Hyundai has given the Tucson a boxier, more upright design and an electrified engine range, dropping the familiar curves of its best-selling SUV and its diesel engines. The fifth-generation model is nearly 20 centimeters longer than before, and its official debut is scheduled for August 19, 2026.
It measures 4.70 meters long, putting it close to the size of the seven-seat Santa Fe. The wheelbase stretches to 2.79 meters, creating more room inside, especially in the back. Rear headroom is up by 29 millimeters, and the back doors open wider, making it easier to get in and out.
Sales in South Korea are due to start in the fourth quarter of 2026, with global markets following in 2027.
The changes are obvious at first glance. At the front, a high, flat hood sits above a large rectangular grille. H-shaped LED lights appear at both ends. The rounded lines of earlier models are gone. Hexagonal wheel arches and a floating roofline add to the geometric look, while the overall stance suggests a tougher, more off-road-ready SUV, even though four-wheel lead won't be available on every version.
Inside, Hyundai has reworked the cabin with a focus on technology and usability. The twin screens from the previous model are replaced by a digital instrument cluster and a large 17-inch central touchscreen. Physical buttons are back for climate and audio controls. Seat controls are physical again too, a change that should please drivers who dislike touch-only setups.
The new Pleos Connect system, built on Android Automotive, brings real-time over-the-air updates. It also includes a virtual assistant powered by generative AI. Hyundai aims to keep the Tucson's technology up to date for years to come.
Recent industry reports say the new Tucson will be offered exclusively with a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine or a hybrid version based on the same engine. The hybrid is expected to produce around 242-245 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Certified fuel consumption figures for the hybrid are approximately 5.7-5.8 L/100 km; information from industry sources, the petrol version is rated at about 8.2 L/100 km.
Hyundai has dropped diesel engines entirely and now offers only electrified options. The lineup starts with mild-hybrid petrol engines. Self-charging hybrids sit above them, and a plug-in hybrid is also planned. That version is expected to deliver over 100 kilometers of electric-only range, thanks to a higher-density battery.
For buyers who want a tougher look, the XRT version adds off-road-inspired styling and extra body protection, though all-wheel lead is not standard across the range.
The new Tucson will launch first in Korea, and its size is tailored to that market. Korean versions are usually longer than European ones, so buyers in Spain and elsewhere may see a slightly shorter model when it arrives.
Hyundai has sold more than three million Tucsons worldwide in the past six years. This redesign is a big gamble, following a pattern among other brands that have shaken up their bestsellers, like Citroën's recent Holidays Max camper, as reported earlier.
Hyundai's move away from diesel and toward electrification goes beyond a response to regulations: the brand wants to set the pace for mainstream SUVs. European drivers will get their chance to judge the new Tucson when it arrives in their markets.
