- The redesigned Hyundai Tucson has been spied ahead of a possible debut this fall.
- Crossover is expected to be slightly larger than before and sport a boxier design.
- We can expect a new Pleos Connect infotainment system and upgraded powertrains.
Spy photographers snapped the facelifted Hyundai Santa Fe last week and now they’ve caught up with the redesigned Tucson. Testers were even nice enough to park the current model alongside its replacement.
While the model is still heavily disguised, the fifth-generation crossover is going to be a radical departure from its predecessor. The edgy and overly fussy design will give way to a boxier shape that loosely echoes its larger counterparts.
More: Hyundai’s Best-Seller Is About To Get A Major Redesign
Camouflage hides a number of details, but we can see a rounded front fascia with a wide grille. It’s flanked by split lighting units as there are shapely LED daytime running lights above mid-mounted headlights. Further below, there’s a stylish intake with horizontal lines that angle upwards toward the center.
Moving down the sides, we can see a flatter beltline and streamlined bodywork. They’re joined by a revamped greenhouse and a gently sloping roof. Designers also gave the crossover aerodynamically optimized wheels and more conventional wheel arches.
The rear end has been reimagined as the license plate recess moves from the liftgate to the bumper. We can also see new vertical taillights that appear to be connected by a slender illuminated strip. Below, the bumper incorporates slim reflectors and a less adventurous design.
SHProshots
Spy shooters only managed to snag a handful of interior images, but we can see a slender digital instrument cluster and a new Pleos Connect infotainment system. The size of the latter remains up for debate, but the Elantra offers 12.9- and 14.6-inch setups, while the Grandeur has a massive 17-inch display.
Other highlights include a new steering wheel and a minimalist design. We can also expect new switchgear and higher quality materials.
SHProshots
Powertrain details remain hazy, but we can likely expect improved hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The former currently has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing a combined output of 231 hp (172 kW / 234 PS) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to return up to 38 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined.
The plug-in hybrid uses the same engine, but adopts a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack and a beefier electric motor. This increases the output to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS), while also providing an electric-only range of 32 miles.
