Automotive
Hyundai has fully pulled the covers off the redesigned 2027 Tucson, and the changes go well beyond its much boxier appearance. The new compact SUV is larger, roomier, more tech-heavy, and more capable than before, while its available hybrid powertrain targets up to 42 mpg. Hyundai has also added a more serious XRT Pro model for buyers who want some extra trail capability, making this one of the most comprehensive overhauls the Tucson has received in years.
The new Tucson grows in nearly every direction, with a longer wheelbase and increases in overall length, width, and height. That extra size pays off where owners are likely to notice it most, especially in the rear seats and cargo area. Hyundai lists 41.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which is an impressive number for a compact SUV. Outside, the styling takes a much more upright and rugged direction, with full-width lighting elements, low-mounted headlights, and distinctive three-dimensional rear lamps that give the Tucson a far more dramatic presence than the outgoing model.
Under the hood, the previous naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder has been replaced by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 184 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The more interesting choice will likely be the hybrid, which pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with two electric motors for a combined 233 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be available, and Hyundai is targeting up to 42 mpg combined for the most efficient front-wheel-drive hybrid configuration. The hybrid can also tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped with all-wheel drive, giving it some added usefulness beyond the daily commute.
Inside, Hyundai has taken a cleaner and more modern approach without abandoning physical controls. A 12.9-inch center touchscreen comes standard, while a massive 17-inch display is available. Both use Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment platform with an AI-powered voice assistant. A slim 9.9-inch driver display sits closer to the base of the windshield, while traditional knobs and buttons remain below the main screen for audio and climate functions. That is a welcome decision in a market where too many manufacturers are burying basic controls inside touchscreen menus.
Hyundai is also pushing the Tucson further upmarket with available features that would have sounded unusual in a compact crossover not long ago. Ergo Motion front seats can provide a massage function, dual wireless smartphone chargers are available, and the column-mounted shifter frees up additional storage space in the center console. The cabin appears to place a stronger emphasis on both comfort and usability, which should help the Tucson compete with increasingly polished rivals from Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and others.
For buyers who want something more adventurous, the new Tucson XRT Pro takes the old XRT idea several steps further. Ground clearance rises to roughly 8.3 inches, about 1.2 inches more than the standard model, and the package includes all-terrain tires, additional body protection, distinctive exterior trim, and underbody protection. Hyundai is also introducing Smart Terrain Assist, which is designed to help the vehicle respond to changing off-road conditions. It still will not be a hardcore trail machine, but it should offer more substance than the appearance-focused off-road packages that have become common in this segment.
Pricing for the 2027 Hyundai Tucson has not yet been announced, with North American sales expected to begin in 2027. What is already clear is that Hyundai is taking a broad approach with this redesign, combining more interior room, better fuel economy, stronger technology, and a wider range of capabilities into one of its most important models. The radical styling will probably generate the most conversation at first, but the larger cabin, 233-horsepower hybrid, available 42-mpg efficiency, and practical interior upgrades could ultimately be what make the new Tucson such a strong contender.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
