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