If you thought the Hyundai Tucson was content with being the world’s dependable, value-packed family chariot, think again. Hyundai’s best-seller is about to shed its soft edges and bulk up like it’s just discovered creatine. The fifth-generation Tucson is coming, and this time, it’s raiding the Santa Fe’s wardrobe.
The big news? Hyundai’s giving it the brand’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language – which is less about stainless kitchenware and more about turning everyday SUVs into Tonka toys for grown-ups. We’ve already seen this aesthetic on the big, blocky Santa Fe and the hydrogen-snorting Nexo. Both look like they were designed with the aid of Lego Technic and an angle grinder, and the Tucson is set to follow suit.
Spy shots of camouflaged prototypes reveal a longer bonnet, chunkier wheel arches, and a more upright stance. Translation: the Tucson’s been skipping Pilates and is now squatting heavy. It’s less crossover, more compact off-roader cosplay. Hyundai design boss Simon Loasby says he wants each model to be like “chess pieces” rather than “Russian dolls.” Which means your Tucson won’t just look like a shrunken Santa Fe – it’ll have its own swagger.
Inside, Hyundai promises its next-gen interior treatment, which could mean a dial-back on the mega-iPad dashboards we’ve all been pretending to love. Expect a slightly smaller screen, simpler software, and – hallelujah – more physical buttons. Hyundai’s design gurus reckon this is safer, but really, it’s because we’re all tired of playing touchscreen whack-a-mole while trying to change the fan speed.
Under the bonnet, things will be familiar but electrified. The Santa Fe’s 1.6-litre hybrid with 212 hp will likely make the cut, alongside a 249 hp plug-in hybrid for those who like their commutes with a side of smug. Four-wheel drive will be available, but don’t expect it to suddenly morph into a Dakar contender – this is still a school-run assassin first and foremost.
Practicality? Bigger body, more space, and possibly an upgrade from the already cavernous 620-litre boot. So yes, Karen, you’ll have room for the dog, the pushchair, and four crates of oat milk.
The Tucson matters because it’s Hyundai’s biggest player globally – shifting 600,000 units last year alone. It’s the car that’s allowed Hyundai to go from being the sensible budget option to stealing sales straight from Volkswagen and BMW’s lunch table.
So, when’s it coming? Expect the all-new Tucson to land in the second half of next year. And when it does, prepare for Hyundai’s middleweight SUV to look a lot more like it belongs in the ring.
Source: Hyundai