Hyundai has revealed the full design of the fifth-generation Tucson SUV for the first time, six years after the launch of the current fourth generation. The new vehicle adopts a more rugged, boxy appearance, with a clear increase in body dimensions and a complete redesign of the cabin and its technology.
A More Distinctive Exterior Design
The new shape is based on Hyundai’s design philosophy called “Art of Steel,” the same philosophy associated with the Boulder off-road concept, which the company displayed at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. This approach gives the Tucson an appearance closer to traditional SUVs, with a visual presence inspired by off-road use.
At the front, the Tucson uses vertical daytime running lights with an “H-edge” design, along with a slim horizontal light bar. Hyundai says the lighting elements inside the bar are not directly exposed on the exterior surface, helping create a more prominent three-dimensional appearance. At the rear, the vehicle features a prismatic taillight with a prominent three-dimensional lens whose details are not clearly visible until it is illuminated.
The new Tucson measures 4,700 millimeters in length, 1,905 millimeters in width, and 1,685 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,785 millimeters. Compared with the current model, length has increased by 60 millimeters, width by 40 millimeters, and wheelbase length by 40 millimeters. Hyundai believes these increases provide generous interior space and describes it as the best in its class.
A New Cabin and Pleos Connect
Hyundai has completely redesigned the cabin, with a floating architecture intended to provide more space and a large central infotainment screen. The vehicle also receives the Pleos Connect infotainment system, the company’s next-generation system, which includes customizable applications and displays, along with a slim screen in front of the driver.
The Tucson will also be available in an XRT trim, which enhances its rugged character through an exclusive front grille, wheels, and skid plates, in addition to black trim around the wheel arches and XRT badges. Inside, this trim includes seats with special patterns, dark metal details, and protective floor coverings for the first and second rows.
What Has Hyundai Not Revealed Yet?
The company has not yet announced details of the vehicle’s powertrains or its complete technical specifications. Based on the current model, the new Tucson is expected to be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options rather than a fully electric powertrain, but this remains unconfirmed until Hyundai makes its official announcement.
Why Does This Reveal Matter?
The reveal provides the first clear picture of the direction Hyundai will take with one of its core SUVs: a tougher design, larger dimensions, and a cabin that relies more heavily on screens and software. At the same time, the absence of powertrain details means that the complete commercial and technical picture of the new generation is not yet complete. Hyundai continues to offer the electric IONIQ 5, which is close in size to the Tucson, suggesting that the two models will retain different roles within the company’s lineup until Hyundai reveals the remaining details closer to the launch date.