)

The following breakdown summarizes commonly used headlight bulb types by Tucson generation and market trends. It may still vary by country/region and trim, so it should be treated as a guide—not a substitute for checking your specific vehicle.

• 1st Generation (approx. 2004–2009): Commonly used halogen bulbs such as H4 (dual filament for high/low beam in one bulb) or a combination like H7 low beam and H1 high beam, depending on market.
• 2nd Generation (ix35 / 2010–2015): Frequently used H11 for low beam and H7 or HB3/9005 for high beam in halogen-equipped models. Some trims offered HID or projector systems with different capsules.
• 3rd Generation (2016–2020): Many halogen trims used H7 low beams and H7 or 9005 (HB3) for high beams. Premium trims introduced factory LEDs or HID projectors that use proprietary bulbs or LED modules instead of standard halogen sizes.
• 4th Generation (2021–present, including 2024/2025): A large proportion of trims use integrated LED headlight modules for low beam and sometimes high beam, meaning you cannot simply swap a “bulb size.” Some base trims in certain markets may still use halogen projector bulbs like H7 or H11, but this is increasingly rare.

These generational patterns help narrow down likely bulb types, but Hyundai has configured the Tucson differently across regions and trims, so confirming your exact setup is essential before buying parts.

How to Identify the Correct Bulb for Your Hyundai Tucson

Because equipment varies, the safest way to determine your headlight bulb is to inspect reliable, vehicle-specific sources rather than assuming based on another owner’s car or a general guide.

1. Check Your Owner’s Manual

Your Tucson’s owner’s handbook typically includes a lighting specification chart listing bulb types for low beam, high beam, DRL, fog lights, turn signals, and more.

1. Open the manual and navigate to the “Maintenance,” “Specifications,” or “Light Bulbs” section.
2. Locate the entries for headlight low beam and headlight high beam.
3. Note the bulb codes (for example, H7, H11, 9005/HB3, D3S, LED module).
4. Check if the manual distinguishes between halogen and LED variants or between basic and premium trims.

This method is usually the most accurate since it reflects the exact configuration shipped with your vehicle from the factory.

2. Inspect the Headlight Housing

If the manual is unavailable or unclear, closely examining the headlight assembly can also provide useful information about the bulb type.

1. Open the hood and look behind the headlight assembly for access caps or dust covers.
2. On halogen systems, remove the dust cover and read the marking on the bulb base; it should show codes like H7, H11, 9005, etc.
3. On LED or HID systems, you’re more likely to see a sealed module or a large heat sink-style unit, often with no serviceable “bulb” marking at all.
4. Look for molded text on the headlight housing near the front lens; some housings list bulb types such as “HB3/H11” or “D3S.”

Visual inspection can confirm whether you have a replaceable halogen bulb or a more complex LED/HID module that requires specialized replacement.

3. Use a Trusted Online Parts Catalog

Parts catalogs from reputable retailers or official Hyundai parts websites can decode your bulb type using the vehicle’s details.

1. Go to an official Hyundai parts site or a major auto parts retailer.
2. Enter your exact year, engine, trim, and sometimes VIN.
3. Navigate to Lighting → Headlamp / Headlight Bulb.
4. Compare the listed part numbers and bulb types (for example, “Bulb-Halogen H7” or “Module-Headlamp LED”).

Cross-checking part numbers helps ensure you buy a bulb or module that fits your specific Tucson and matches its original equipment.

Halogen vs LED vs HID on the Tucson

Modern Tucsons may use one of several lighting technologies, each with different replacement and upgrade implications.

Halogen Headlights

Many earlier-generation Tucsons and some base trims still rely on halogen bulbs that are relatively simple and inexpensive to replace.

• Common sizes: H7, H11, H1, 9005 (HB3), H4 (older models).
• Pros: Cheap, widely available, easy DIY replacement.
• Cons: Less bright than OEM LED/HID; more yellow light; shorter lifespan.

For halogen-equipped Tucsons, you can often upgrade to premium halogen bulbs (brighter halogens) as long as they match the OEM bulb type and wattage.

