Hyundai unveiled the fifth-generation Tucson in New York on Oct. 1, staging the world premiere against the Manhattan skyline. The compact SUV is Hyundai's best-selling model worldwide, and the redesign touches nearly everything: a boxier body, a new hybrid system, Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system in its first U.S. application, and a dedicated off-road XRT Pro. Sales start in Korea later this year, with North America and Europe following in 2027.
The U.S. matters more to this model than to most. Hyundai says American buyers account for about 20 percent of the Tucson's cumulative global sales, which top 11.1 million units since 2004, and that hybrids made up 31 percent of U.S. Tucson sales in 2025.
A bigger body with wider-opening doors
The long-wheelbase body sold in North America measures 185.0 inches long, 2.4 inches more than before. It is also 1.6 inches wider, at 75.0 inches, and 0.8 inch taller, while the wheelbase grows 1.2 inches to 109.6 inches. Door opening angles widen to 83 degrees from 73. Styling leans on what Hyundai calls its "Art of Steel" design language, with pronounced fenders, an H-Edge front lighting signature and sculpted Prism taillamps. Wheels range from 17 to 20 inches.
The hybrid gets stronger and tows more
The headline powertrain is Hyundai's next-generation hybrid. In U.S. tune it produces 233 hp and 279.9 lb-ft combined, and Hyundai quotes 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The company is targeting up to 42 mpg combined for the front-drive hybrid on 17-inch wheels; those are Hyundai's targets, not EPA ratings. Hybrid models also get E-Traction, which manages torque in corners to limit wheel slip, and an HEV Stay Mode that keeps climate control, audio and device charging running with the engine off. Towing capacity for the hybrid in North America rises to 3,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the outgoing model.
Hyundai lists the U.S. gasoline model at 184 hp, a figure the release pairs with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four and an eight-speed automatic. A plug-in hybrid with a 17.1-kWh battery and roughly 50 miles of electric range was also shown, but Hyundai lists it only for select markets and has not confirmed it for the U.S.
2027 Tucson powertrains (Hyundai figures)
| Powertrain | U.S. output | Battery | Targeted combined mpg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 184 hp | — | 28 (FWD) / 26 (AWD) |
| Hybrid | 233 hp, 279.9 lb-ft | 1.49 kWh | 40–42 (FWD) / 38–40 (AWD) |
| Plug-in hybrid | Not confirmed for U.S. | 17.1 kWh | About 50 miles electric range |
Fuel economy figures are Hyundai targets for North American models; higher figures apply to 17-inch wheels. EPA ratings have not been published.
New software, and an XRT Pro for the trail
Inside, the Tucson is the first Hyundai in the U.S. with Pleos Connect, an Android Automotive OS system developed by 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group's software center. It runs on a 17-inch or 12.9-inch center screen, both at 2560 by 1440 pixels, plus a 9.9-inch slim display above the steering column that is standard on the Tucson. Gleo AI, an in-car assistant built on large language model technology, answers to "Hey Gleo" or "Hey Hyundai." The system adds its own app market and over-the-air updates while keeping wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and physical buttons remain for climate and audio.
The XRT Pro brings standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, 1.2 inches more than the standard model. In North America it is the only Tucson with Smart Terrain Assist, Hyundai's first, which grades traction with a green, orange or red "stuck score." Hyundai pairs it with Target Speed Control, which manages throttle and brakes at crawling speeds. A sport-inspired version debuts at the Paris Motor Show on Oct. 12.
"Millions of families around the world count on the Hyundai TUCSON, and this is the best one we have ever built," said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company.
What buyers should know
Hyundai has not announced U.S. pricing, trim levels or EPA figures, and says more Pleos Connect details will come closer to launch. Several features shown in the global release, including Micro Pixel Lighting, massage seats and three-zone climate control, belong to a short-wheelbase model that Hyundai says is not sold in North America. The company lists NHTSA five-star and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ results as targets; no crash-test results exist yet. Shoppers who need an SUV now will be buying the outgoing model; anyone who can wait until 2027 gets a roomier hybrid with more towing capacity.