
Hyundai has begun road testing the new generation of the Tucson crossover, and despite the dense camouflage of the body, we can already conclude that the car is in for serious changes. The engineers of the Korean brand have clearly decided to rethink the approach to the design of the model, and this is especially noticeable in the front part of the body. The vertical hood with pronounced edges, a massive bumper and new LED daytime running lights, whose graphics seem to have their roots in the design of the older Santa Fe, set a completely different visual dynamic. The side profile has become more straightforward, with a powerful shoulder line that visually lengthens the body, and emphasized wheel arches framed by protective plastic. Particularly interesting is the shape of the rear door, almost vertical, like modern cross-station wagons, which may indicate a redesigned luggage compartment with an emphasis on practicality.
Judging by the brand's trends and unconfirmed leaks, the interior of the new Tucson will also be completely updated. The interior is expected to lose most of the physical buttons in favor of touch controls, while the manufacturer promises to maintain intuitive ergonomics and not sacrifice convenience for the sake of style. The driver will be greeted by a virtual instrument panel with customizable graphics, and the Hyundai Pleos multimedia system with the Gleo AI voice assistant will provide quick access to navigation, streaming audio and car settings. It is possible that a function of constant online connection with a cloud server will appear, which will allow updating software "over the air". According to rumors, a projection display and a circular view system will be offered in top-end configurations. Finishing materials will become higher quality, and the range of options will be wider, which will bring Tucson closer to the premium level in its segment.
As for technology, Hyundai engineers are betting on hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, with an emphasis on increased electric autonomy. The powertrain will still be based on a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, but paired with a more capacious battery and an improved transmission. It is expected that the new hybrid modification will be able to travel up to one hundred kilometers without starting the internal combustion engine. This figure puts Tucson on par with competitors on the VW and Toyota platform. The suspension will also be improved, with an emphasis on ride smoothness and controllability, especially in combination with new adaptive shock absorbers, which, according to sources, are being tested on prototypes. Special attention should be paid to the second-level autopilot, which will be able to keep the car in the lane and automatically brake in traffic jams, as well as change the speed depending on road signs.
The premiere of the new Hyundai Tucson is expected in mid-2026, most likely at one of the major international auto shows. Production will begin in the fall, and sales - in early 2027. Despite the transition period, the current generation will remain on the market until the release of its successor. According to analysts, thanks to hybrid installations, an expanded list of technologies and a new design, the model will retain its leadership in its segment, especially in the European and North American markets. In the conditions of tough competition among compact SUVs, Hyundai is doing everything possible to offer not just an updated product, but a completely new vision of a family car that can meet the needs of a modern buyer focused on a balance of practicality, design and technology.