The All-New Tucson Returns with Ruggedness: Larger Size, Enhanced Quietness and Stability

Extended Length, Width, Wheelbase, and Headroom
1.6 Turbo Gasoline and Hybrid Models Launched
XRT Trim Emphasizes Off-Road Style
Latest Features Include PLEOS and Glaeo AI

The Hyundai Motor Company's Tucson, which has surpassed 10 million units in cumulative global sales, has returned after six years as a fully redesigned fifth-generation model. Hyundai focused on embedding 'ruggedness' into every aspect of the all-new Tucson—design, space, and technology—further elevating its overall quality.

Hyundai Motor Company Unveils the All-New Tucson for the First Time. Hyundai Motor Company

On September 18, Hyundai held a media day at the CJ ENM Studio Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, to showcase the design and key features of the all-new Tucson. Hyojoon Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Business Division at Hyundai, stated, "As the role of SUVs expands, the values they must offer have become clear: reliability anywhere and anytime, unwavering performance under any situation, and solid support for our daily lives. The value that ties all these together is 'ruggedness'." The all-new Tucson will be available with either a 1.6 turbo gasoline or a 1.6 turbo hybrid powertrain, with sales set to begin in October following the announcement of pricing.

Longer, Wider, Taller—Class-Leading Spaciousness in Its Segment

The Tucson now features a length, width, and wheelbase that are increased by 60 mm, 40 mm, and 30 mm, respectively, compared to the previous model, securing class-leading interior space. During the media day, when a man approximately 183 cm tall sat in the second row, there was noticeably ample knee room and headroom.

The second-row headroom has also grown by 29 mm to 1,031 mm, creating an even more generous living space. In addition, the rear door opening angle was expanded from the previous 73° to 83°, enhancing convenience when getting in and out.

The opening angle of the second-row door expanded from the existing 73° to 83°. Photo by Choi Youngchan

Furthermore, features such as a slim display and a double-D-cut steering wheel minimize driver distraction, while a hidden tray in the palm rest, Hyundai AdGear, and a dual wireless charging system enhance both spatial utility and everyday convenience.

For customers who prefer an outdoor lifestyle, Hyundai has introduced the XRT trim with distinctive design elements including a dedicated front grille, wheel arch garnish, and skid plates to amplify the rugged image and off-road sensibility.

Next-Generation Hybrid System... Coasting Guidance and Stay Mode

The 1.6 turbo gasoline model now delivers a maximum output of 193 PS, 13 PS higher than before, and a peak torque of 27.0 kgf·m. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it provides an even smoother and more relaxed driving experience.

The Tucson hybrid model is equipped with Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation hybrid system, enhancing both performance and efficiency, achieving a system output of 245 PS and a combined fuel efficiency of 17.4 km/liter.

The All-New Tucson Interior. Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai has also incorporated a 'coasting guidance' feature in the Tucson hybrid, which uses navigation information to predict when deceleration is needed and alerts the driver when to release the accelerator pedal, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Additionally, the 'Stay Mode,' already available in models such as the Grandeur and Palisade, has been introduced. This feature allows systems such as climate control and infotainment to operate for a certain duration while stationary, even with the engine off, delivering an electric vehicle-like experience in a combustion engine vehicle.

The Vehicle Is Larger Yet... Drastically Improved Quietness, Stability, and Aerodynamics

Although the new Tucson has a larger body, it now features lower aerodynamic drag and improved driving stability and quietness, offering a highly refined driving experience.

Hyundai has increased the rigidity where the front wheel suspension connects to the body and reinforced the lower structure supporting the rear suspension, thereby improving both ride comfort and stability.

A new suspension valve allows finer adjustment of the suspension in response to road conditions and driving situations, increasing tuning flexibility. The hybrid model is equipped with E-Traction, which utilizes the drive motor to control vertical and longitudinal vehicle movement, ensuring stable handling and comfortable ride quality even on irregular road surfaces.

Despite the larger body, Hyundai explains that the new Tucson is able to effectively suppress body roll during high-speed cornering, resulting in stable cornering performance.

The All New Tucson Exterior. Hyundai Motor Company

Especially through precise suspension tuning, impacts and unnecessary body movements have been reduced, enabling both front and rear seat passengers to enjoy comfort on long journeys, enhancing the competitive edge of the Tucson as a family SUV.

Hyundai has improved the fluid structure of the engine mount and applied dual stoppers to the transmission mount, reducing vibrations during startup and acceleration.

Sound-absorbing pads have been reinforced to the dash panel to reduce engine room noise entering the cabin, and the thickness of the front seat door glass has been increased to minimize wind noise at high speeds, establishing an even quieter and more pleasant cabin environment.

Even though the Tucson's body is now larger, Hyundai has refined airflow to reduce the drag coefficient (Cd) of both gasoline and hybrid models from 0.33 to 0.30.

To achieve this, the shape of the rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels has been optimized, along with the adoption of external active air flaps and a rear bumper spoiler to further reduce drag. Additionally, sealing material was added to the active air flaps to minimize air leakage, improving both aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.

Unlock Function Still Works During Emergencies... Advanced Convenience Features Standardized

As a fully redesigned model, the Tucson incorporates a wide array of advanced safety and convenience technologies, with many high-demand features now included as standard, further boosting its competitiveness.

For the first time in the Tucson lineup, Hyundai has applied 'dual power supply for door unlock'—a cutting-edge safety feature that uses backup power to ensure the door unlocking function remains operational even if the main power is disconnected in a crash, enabling rapid exit and rescue in emergencies.

'Pedal Misapplication Safety Assist,' which limits driving power and applies braking if the accelerator is mistakenly pressed instead of the brake while stopped or moving at low speed, and 'Forward Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (PCA-F),' which offers braking support if the increased body size raises the risk of collision with pedestrians or obstacles when moving forward at low speeds, are included as standard on all trims, enhancing safety during low-speed driving and parking situations.

'Memory Reverse Assist,' a segment-first feature that memorizes the vehicle's path and automatically controls steering during reversing, eliminates inconvenience when maneuvering and parking the larger vehicle in tight or crowded spaces.

Additionally, Hyundai has standardized nine airbags, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 (NSCC 2), SBW (Shift-by-Wire) P-position emergency braking, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (PCA-R), and more, further strengthening safety in various driving environments.

The Tucson is also the first in its class to offer features such as the 'Surround View Monitor' with transparent-view capability and the 'Ground View,' which displays the road surface under and around the vehicle on the infotainment screen, making it easier for drivers to navigate and control the vehicle even in narrow or complex spaces.

The All-New Tucson Exterior. Hyundai Motor Company

Front, rear, and side parking distance warning (PDW) and Walk-Away Lock (WAL) functions are now standard across all trims, while Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)—which enables remote vehicle parking and exit—is standard starting from the Exclusive trim, further improving everyday convenience.

Other class-leading convenience features include 100W ultra-fast USB charging, multi-air vents, rear manual side curtains, first-row relaxation seats, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. For the first time in a Hyundai SUV, PLEOS Connect and the next-generation generative AI-based agent, Glaeo AI, have been introduced, transforming the Tucson into a digital living space that connects with the driver's daily life beyond simply serving as a means of transportation.

A Hyundai representative stated, "The all-new Tucson is worthy of being a fully redesigned model after six years, having achieved innovations across all areas including design, space, electrification, and digital technology. It will set a new standard in the compact SUV market with its class-leading product merit."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.