Factory LED Headlights

Recent Tucsons, especially from 2021 onward, increasingly feature integrated LED headlight systems that use modules rather than simple bulbs.

• Appearance: Sharp, white light with distinctive DRL signatures.
• Serviceability: Many LED modules are not designed to be user-serviceable; entire headlamp units may need replacement.
• Compatibility: Fitting aftermarket LED “bulbs” into halogen housings can cause glare and may be illegal in some regions.

If your Tucson uses factory LEDs, replacing the headlight generally involves professional service and potentially higher parts costs compared with simple bulb swaps.

HID / Xenon Systems (Limited Trims / Markets)

Certain higher-spec Tucsons in some markets have HID (xenon) projector headlights using specialized capsules.

• Typical bulbs: D1S, D3S, or similar HID capsules, depending on year and market.
• Ballast: Requires an electronic ballast to ignite and run the bulb.
• Pros: Very bright with good beam focus.
• Cons: More expensive to replace; must match the correct HID type.

HID systems should be matched exactly to factory specifications to avoid performance issues or damage to the ballast and housing.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Tucson Headlight Bulb

Misidentifying the correct bulb can lead to wasted money, poor lighting, or even damage to the electrical system or headlight housing.

• Assuming all Tucsons use the same bulb: They don’t—bulb types change by generation, trim, and market.
• Buying bulbs by appearance alone: Halogen and LED bulbs may both “fit” physically, but only the correct type will perform properly and legally.
• Ignoring LED vs halogen differences: Plug-in LED “retrofit” bulbs in halogen housings can cause glare, fail inspection, or be illegal.
• Skipping wattage and heat checks: Over-wattage bulbs can overheat and melt wiring or plastic components.
• Not checking left/right symmetry: Always replace headlight bulbs in pairs to maintain even brightness and color.

Avoiding these pitfalls starts with confirming the exact specification for your Tucson and choosing bulbs or modules that match OEM ratings and design.

If You Tell the Year, Here’s What You Can Expect

Without a specific model year, only general patterns are possible. Still, most owners will fall into one of a few broad categories.

• Pre-2010 Tucsons: Likely halogen with H4 or H7/H1 combinations. Straightforward bulb replacement.
• 2010–2015 (ix35 era): Often H11 low beam, H7 or 9005 high beam in halogen models; some HID options on higher trims.
• 2016–2020: Mix of H7 or 9005 halogen on lower trims; increasing availability of HID or LED projectors on upper trims.
• 2021–present: Heavy use of integrated LED headlight assemblies, with a few halogen projectors in base or fleet trims depending on region.

If you share your Tucson’s exact year (and ideally trim level or VIN), the bulb type can usually be identified with much higher precision.

Practical Steps Before You Buy or Replace a Bulb

To ensure a correct, safe, and legal headlight replacement, a few practical checks go a long way.

1. Confirm your year, trim, and region: Note if it’s a base, mid, or high-spec model; this often determines halogen vs LED.
2. Check the manual and a parts catalog: Use both to cross-verify bulb types and part numbers.
3. Inspect the housing: Confirm whether you have a removeable halogen bulb or an integrated LED module.
4. Match specifications: Choose bulbs with the same type and wattage as OEM to avoid electrical or heat issues.
5. Replace in pairs: Swap both left and right bulbs at the same time for consistent performance.

This approach minimizes compatibility problems and ensures your Tucson’s headlights remain bright, balanced, and road-legal.

Summary

A Hyundai Tucson does not have a single universal headlight bulb size. Older and lower-trim models typically use common halogen bulbs (such as H7, H11, or 9005), while many newer and higher-spec Tucsons—especially from the 2021 generation onward—use integrated LED or HID systems without a simple “bulb” to swap. To find the exact headlight bulb for your Tucson, you should confirm the model year and trim, then consult the owner’s manual, inspect the headlight housing, or check an official parts catalog. If you provide your specific year and trim, a precise bulb type can be identified.