Update (May 24, 2026): ‘N, N Line & XRT Pro variants’ 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 Elantra and 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
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.
Quieter Operation & Smarter Regen
Hyundai should continue refining low-speed smoothness, which is one area we found needed improvement in our 2026 Tucson Hybrid review. The updated hybrid layout is expected to reduce idle vibration and tighten the transition between electric and engine drive.
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.
Pleos Connect
Hyundai’s product announcements have revealed that the company has developed three versions of the new Pleos Connect touchscreen infotainment system, in 12.9, 14.6, and 17-inch sizes.
Recent spy shots suggest that the company will offer the largest version in the next-gen Tucson and a slim digital instrument cluster mounted on top of the dashboard, possibly the same 9.9-inch unit reported by ET News.
Both displays will share the Android Automotive OS (AAOS). 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
e-VMC 2.0, ‘Stay’ Mode, and In-Car V2L are expected in the next-gen Tucson (rendered). These are features commonly associated with EVs.
Like in the Ioniq 3, 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.
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.
