Update: ‘Higher Torque & Range’ of ‘New 1.6L Hybrid’ updated and ‘New convenience features’ added.
The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is in global road testing, with prototypes spotted in South Korea, Europe, and the U.S. In North America, the redesigned Tucson Hybrid is likely to be presented for the 2027 model year, and here’s everything we know and expect from the compact SUV.
Confirmation
Hyundai has confirmed that it will introduce the next-generation Tucson this year in South Korea. The global rollout should commence shortly after the domestic market introduction.
In Korea, Ioniq 9, Sonata, and updated Ioniq 6 have driven strong performance, and this year we are launching the all-new Tucson compact SUV and all-new Elantra sedan.
José Muñoz, President & CEO of Hyundai, in a letter to shareholders in March 2026
‘Art of Steel’ Design
Hyundai’s latest design direction, branded “Art of Steel,” will shape the future Tucson’s look. Our exclusive renderings in this story follow that theme with a squarer silhouette, flatter body sides, and a more upright stance than today’s Tucson.
Vertical LED signatures, a blocky front panel, horizontally stacked headlamps, a clamshell-style hood, and heavy wheel-arch and lower-body cladding give it a tougher, more rugged look. At the rear, spy shots reveal L-shaped light signatures that stretch into the bumper.
Hyundai should keep familiar U.S. trim names for the hybrid lineup, including Blue SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited. A high-output Tucson N performance model also looks increasingly likely as Hyundai plans to expand its N lineup to more than 7 vehicles by 2030.
New 1.6L Hybrid
New next-generation 1.6 hybrid powertrain will also be available, offering customers a wider choice.
Hyundai Motor Group, at the ‘Next-Gen Hybrid System Tech Day’, on April 21, 2025
The next Tucson Hybrid will move to a newer hybrid architecture, the TMED-II system, which debuted in the high-spec Palisade. Hyundai has already confirmed a next-generation 1.6-liter turbo TMED-II hybrid, and the Tucson is a logical candidate to receive it.
Higher Torque & Range
Hyundai will likely use not one but two electric motors for propulsion in the next-gen Tucson Hybrid, significantly improving performance.
A new ‘P1’ motor, featuring an ultra-thin structure and directly attached to the engine crankshaft, would be responsible for engine starting, power generation, and torque assist. An existing ‘P2’ motor, positioned at the input shaft of the transmission, also handles propulsion, along with regenerative braking.
We expect the new U.S.-spec Tucson Hybrid to produce around 235 hp and reach an EPA-estimated combined rating of around 40 mpg. Hyundai has also indicated a modest torque increase on its latest hybrid tech path, moving from 367 Nm to 380 Nm (270 to 280 lb-ft). We expect similar gains in output and EV mode range in the incoming plug-in hybrid model.
New convenience features
We expect features like Stay Mode, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and Smart Regenerative Braking to feature in the NX5.
Stay Mode
Stay Mode can keep the vehicle’s air-conditioning and multimedia on without needing to start the engine for up to one hour. It works when the traction battery’s state of charge is in the 70-80% range. It can make rest stops on long journeys quieter and more comfortable.
A Stay Mode Usage Reservation feature allows the user to ensure Stay Mode is usable when they arrive at the destination where they intend to use it. Using the information from the navigation system, it starts charging the traction battery roughly 2 km (1 mile) before the destination.
V2L
V2L is a bidirectional charging function that allows the user to charge external devices or power appliances using battery power. The TMED-II system offers a maximum output of 3.6 kW, enough to run a TV or heater during a power outage at home or a portable cooler at a campsite.
Smart Regen
Smart Regenerative Braking optimizes the intensity of regenerative braking using input from the navigation system and the distance to other vehicles ahead, reducing the need for the driver to apply the brakes.
