Hyundai's yet-to-be-unveiled Tucson was spotted undergoing rigorous testing while towing a trailer in the Austrian Alps. Underneath a veil of thick camouflage, the latest iteration of Hyundai's esteemed crossover hinted at a series of enhancements.

At first glance, the front facade maintains a sense of mystery; however, there seems to be a newly designed grille peering through the camouflage. Though the overall shape appears to remain consistent with its predecessor, there's speculation about a fresh grille pattern. As for the headlights, their fate is yet to be seen, as the disguise leaves little room for confirmation on any possible tweaks.

Swinging around to the rear, the situation mirrors the front. Though the taillights seem unchanged, a curious red pipe pointing towards the road is hard to miss. This unexpected placeholder tailpipe, a stark departure from the rectangular exhausts of the current model, hints at potential innovations under the hood. This peculiar setup is leading many to believe that Hyundai might be gearing up to offer more electrified options.

Speaking of what's beneath the hood, let’s not forget the impressive array of engines that the outgoing Tucson offers in the United States. The line-up includes a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine churning out 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking a greener alternative, there's a 1.6-liter hybrid mated to an electric motor, boasting a healthy 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid variant is also on offer with a robust 261 horsepower, and for the power-thirsty, the range-topping N Line comes packing a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an imposing 290 horsepower.

It’s not just the exterior and engine that are seeing upgrades; the Tucson’s cabin is also bracing for a facelift. Spy shots reveal a revamped steering wheel, taking cues from the latest Hyundai Kona. Expect to be dazzled by larger displays fitted with cutting-edge infotainment software, as well as a sophisticated head-up display. Furthermore, high-end trims are rumored to be receiving adaptive LED projector headlights as a replacement for the previous generation's reflector LED beams.

Source: Motor1

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving