The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is showing a very different face in real-world testing, offering an unfiltered look at the boxier, more futuristic design Hyundai recently unveiled in CGI press images. A road-test vehicle spotted by 힐러 Healer TV on YouTube reveals how the upcoming fifth-generation Tucson looks outside the carefully controlled lighting and angles of official images.
A New Look for the Tucson
The front end marks a major departure from the outgoing Tucson. Hyundai has replaced the jewel-like grille with a cleaner design featuring a slim horizontal center lamp and vertical H-edge daytime running lights.
In the spy video, only the vertical lights positioned at the outer edges appear to be illuminated. The overall design gives the Tucson a noticeably different appearance from the current model.
A Family Resemblance Is Showing
The new Tucson’s front-end styling bears a resemblance to Kia models, particularly electric vehicles such as the EV3. The body has also become significantly beefier and boxier, following an approach that Hyundai has applied to the Santa Fe.
The wraparound black trim shown in Hyundai’s official reveal photos is also visible on the road-test vehicle, suggesting that the styling seen in the initial unveiling carries over to the real-world model.
At the rear, the connection to Kia’s design language is again noticeable, particularly when compared with the Sorento. The new Tucson sets itself apart with a full-width light bar, replacing the more prominent fang-like rear lighting featured on the outgoing model.
Overall, the upcoming Tucson adopts a more minimalist design language while moving to a noticeably boxier shape.
Minimalist Interior Design
No interior details were visible in the road-test footage. However, Hyundai’s official press photos show a cabin that follows the same minimalist approach as the exterior.
The new Tucson features a floating infotainment touchscreen powered by the brand’s Pleos Connect system. It replaces the Panoramic Curved Display used in the outgoing model.
Powertrain and Pricing Details Remain Unknown
Hyundai has not yet revealed several key details about the next-generation Tucson, including its powertrain specifications and pricing.
What is known is that the fifth-generation Tucson is expected to arrive in the U.S. next year. The model will be an important part of Hyundai’s lineup as demand for compact crossovers in the U.S. remains strong, with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V cited as examples of that popularity.
A New Direction for Hyundai’s Design
The Tucson’s distinctive styling could also help extend Hyundai’s Art of Steel design language across more of the lineup. For now, the real-world road-test vehicle provides a clearer look at how the new design translates beyond the official CGI images.
With its boxier proportions, minimalist lighting and revised cabin design, the upcoming Tucson represents a significant visual change from the outgoing model, while several key details about the vehicle remain undisclosed.
