There has been a lot of talk lately about how the
upcoming 2021 Hyundai Tucson will be a radical departure from the current model
from a styling standpoint. The spy shots we’ve seen so far did not reveal too much of the
compact SUV’s design but the last batch did show an unusual front end styling,
dominated by a huge grille flanked by split headlights.
It seems that the
2021 Hyundai Tucson is embarking on the next stage of development as prototypes
have been spotted recently with considerably less camouflage. Seen here at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the 2021 Tucson drops most of its padded
camo, giving us a clearer look at its silhouette.
We have to admit it does look sportier than the
current model thanks to the more inclined roofline and coupe-like window line –
though that third lateral window seems to be hiding its final shape. Clearly,
the taillights are not the real deal and are only provisional, while at the
front Hyundai does not reveal much more than before.
The front end appears to look like a mix between the
new Santa Fe and the Nexo, with hints of Venue as well. Still, we’re not sure
the new Tucson will “freak out” people like Hyundai Design Center’s vice
president Sangyup Lee said earlier this month.
The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is expected to
bring a whole range of all-new features, including powertrains, safety tech,
and connectivity. In North America, the engine lineup will likely include the
all-new Theta3 2.5-liter engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged
forms, complete with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Europe will get an updated version of the 1.6-liter
GDI four-cylinder unit, as well as the 1.6-liter T-GDI turbo-four and possibly
a diesel engine. Another possibility is the new 2.0 GDi HEV hybrid powertrain
which recently debuted on the new Sonata. The new Tucson will offer both
front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive setups when it launches in 2020 as a 2021
model.
