Hyundai has evolved to the highly-competitive brand and like the modern trends dictate the focus of the South Korean carmaker is on the fast-selling crossover SUV models. The brand recently introduced the all-new, three-row Hyundai Palisade which replaced effectively the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The new-generation Santa Fe arrived for the 2019 model year as the replacement for the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The Hyundai Kona is also relatively fresh introduced for 2018.
The compact Hyundai Tucson is another crossover SUV in the brand’s range aimed against the fast-selling Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape. The current iteration of the model appeared in 2016 but it received a significant refresh for the 2019 model year. The refreshed model brought updated styling and interior as well as the revised powertrain range. However, despite being mid-updated recently, the compact Tucson was spotted recently while testing heavily camouflaged.
Yes, the new generation version is already in the works and should appear sometime in 2020. The new, fourth-generation version will likely be marketed as the 2021 Hyundai Tucson which would again mean the life span of five years as it was the case with the previous iterations of the model.
2021 Hyundai Tucson: Design
The recently refreshed Tucson received significant updates inside and out and debuted at the 2018 New York Auto Show. The mid-update brought a new cascade grille design, updated LED headlights style as well as a resculpted hood and refreshed tailgate design. However, the brand is already testing the new-generation 2021 Hyundai Tucson and spy photos of the prototype model suggest what we will get.
The redesigned Tucson is still more than a year from the launch and there are no many details about the new version. A heavily disguised prototype doesn’t also reveal many cues. Hyundai’s Vice President hinted, however, that people will freak out over the new-gen Tucson’s look, in a positive connotation of course.
Judging by the spy photos, the Tucson should arrive with much more aggressive front-end design. The recipe should be similar as on the recently redesigned models with the LED running light placed high on the front fascia and high beams positioned lower. The model should also install more prominent grille version possibly inspired by the HDC-2 Grandmaster Concept.
The profile of the model seems similar in the shape as the current generation version while it looks that the new Tucson is coming with resculpted fender flares.
We can’t detect what’s hidden behind the thick camo applied on the model’s rear section. It seems that new taillights will appear with the reshaped tailgate.
As for the platform of the model, it will likely be the updated version of the current design. The model might ride on the stretched wheelbase as some reports suggest. There could also be some increase in the model’s length.
Interior, equipment:
We don’t have details yet what Hyundai is preparing in the model’s cabin. The reports indicate that alongside the two-row setup Hyundai should offer the three-row version.
The model received recently the new dash design with high-mounted center display and air vents placed in the middle. The next generation Tucson could again switch to the new dash design something similar to the new Palisade with the instrument panel and center touchscreen brought closer to each other for more driver-focused design.
What is sure, the new Tucson will again be well-equipped from the base version. There will be modern connectivity features from the entry-level model and active safety suite. The base version will use a cloth upholstery and upgrade to the leather surfaces in the top trims.
2021 Hyundai Tucson: Powertrains
The current Tucson relies on the two four-cylinder units coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission. A standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit delivers 164 hp and torque of 151 pound-feet. For more drive excitement buyers can pick a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit delivering 181 hp and torque of 175 pound-feet. Hyundai offers an all-wheel-drive option from the base version.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is expected to adopt a new 2.5-liter Theta3 engine which is development. The new Theta3 engine should be available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. The pair with the engine will be an 8-speed automatic transmission. An updated 1.6-liter diesel will be available on the Old Continent. The model might also adopt the hybrid setup from the Sonata.
2021 Hyundai Tucson: Release, Price
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson will debut sometime in 2020. The current Tucson starts from $23, 200 while the new-generation version would likely move the starting point around $25, 000.