Blow out the candles and cue the awkward singing – the Hyundai Tucson has just hit 20 years old. And instead of treating itself to a sensible mid-life facelift and a pair of comfy slippers, Hyundai’s best-seller is reportedly gearing up for a rather serious glow-up.

Yes, the family-friendly crossover that quietly went from “budget choice” to “global sales champ” is about to undergo its biggest transformation yet. And if the rumors are true, Hyundai isn’t playing it safe. In fact, the next-gen Tucson might just bin its petrol-only option altogether. Bold move.

Bigger, Boxier, Bolder

The current Tucson, with its creased bodywork and origami face, already stands out in a car park full of soft-edged rivals. But the new one? Expect something squarer, tougher, and a little more Santa Fe-lite. Hyundai designers are allegedly sharpening their pencils in the direction of a clamshell bonnet, a “floating roof” effect thanks to blacked-out rear pillars, and light signatures bold enough to make Audi owners squint jealously.

Oh, and yes, it’s going to grow. Word is, the US-spec version will even get a longer wheelbase for maximum cupholders, school bags, and Costco hauls.

Inside: Say Hello to “Gleo”

Step inside and the tech takes centre stage. Hyundai’s new Pleos operating system will debut here, complete with its built-in AI voice assistant called “Gleo.” (Imagine Alexa, but more… Korean.) Big screens are a given, but mercifully, Hyundai promises not to kill off physical buttons for essentials like climate control. Take note, Volkswagen.

Practicality remains the Tucson’s calling card, so expect even more room behind the second row. Hyundai knows this thing is often less “weekend warrior” and more “child carrier,” so no silly coupe-roof sacrifices here.

Petrol? Never Heard of Her.

Here’s the controversial bit: rumors from Korea suggest the next Tucson could drop the pure gasoline engine entirely, going hybrid-only. That means goodbye to the entry-level 2.5-liter gas burner that currently starts at $30k, and hello to a base hybrid starting closer to $35k.

The hybrid itself will likely feature Hyundai’s newer TMED-II setup – basically the one from the Palisade, but diet-sized. Expect something around the current 231hp mark, but with smoother efficiency and fancier electric wizardry.

And then there’s the spicy one: the long-whispered Tucson N. Auto Express claims Hyundai is cooking up a hotter hybrid with nearly 300hp, an e-motor on the rear axle, and AWD as standard. Think of it as the family crossover that could embarrass a hot hatch at the lights before hauling the weekly shop home. We approve.

Timing Is Everything

Don’t get too excited just yet. Hyundai isn’t expected to peel the covers off the new Tucson until late next year – and that’ll be for Korea first. The rest of us? We’ll likely be waiting until 2027 or even 2028 before the hybrid-only Tucson lands in US showrooms. By then, Toyota’s next-gen RAV4 (also hybrid-only) will already be strutting around, so Hyundai’s timing is more about keeping pace than breaking ahead.

The Big Question: Will Buyers Pay More?

Right now, the Tucson range starts just above $30k, but a hybrid-only lineup means the entry price creeps closer to $35k or higher. That could put it out of reach for some buyers who still want a straightforward gas option. But Hyundai seems to believe the market is ready. Judging by the sales success of the hybrid models already, they might be right.

So, here we are: two decades in, and the Tucson is about to reinvent itself yet again. Bigger, bolder, and probably pricier – with a hybrid heart and maybe even a performance edge. Not a bad way to celebrate a 20th birthday, is it?

Source: Reuters

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