Update (July 23, 2025): ‘Design’ revised with our exclusive rendering of the new Tucson.
On October 20, 2024, South Korean publication ET News exclusively reported that Hyundai already started development of the next-gen Hyundai Tucson, codenamed NX5. The local news outlet, which frequently reports on future models from domestic OEMs, said that the SUV would be launched in the Korean market in the first half of 2026.
The fifth-generation Tucson will offer gasoline, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. Having experienced all three models firsthand, I have the following expectations for the next-gen Tucson family.
Design
The Tucson was updated for the 2025 model year in America and will remain fresh until the arrival of the next generation. We expect the NX5 Tucson to take on a slightly boxier shape compared to the current SUV. It should feature sharp styling based on Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design philosophy which debuted in the Initium Concept.
As shown in our exclusive rendering, we expect a bold grille, pixel-inspired split headlamps, armor-like bumper, muscular fenders, groove patterns on the doors, and rugged roof racks to advance the design of the Tucson for the next decade.
Like today, we’re expecting Hyundai to lay out the next-gen Tucson in the optional N-Line variant for buyers who want a bit more sportiness, and in the XRT trim with higher ground clearance and body cladding targeting outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S.
Interior & Features
Hyundai does not use the same dashboard and layout across powertrain variants, keeping things more conventional in ICE-powered models. That said, we expect it to be appointed with quality materials and metallic finishes to lift the ambiance.
Pleos Connect
Pleos Connect next-generation infotainment system to launch in Q2 2026; will be applied to more than 20 million vehicles by 2030.
Hyundai Motor Group at the Pleos 25 developer conference on March 28, 2025
At its ‘Pleos 25’ developer conference held in Seoul on March 28, 2025, the company announced its next-gen infotainment system ‘Pleos Connect’ which will be deployed in over 20 million vehicles by 2030, with the in-car rollout starting in Q2 2026.
The Tucson NX5 is expected to be either the first or among the first Hyundais to adopt the system. Pleos Connect will replace the ccNC and ccNC Lite platforms, and brings a smartphone-style UI, multi-window support, and voice control through ‘Gleo AI’.
Built on Android Automotive OS, the system supports app integration and personalized profiles via Pleos ID. It should continue supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Feature-rich
Owners of the next-gen Tucson should have no complaints about features, as we predict it will tick every box. Head Up Display, Terrain Mode, digital key, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, Bose premium audio system, and fingerprint scanner are expected to continue in the top-end variants.
Specifications
At the company’s CEO Investor Day on August 28, 2024, Hyundai’s top boss Jaehoon Chang confirmed that the company will introduce improved hybrid powertrains in future models.
Hyundai’s next-generation TMED-II (Transmission Mounted Electric Device II) system will offer “significantly” better performance and fuel economy compared to the first-gen TMED which powers vehicles like the Tucson, Elantra, Sonata, Carnival and Santa Fe Hybrids.
With the recent slowdown in EV transition, the demand for hybrids has been picking up, with hybrids now being seen more as a basic choice of vehicle rather than a replacement for ICE.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, at the CEO Investor Day on August 28, 2024
Next-gen 1.6L Hybrid system
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
At the Next-Gen Hybrid System Tech Day on April 21, 2025, Hyundai confirmed that it has developed a new 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain, which we expect to debut in the new Tucson. This system increases torque from 367 Nm to 380 Nm (270 to 280 lb-ft), improves acceleration, and boosts fuel efficiency by over 4% in mid-size SUVs. We’re expecting 37-40 mpg (combined) from the new Tucson depending on the variant.
The TMED-II layout features a new P1 motor that is claimed to enhance engine refinement, reduces idle vibration, and enables faster, smoother gear shifts. Engine clutch control has also been upgraded to reduce the lag during transitions from EV to engine drive, says Hyundai.
Smart Regenerative Braking & Stay Mode
A key addition is Smart Regenerative Braking, which adjusts automatically using navigation data and vehicle distance. Drivers can expect better comfort and braking performance. Stay Mode allows use of features like air conditioner and infotainment without starting the engine, for up to one hour.
V2L & e-AWD
The system supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) up to 3.6 kW, powering electronics or appliances. Hyundai will continue offering e-AWD with a rear motor, along with new drive techs like e-Handling 2.0, e-VMC 2.0, and e-Ride 2.0.
These newly developed features improve ride, handling, and stability. Other features include Hierarchical Predictive Control, Evasive Handling Assist, and optimized battery use, though some of these developments may not all go into the future compact SUV.
Overall, a quieter cabin under hard acceleration, optimized suspension for a better balance of comfort and sportiness, smoother low-speed operation, and better highway efficiency would greatly improve the Tucson Hybrid’s appeal stateside. The upcoming 1.6L TMED-II system promises to help address these areas.
Plug-in Hybrid
As for the next-gen Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, I expect to see the EV range nudge towards 40 miles (EPA), thanks to a bigger battery. A slightly higher towing capacity and a larger cargo hold are essential for Hyundai to ensure the Tucson PHEV competes effectively with the next-gen RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Both electrified Tucsons should continue with the standard six-speed automatic gearbox and HTRAC AWD.
Price & Release Date
We expect the all-new Tucson Hybrid to begin at around $35,000, with the Plug-in Hybrid priced from around $43,000.
Considering that it is programmed for its Korean launch in the first half of 2026, the U.S. could welcome it for MY2027 towards the end of next year. The redesigned Tucson is set to compete with the next-gen Mazda CX-5 Hybrid, next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, next-gen Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the new Subaru Forester Hybrid, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid facelift.
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.
