Next-Generation Hyundai Tucson May Drop Gasoline Engine, Adopt Boxier Design
The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is expected to debut in 2027 with a boxier design and could even drop the gasoline engine entirely in favor of hybrid power.
The Hyundai Tucson, the Korean automaker’s best-selling model globally, will move to a completely new generation in 2027. Although its launch is still a few years away, several leaks have already revealed key changes to this C-SUV.
New boxier design influenced by Santa Fe and Palisade
The 2027 Tucson is expected to be larger, with a long-wheelbase version reserved for the U.S. market. Its exterior will be boxier, with fewer curves, following the styling direction of the Santa Fe and Palisade.
The vehicle will most likely feature black-painted pillars to create a “floating roof” effect. The front end is expected to have a distinctive LED light strip, although the exact design remains uncertain. In addition, the hood may adopt a clamshell design.
The interior will continue to emphasize practicality, especially the cargo area behind the second row.
A notable new feature is the Pleos operating system along with the AI virtual assistant “Gleo,” paired with a large display and many advanced driver-assistance features. However, Hyundai will still retain some physical buttons for key functions.
Gasoline engine may be dropped, leaving only hybrid and plug-in hybrid
According to sources from Korean Car Blog, the next-generation Tucson will most likely eliminate the pure gasoline version entirely, leaving only hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Specifically:
Expected launch timing and pricing
The fourth-generation Tucson only appeared in 2022 and received a facelift in 2025, but Hyundai does not want its key model to fall behind in the segment, so it has decided to launch an all-new generation in 2027.
The 2027 Tucson is expected to make its debut in South Korea in the second half of 2026, followed later by other markets, with the U.S. and Vietnam possibly having to wait until 2027 or 2028.
Eliminating the gasoline version could push up the starting price. Currently, the 2025 Tucson with the 2.5L gasoline engine starts at USD 30,200, the hybrid starts at USD 35,460, and the plug-in hybrid starts at USD 41,225.
If only hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants remain, the new Tucson could start at a higher price point, similar to Toyota’s strategy with the 2026 RAV4 (hybrid only).
Some renderings envisioning the 2027 Hyundai Tucson:
>>> See more:
What do you think the next-generation Hyundai Tucson’s design will look like?
The Hyundai Tucson, the Korean automaker’s best-selling model globally, will move to a completely new generation in 2027. Although its launch is still a few years away, several leaks have already revealed key changes to this C-SUV.
New boxier design influenced by Santa Fe and Palisade
The 2027 Tucson is expected to be larger, with a long-wheelbase version reserved for the U.S. market. Its exterior will be boxier, with fewer curves, following the styling direction of the Santa Fe and Palisade.
The vehicle will most likely feature black-painted pillars to create a “floating roof” effect. The front end is expected to have a distinctive LED light strip, although the exact design remains uncertain. In addition, the hood may adopt a clamshell design.
The interior will continue to emphasize practicality, especially the cargo area behind the second row.
A notable new feature is the Pleos operating system along with the AI virtual assistant “Gleo,” paired with a large display and many advanced driver-assistance features. However, Hyundai will still retain some physical buttons for key functions.
Gasoline engine may be dropped, leaving only hybrid and plug-in hybrid
According to sources from Korean Car Blog, the next-generation Tucson will most likely eliminate the pure gasoline version entirely, leaving only hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Specifically:
- Hybrid: expected to use the new TMED-II system, combining a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering improved performance over the current 231 hp and 271 Nm.
- Plug-in hybrid: there is no official information yet, but it will most likely still be based on the 1.6L turbocharged engine, with a more powerful electric motor and a larger-capacity battery, currently capable of traveling more than 100 km in pure electric mode.
- Tucson N version: rumors suggest Hyundai will launch a high-performance version for the first time, with output of more than 295 hp, using a hybrid system with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle to support AWD.
Expected launch timing and pricing
The fourth-generation Tucson only appeared in 2022 and received a facelift in 2025, but Hyundai does not want its key model to fall behind in the segment, so it has decided to launch an all-new generation in 2027.
The 2027 Tucson is expected to make its debut in South Korea in the second half of 2026, followed later by other markets, with the U.S. and Vietnam possibly having to wait until 2027 or 2028.
Eliminating the gasoline version could push up the starting price. Currently, the 2025 Tucson with the 2.5L gasoline engine starts at USD 30,200, the hybrid starts at USD 35,460, and the plug-in hybrid starts at USD 41,225.
If only hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants remain, the new Tucson could start at a higher price point, similar to Toyota’s strategy with the 2026 RAV4 (hybrid only).
Some renderings envisioning the 2027 Hyundai Tucson:
>>> See more:
What do you think the next-generation Hyundai Tucson’s design will look like?
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