Enhanced ride comfort & safety
While the current Tucson Hybrid is available with mechanical AWD as an option, the next-gen will likely be available with e-AWD as an option. This change would pave the way for several new features aimed at improving driving stability and ride comfort, under ‘Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (e-VMC 2.0).’
e-Handling 2.0, e-Ride 2.0
Firstly, there’s e-Handling 2.0, which applies torque from the front and rear motors in opposite directions during cornering to virtually lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and reduce body roll. Then there’s e-Ride 2.0, which minimizes pitch and bounce when driving over a speed bump using the same principle.
e-EHA 2.0
Electrification-Evasive Handling Assist (e-EHA 2.0) tries to keep the vehicle stable during a potential frontal collision. It uses the front motor for forward propulsion and the rear motor for braking to reduce the vehicle’s center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving stability.
Hyundai has also built smart regenerative braking capability into its newer hybrid systems. In practice, that means the vehicle can vary regen intensity based on traffic flow, navigation inputs, and road grade, theoretically improving deceleration consistency while recuperating more energy.
Comfier & More Spacious
Spy shots of Hyundai NX5 test prototypes reveal revised front seats with additional bolstering and a new upholstery pattern. Hyundai also appears to be reshaping the door and console armrests.
One test vehicle suggests Hyundai will add a Relaxation Seat function for the front passenger, allowing a one-touch recline. The rear bench also appears more premium in material and design. The squarer rear window shape and new front quarter glass panels should improve the sense of space.
N, N Line & XRT Pro variants
Spy shots and media reports indicate that Hyundai is developing three distinct flavors of the next-gen Tucson, a sporty N Line, a full-fledged N performance variant, and a rugged XRT Pro.
The N Line has been spotted with exposed dual exhaust tips, while the XRT Pro carries a higher ground clearance, special tow hooks, wheel arch cladding and different gray alloy wheels wrapped in off-road tires.
A separate, more aggressive prototype is widely expected to preview the full N, with track-focused hardware to follow later in the lifecycle.
The Tucson N Line would compete with the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, while the Tucson XRT Pro, with real off-road hardware, would challenge models like the Honda CR-V TrailSport and Toyota RAV4 Woodland variants.
Interior
The next-gen Hyundai Tucson will feature a cleaner and more high-tech interior. Recent spy shots (via TheKoreanCarBlog) have revealed the future model featuring a two-tone black and beige color scheme, a sleeker dashboard design with Pleos Connect, and a new compact steering wheel.
Some of these images have also revealed the center console with a familiar layout for the armrest, storage box, and cupholders. However, unlike the current model, it appears the next-gen Tucson will have a dual wireless smartphone charger. 100-watt USB Type-C charging ports are also expected.
Interestingly, the Tucson could be moving back from a steering column-mounted gear selector to a regular gear shifter, located in the center console, as seen in South Korean prototypes.
Pleos Connect
The next-gen Hyundai Tucson will feature Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) Android Automotive OS-based Pleos Connect cockpit. We’ve tested it in the Ioniq 3, 2027 Elantra, and 2026 Grandeur and concluded that it represents a big leap over the cockpit experience in current Hyundai models.
The instrument cluster sits atop the dashboard rather than directly behind the steering wheel. It is a slim panel measuring 9.9 inches diagonally. The infotainment touchscreen is significantly larger and more reader-friendly, thanks to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Hyundai will likely offer the 12.9-inch unit in the lower trims and the 14.6-inch unit in the higher trims.
The new infotainment system allows customers to save user profiles, download native apps, and give ‘Gleo’ AI-based voice commands. The latest CarPlay experience can extend across driver displays and blend iPhone widgets with vehicle data, but Hyundai has not confirmed this feature for the Tucson.
Physical Buttons
Hyundai will include switches for frequently used functions such as seat heating, AC temperature, fan speed, and hazard warning lights. There will be a knob to change the speaker volume as well.
Price & Release Date
Hyundai has not released official details on the new compact SUV, but the NX5 is likely to reach U.S. dealers as a 2027 model, with prices starting just above USD 30,000.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive illustration of the 2027 Tucson
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
