Hyundai has unveiled a dramatically redesigned Tucson, trading its sleek styling for a tougher look and genuine off-road ambitions.
At the beginning of October, Hyundai took the wraps off the fifth-generation Tucson in New York. This isn't simply a routine generational update. The SUV has undergone a major change in character. Gone are the smooth lines of the outgoing model, replaced by sharper angles and a more rugged appearance. The new Tucson will also offer two wheelbase options, an expanded hybrid lineup, and something the model has never had before: an off-road-focused XRT Pro version.
The new Tucson follows Hyundai's Art of Steel design philosophy. Previous generations leaned toward a sporty appearance, but the latest model takes a considerably tougher approach.
The hood sits almost horizontally, while the darkened headlights have been positioned lower on the front end. The daytime running lights form Hyundai's distinctive H-shaped lighting signature. Along the sides, large trapezoidal black plastic fender extensions give the SUV a more muscular stance.
The roofline runs nearly straight before sloping slightly toward the rear. At the back, a slim horizontal light element echoes the front-end design, while three-dimensional, prism-shaped taillights add visual depth.
Inside, the Tucson gets a new steering wheel with flattened upper and lower sections. The transmission selector has also moved to the steering column, freeing up space on the center console for two wireless charging pads.
The driver gets a slim 9.9-inch digital instrument display positioned high in the dashboard. Depending on the trim level, the central touchscreen measures either 12.9 or 17 inches.
Hyundai has resisted the temptation to move every control onto the touchscreen. Climate and audio functions still have dedicated physical buttons and rotary controls, making them easier to operate while driving.
The rear doors now open to an 83-degree angle, compared with 73 degrees on the previous model. That extra 10 degrees should make a noticeable difference when loading children into car seats or helping passengers get in and out.
The driver's seat features seven pneumatic air chambers, along with massage and lumbar support functions. Front passengers get a Relaxation Comfort feature that reclines the seat into a more laid-back position.
Hyundai has also made improvements to rear-seat space. Headroom has increased by approximately 1.1 inches, while rear legroom is up by about 0.6 inches.
The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can slide forward or backward by nearly 5.9 inches. Cargo capacity varies by market, reaching approximately 24.5 cubic feet in the European version and 37.7 cubic feet in the North American model.
The redesigned Tucson adopts Hyundai's Pleos Connect infotainment system, which is based on Android. It also introduces Gleo AI, a voice assistant designed to understand natural speech and respond to requests using conversational context.
Another addition is Stay Mode, which allows the climate control and infotainment systems to remain active for up to 30 minutes without starting the engine.
USB ports can deliver up to 100 watts of power, providing plenty of output for charging compatible devices.
The biggest surprise is the Tucson XRT Pro, an off-road-oriented version developed exclusively for the North American market.
It gets extensive black plastic body cladding designed to protect the exterior from branches and rocks. Forged-carbon-look accents appear on the fender extensions and bumpers, while the exclusive Red Rock Orange paint and red tow hooks make the special edition stand out.
The XRT Pro rides on distinctive 18-inch wheels wrapped in Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires measuring 235/50 R18. Steel underbody protection has also been added to help shield vulnerable components when driving over rough terrain.
The interior retains the standard Tucson's overall layout but receives mountain-themed embroidery on the seatbacks and dark metallic trim accents. The upper dashboard section is made of hard plastic.
Hyundai has increased the XRT Pro's ground clearance by approximately 1.2 inches. Its approach angle is improved by 1.3 degrees, while the departure angle increases by 1.6 degrees.
The all-wheel-drive system works with Smart Terrain Assist, which monitors driving conditions in real time and adjusts the vehicle's response accordingly. The XRT Pro can also tow a trailer weighing up to approximately 3,000 pounds.
The Tucson will have different dimensions depending on the market. Models for South Korea, the United States, and Australia measure approximately 185.0 inches long, 75.0 inches wide, and 66.3 inches tall. Their wheelbase measures 109.6 inches.
The European version is more compact, measuring approximately 179.5 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 65.7 inches tall, with a 107.1-inch wheelbase.
Engine options will also vary by market. Gas-powered versions use a 1.6-liter engine producing 150, 186, or 193 horsepower, depending on the configuration. Transmission choices include a seven-speed dual-clutch unit, a six-speed automatic, or an eight-speed automatic. A manual transmission is not part of the lineup.
Buyers will also have access to a conventional hybrid powertrain. It pairs the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing either 233 or 245 horsepower depending on the market.
A plug-in hybrid is available as well. It combines the same basic engine-and-motor setup to deliver a combined 288 horsepower. Its 17.1-kWh battery provides an electric-only driving range of approximately 50 miles.
Hyundai has not announced official pricing for the redesigned Tucson or the XRT Pro.