The fifth-generation Hyundai Tucson has received its debut in UK specification promising class-leading levels of innovation and practicality in a bid to sustain its popularity in the family SUV class.
A critical model for the Korean manufacturer as its best-selling model both globally and in the UK, the brand-new Tucson is noticeable for being significantly larger – and more visually dramatic – than the model it replaces.
While design won’t come as a surprise to those that keep up with their motoring news having been unveiled last month on Korean/US-specification versions of the car, the UK-spec Hyundai Tucson is noticeably more compact than those models.
That’s not to say it is small, however, the new Tucson growing in every direction over the current model to now measure 4,560mm bumper-to-bumper – larger than most key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
The latest model from the Hyundai camp to adopt its ‘Art of Steel’ design direction, the new Tucson is decidedly chunkier and more utilitarian looking than the outgoing model, while it arguably suits the dimensions of the UK-specification model more than the longer US version.
The bluff front-end is distinguished by ‘H-edge’ lighting that combines a full-width bar just below the bonnet line with vertical units. While they don’t look terribly substantial on initial appearance, an incredible 25,600 LED pixels make up the pattern on upper-spec models.
The rest of the design bears some spiritual relation to the first-generation Tucson with its bulky, squared off wheelarches, though the inflated rear-quarter is a vestige of the current model’s design that will be carried over.
2027 Hyundai Tucson: Practicality, Interior, Innovation
The muscular appearance emphasises the Tucson’s status as the most practical SUV in its class, a status the current model competes for even now among newer competition.
Head, leg and shoulder room has improved all-round, while the rear seats can even recline slightly and can be adjusted for more legroom on certain models. The boot, meanwhile, grows from 620-litres to a huge 695-litres.
Inside, the Tucson gets two screen sizes – 12.9 or 17-inches – depending on the specification, both of which run infotainment from Hyundai’s own Android-based Pleos software, which will also be a feature of the forthcoming IONIQ 3.
In an effort to appeal to families, Hyundai says it has based the design of the Tucson’s cabin on ‘furniture-inspired comfort’, as demonstrated by the plus multi-tonal fabrics on the seating and doors, while elements of the dashboard gets padded upholstery to emanate a refined, cushioned feel.
The Tucson will also be well appointed in terms of specification with highlights that include powerful wireless charging pads, a smartphone digital key and 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio.
Also, in a clear attempt to apply some of rival Skoda’s most popular ‘simple’ ideas, the Tucson features an umbrella in the door lining, integrated cup holders in the rear, fragrance options and a windscreen that not only fully de-ices in just 15-minutes, will keep interiors cooler on hot days without the need for air-conditioning.
2027 Hyundai Tucson: Engines, Performance and PHEV Range
With the Hyundai IONIQ 5 fulfilling the demand for electric SUVs in the Korean firm’s range, the Tucson will retain a mix of petrol, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains at launch.
Petrol models are equipped with a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and come with a mild-hybrid system, while the 242bhp Hybrid offers impressive performance yet returns CO2 of just 118g/km.
Meanwhile, the PHEV will combine the same 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine with a substantial 17.1kWh battery for a combined 288bhp and up to 50-miles of pure electric range.
Prices for the 2027 Hyundai Tucson – which will get its formal public world premiere at the upcoming Paris Motor Show - is expected to start around £31,000.
It is set to arrive in Vertu Hyundai dealerships at the turn of the new year.
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- New Cars
- Hyundai