Hyundai has unveiled the all-new 2027 Hyundai Tucson, which not only gets a bolder look on the outside, but also more room within. The changes extend to the hybrid powertrain and infotainment systems as well. And for those with an inclination toward the trail, there is the new Tucson XRT Pro.
It is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, all part of Hyundai’s latest “Art of Steel” design language.
This is not your average facelift; the new Tucson is a fairly dramatic step away from the outgoing model’s angular, creased styling.
In favor of more traditional SUV proportions, Hyundai has given the Tucson sharper body lines, cleaner doors and some very pronounced fenders. The numbers back up the visual change: the version for North America comes in at 185 inches long, 75 wide and 66.3 tall, with a wheelbase that is about 1.2 inches up from before.
Up front you will find the new H-Edge lighting signature, which makes use of indirect lighting to give the SUV a broader appearance. Out back, the so-called Prism Rear Lamps provide a more unique look after dark. As for paint, options like Ranger Green Pearl or Red Rock Orange Pearl are on the table.
The interior sees even more extensive work.
Hyundai has eschewed the screen-laden dashboards common in the industry these days, keeping physical controls where they should be. The two-tier dashboard has a good-sized open storage area and buttons for the climate and audio functions that are used most often.
There is also more space in the center console now that the gear selector has been relocated to the steering column. You can tuck smaller things into hidden storage or put a device on one of the dual 15-watt wireless chargers.
All that extra size on the exterior means more room for passengers and their stuff. There are 41.7 cubic feet for cargo and 41.9 inches of legroom in the rear. The back doors open to 83 degrees, ten more than they did previously, to make loading up a bit easier.
Both gas and hybrid variants will be available. The base 1.6-liter turbo four makes 184 hp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic, while preliminary specs put the hybrid version are at 233 horsepower.
It is the efficiency that stands out with the hybrid. With 17-inch wheels on a front-wheel-drive setup, Hyundai is going for a combined 42 mpg. Put the same wheels on an all-wheel-drive and the target is 40 mpg, with other trims expected to be in the 38 to 40 range.
To aid in cornering stability and curb wheel slip, the hybrid features an E-Traction system to modulate electric-motor torque. Then there is HEV Stay Mode, a handy way to run the climate control or charge a phone without firing up the gas engine, giving something of an EV feel when you are just sitting in the car.
Sadly the plug-in hybrid version will not be sold in the U.S.
The reworked Tucson is also the vehicle for Hyundai to introduce Pleos Connect, its newest infotainment system. Running on Android Automotive OS, it can be set up with a central touchscreen of either 17 or 12.9 inches, plus a 9.9-inch display for the driver. One does not need to mirror a smartphone to get at native third-party apps, and the setup allows for over-the-air updates and three-finger gestures.
Hyundai has also added an AI assistant, Gleo AI. In theory, a driver might ask the system to locate a hiking trail with nearby parking instead of working through menus. We will reserve judgment on if that is of any real use or just another AI gimmick that gets overlooked.
There is a practical upgrade for the 2027 model as well. According to Hyundai, the all-wheel-drive Tucson Hybrid is now good for 3,000 pounds of towing, a thousand more than before.
To aid in that and other off-pavement excursions, there are a number of driver-assistance systems on hand, you will find a Ground View Monitor for a virtual look at what is under the front of the car and a Trailer Reverse Assist to take some of the work out of steering when backing up with a trailer.
If you want to stray from the usual Tucson mold, the new XRT Pro is where to look.
Earlier XRTs were mostly about the rugged appearance; the Pro has the hardware to match. It is fitted with all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and all-wheel drive, and sits 1.2 inches higher than the regular Tucson for 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Approach and departure angles have been tweaked and there is extra protection for the lower body.
Then there is the Smart Terrain Assist. This system will monitor wheel slip and traction and give you a color-coded “stuck score” as the going gets rough. With Target Speed Control handling the acceleration and braking at anything between 1 and 16 mph, the driver can focus on the steering.
The Korean market will see the new Tucson first later in the year, with North America and Europe to follow in 2027. We don’t have a firm date or pricing for the U.S. from Hyundai at this point.
A sportier variant is in the works too, which will debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, 2026.
