The next-generation Hyundai Tucson, known internally as NX5, has finally shed its bulky canvas camouflage, revealing a sticker-only wrap that confirms the key design elements we accurately advanced through our exclusive Gotcha Cars renderings. This transition from heavy padding to a tight “dazzle” wrap was captured by our colleagues at SH Proshots and allows us to see the true silhouette for the first time, validating our predictions of a radical “full-change” transformation for Hyundai’s global bestseller.
A Radical “Art of Steel” Transformation
The 2027 Tucson is officially moving away from the “Sensuous Sportiness” curves of the current model. Instead, it adopts a chiseled, boxy aesthetic inspired by the “Art of Steel” philosophy seen on the latest Santa Fe.
- Boxier Silhouette: Just as our renderings suggested, the new Tucson features a flatter hood and a much more vertical front fascia, giving it a commanding, rugged presence.
- Clamshell Hood & New Lighting: The sticker-only camouflage confirms a unique clamshell-style hood that wraps over the front fenders. Beneath the wrap, we can see a new light signature featuring vertical LED turn signals and low-mounted headlight pods.
- Muscular Stance: The prototype reveals a wider, more planted posture with “hexagonal” wheel arches—a key detail from our renders—and a ruler-straight roofline that prioritizes interior headroom and cargo space.
Next-Gen Tech: The Pleos OS Debut
The interior of the next-gen Tucson is set to be a digital revolution. It will be one of the first models to debut Hyundai’s Pleos OS, a new software-defined vehicle platform.
- Integrated Displays: Expect a massive curved panel housing dual 12.3-inch screens.
- AI Integration: The system will feature “Gleo,” an AI-powered assistant capable of natural language processing for vehicle settings and navigation.
- Physical Controls: Despite the “Tesla-style” screen real estate, Hyundai is expected to retain physical knobs for essential functions to ensure user-friendly ergonomics.
Hybrid-First Powertrains
Hyundai is doubling down on electrification for this generation. The 2027 Tucson is expected to focus heavily on advanced electrified setups:
- TMED-II Hybrid Architecture: This next-gen system is rumored to improve efficiency and power delivery, potentially featuring a dual-motor parallel layout.
- Enhanced PHEV Range: The Plug-in Hybrid variant is targeting a significant leap in performance, with a goal of providing up to 100 km of all-electric driving range.
Launch Timeline
The 2027 Hyundai Tucson is expected to make its official global debut in late 2026, arriving in North American showrooms shortly after. With its shift toward a more “unashamedly boxy” and tech-heavy identity, the next-gen Tucson is clearly aiming to reclaim its throne in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
