2021 Hyundai Tucson (4th Generation)

This is the new hybrid Tucson, Hyundai’s “boldest” ever SUV

Hyundai has cracked out the ruler for its new medium-sized car

Hyundai calls it “muscular”. We’re calling it ‘OCP’, because we’re now suddenly afraid we only have 20 seconds to comply. Welcome to the brand-new Hyundai Tucson – sounds like a good biscuit, is actually a hugely popular mediumly-sized SUV.

“We could have played it safe,” said Hyundai Europe’s big cheese Xavier Martinet, “but that is not Hyundai’s style.” No, it has instead chosen the so-called ‘Art of Steel’ design language to create a very bold, imposing car, about the same size as a Qashqai, Kuga and Tiguan.

That straight headlight bar, angular bumper lines, flared (also angular) arches, and flat roof drive ruler-straight into an (also angular) bootlid spoiler, horizontal rear light spanning the width of the rear, and more lines.

As an illustration of the necessity of modern car bloat, this one’s a bit longer, wider and taller compared to the now-tame outgoing car, in part to support “pedestrian protection requirements”.

Hyundai’s ruler has been used inside too, where you won’t be surprised to find a giant touchscreen available in either 12.9in or a whopping 17in, that pairs with an admittedly nice touch in the 9.9in slim driver display. And you won’t be surprised to learn said touchscreen has been filled with AI.

Mercifully there’s physical switchgear on offer too, in the form of some buttons and rotary dials, along with switches on the door panels. A win for common sense, there. There’s an optional HUD, and a plethora of connections to plug in various devices.

And if you want to plug in, Hyundai promises “soft, voluminous cushioning” atop the instrument panel, doors and centre armrest, while the seats themselves look comfy (with the option of massaging ones), there’s fancy climate control, a heated windscreen, and a generous amount of space for your passengers. That box-like shape comes in handy.

 
2027 Hyundai Tucson: powertrains and features detailed

Scheduled to arrive in South Africa in 2027, Hyundai has revealed fresh details – including for powertrains and features – on the new Tucson.

Revealed in August 2027, the next-generation Hyundai Tucson is penned in to arrive in South Africa in 2027. At the time, the South Korean automaker largely remained tight-lipped surrounding detailed specification on the bold new model’s powertrain lineup and features list. However, the marque has now released fresh information on the former and latter. While the details released by Hyundai are specific to the US market, and local specifications have yet to be released, it does give us a glimpse into what we could expect from the fifth iteration once it arrives on our shores.

2027 Hyundai Tucson: powertrain specifications

For the new Tucson, Hyundai will offer a three-tier powertrain structure – the latter comprising internal combustion (ICE), traditional hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The ICE remains the firm’s familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, which produces 110 kW and 192 N.m of torque. Also available with the outgoing, current-generation Tucson in our market, the latter unit will be offered with both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission in the US. Locally, the ICE is only coupled with the latter gearbox. The US market will also receive a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol ICE producing 142 kW and 264 N.m, delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.6-litre motor can also be had with the brand’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, paired with an eight-speed self-shifter. The HEV powertrain comprises a turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The HEV setup delivers 180 kW and 380 N.m to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic cog-swapper. The PHEV model’s more powerful all-wheel drivetrain produces a combined system output of 215 kW and 380 N.m.

So, what about South Africa? Well, while Hyundai’s local arm has yet to confirm whether the new Tucson will be available with the current model’s 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options, the company has confirmed it will be offered with the same HEV powertrain as the Santa Fe. Comprising a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, the latter setup produces 175 kW and 367 N.m in the Santa Fe, with power sent to all four corners via a six-speed automatic transmission.

www.carmag.co.za

2027 Hyundai Tucson: powertrains and features detailed

Scheduled to arrive in South Africa in 2027, Hyundai has revealed fresh details on the highly anticipated new Tucson...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
So this is the first time I've seen this ... met another Hyundai Tucson N-Line in the Spar parking lot and couldn't resist a photo op (number plates have been AI-erased and aren't missing ROFL):

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2027 Hyundai Tucson: Too Much AI, Not Enough Car - Auto Expert John Cadogan​

The 2027 Hyundai Tucson is new. But is it actually innovative?

There are some genuinely worthwhile developments here. The hybrid system looks promising, the styling is reasonably well resolved, and there’s every chance the new Tucson will be a perfectly competent SUV.

But mechanically, particularly when it comes to the combustion engine, Hyundai appears to have taken a fairly conservative evolutionary approach.

Meanwhile, enormous attention has been lavished on software, infotainment, AI and the digital user experience.

The traditional instrument cluster is effectively disappearing into a software-driven display environment. The cabin is increasingly becoming an operating system. And, for reasons known only to the ergonomics department, the steering wheel is now basically square.

This raises a bigger question than simply whether the new Tucson is any good: Are carmakers still primarily designing cars — or are they increasingly designing mobile digital platforms that happen to have wheels?

In this video I look at:
• What’s actually new in the 2027 Hyundai Tucson
• The changes to the hybrid powertrain
• How much real innovation has occurred under the bonnet
• Hyundai’s growing emphasis on software and AI
• The disappearance of the conventional instrument cluster
• That square steering wheel
• And whether all this technology genuinely makes the vehicle better to use

There’s plenty to like here.

I’m just not convinced the industry’s definition of “innovation” is always aligned with yours.
Click to expand...

 
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