2024/2025 Hyundai Tucson (facelift) spotted testing in S.Korea

Introduced in September 2020, the fourth-gen Hyundai Tucson went on sale in the U.S. as a 2022 model in 2021. Now, it appears that Hyundai is working on a facelift for the compact SUV, and it could roll out the updated version in the U.S. either as the 2024 or the 2025 model.

Design

At most OEM design studios, a facelift typically entails subtle changes to the body, but Hyundai isn’t one of them. The South Korean automaker puts real effort into midlife updates, not just full model changes. However, spy pictures suggest that may not entirely be the case with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. That or Hyundai’s prototype team at the factory managed to conceal significant visual changes quite well. In spite of the fact that it is no longer new, the existing design remains quite appealing and should last for quite some time.

The facelifted Hyundai Tucson has a new radiator grille featuring horizontal bars in a criss-cross pattern, which makes it reminiscent of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Before this sighting, reports said, based on spy pictures of what was actually the China-only Hyundai Mufasa, that it could take on the design of the facelifted Hyundai Palisade, just like the facelifted Hyundai Venue did in some overseas markets in 2022. NYMammoth has even created a rendering based on that speculation, and you can check that out on Instagram.

In addition to a revised grille, we expect the 2025 Hyundai Tucson to have tweaked front and rear lights, fresh bumpers, and new wheel designs. We haven’t seen the interior yet, but given that the existing model’s design is pretty attractive and future-proof, no drastic changes seem likely.

Specifications

There’s no word on the 2025/2024 Hyundai Tucson’s specifications, but rest assured, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will be part of the future powertrain mix in the U.S. Both electrified variants may use the familiar combination of a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor on the front axle, with a 6-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC all-wheel drive system similarly being on duty for sending drive to the wheels.

It’s about time Hyundai made the powertrains of the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid more efficient, as they’re lagging behind the Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, respectively. The plug-in hybrid variant could also benefit from a bigger battery and DC fast-charging support, but no word yet on what is actually planned for the future.

Parameter	Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Specification	Hyundai Tucson PHEV Specification
Drivetrain Layout	AWD (with HTRAC)	AWD (with HTRAC)
Engine	1.6L T-GDi	1.6L T-GDi
Engine Max. Power	180 hp at 5,500 rpm	180 hp at 5,500 rpm
Engine Max. Torque	195 lb.-ft. at 1,500-4,500 rpm	195 lb.-ft. at 1,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Electric Motor Power	59 hp at 1,600-2,000 rpm	90 hp at 2,100-3,300 rpm
Electric Motor Torque	195 lb.-ft. at 0-1,600 rpm	224 lb.-ft. at 2,100 rpm
Combined Power	226 hp	261 hp
Combined Torque	258 lb.-ft.	258 lb.-ft.
Battery	Lithium-ion	Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage	270 V	360 V
Battery Energy Storage Capacity	1.49 kWh	13.8 kWh
Charge Port	No	Yes
On-board Charger Peak Power	–	7.2 kW at 240 V
100% Charging Time	–	~2 hours
EPA-est. Electric Range	–	33 miles
EPA-est. Total Range	Up to 521 miles	420 miles
EPA-est. Fuel efficiency	Up to 38 MPG (combined)	80 MPGe (combined, elec + gas)/35 MPG (combined, gas)

Release date

The revised Hyundai Tucson could start reaching U.S. dealerships by Spring 2024. We’re expecting the 2024 Hyundai Tucson to be announced in Summer 2023, and it would be a surprise to us if the refresh is announced for the new model year. We’ll update this section as we gather further insight.

TopElectricSUV says

The Tucson is a fabulous all-rounder for compact SUV customers, and in many ways, it’s better than the Toyota RAV4, although not as efficient, and doesn’t have the same brand strength. The facelift should enhance its style, convenience, and connectivity, while also delivering better fuel efficiency.

2025/2024 Hyundai Tucson FAQs

Featured Image Source: Naver/soonjung8116