A heavily camouflaged next-generation version Hyundai Tucson was spied in testing ahead of an expected global launch later this year and an unconfirmed Australian launch in 2027.
The Tucson was Hyundai’s second best-selling model in Australia in 2025, behind the Kona. This trend continued until January 2026, when its main rival Toyota RAV4 stumbled due to supply issues and the Mazda CX-5 led the segment.
New generations of all three midsize SUVs are set to arrive in showrooms from 2026, with the RAV4 and CX-5 unveiled last year ahead of their local arrivals.
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A new Tucson will therefore not be long in coming and will replace the current fourth-generation model, which was launched in Australia in 2021 and received a facelift in 2024.
The new fifth-generation Tucson is expected to adopt a striking new look with a more angular, boxy exterior design instead of the current model’s rounder, more sculptural style.
The first production vehicle to use Hyundai’s new design language – called “Art of Steel” – was the second-generation Nexo, which featured noticeably sharper creases than its predecessor.
Evidence of this boxier look can also be seen in spy images of the smaller Hyundai Kona SUV, and it could also carry over to Hyundai’s upcoming body-on-ute, which is expected to compete with the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Kia Tasman.
The interior, not seen in these images, is also expected to feature additional technology in a more angular design inspired by the Nexo and last year’s Crater concept, including Hyundai’s new Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect operating system.
Hybrid variants are expected to continue to be offered in the new Tucson range after the diesel powertrain is dropped from the Australian range in 2024.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) has been available for the Tucson overseas since 2022, and while it’s not yet offered locally, it could be added to the new generation lineup in Australia.
The Toyota RAV4 will introduce a PHEV option as part of its next generation in Australia from 2026, while the Mazda CX-5 is set to add a hybrid powertrain in 2027, but not a plug-in version.
A hybrid powertrain could also be the entry point for a hot N version of the Tuscon, with Hyundai’s performance department looking to expand its range to 18 models by 2030.
Meanwhile, the current base Tucson is the price leader at $40,100 before on-road costs and features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW and 192Nm and a claimed combined fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km.
In comparison, the hybrid features a combination of 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and turbocharged electric motor, producing a combined 172kW and 367Nm and promising a combined fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km.
Hyundai Australia will launch another mid-size SUV this year, the Elexio electric SUV, alongside the new hydrogen fuel cell SUV Nexo.
MORE: Explore the Hyundai Tucson showroom
