- Hyundai will reportedly offer a high-performance Tucson N.
- It could have a hybridized powertrain with around 300 hp.
- The model could also be equipped with an electric rear axle.
Spy photographers recently snapped pictures of the boxy new Hyundai Tucson and now we’re starting to learn more about the upcoming model. In particular, it will reportedly spawn a high-performance N variant that could compete against the new 320hp Toyota RAV4 GR Sport.
Speaking to Auto Express, Hyundai N’s Joon Park said “We’re not limiting ourselves to EVs” as “we will go further with the ICE-based cars as well.” That’s good news as the brand has been focused on fully electric models as of late as they’ve recently introduced the Ioniq 6 N and updated Ioniq 5 N.
More: The 2027 Tucson Gives Curves The Cold Shoulder
Park went on to suggest the company was open to using hybrid powertrains on N models, although the “characteristics” of them would need to be different. That’s hardly surprising as hybrids are traditionally focused on efficiency rather than performance.
That’s certainly the case with the Tucson Hybrid N Line, which features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.49 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. This gives the crossover a combined output of 231 hp (172 kW / 234 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque as well as a fuel economy rating of 35 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.
Baldauf
The publication claims Hyundai will address this with a high-performance powertrain that could use hybrid technology as well as a next-generation 1.6-liter turbo engine. They go on to say the Tucson N could also be equipped with a rear electric axle to give it all-wheel drive. If everything pans out, the model could have around 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS).
That would be slightly more than the Elantra N, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing up to 286 hp (213 kW / 290 PS) and 289 lb-ft (391 Nm) of torque.
