Hyundai is readying the fourth generation
Tucson, with our spy photographers capturing several prototypes testing on the
roads of Germany. Despite the thick wraps that cover most of the exterior, we
can still spot some of the novelties, such as the big grille with its sharp and
angular details, as well as the slender headlights and new DRLs positioned
beneath them.
At this point it’s fairly obvious that the
new Tucson will adopt a more mature version of the Kona’s front end and that is
OK in our book. Compared to its predecessor, the new Tucson has more pronounced
lines on the sides and the roofline appears to be more arched behind the B
pillars. Don’t worry about the huge hump, as it’s there to hide the new design
of the tailgate, bumper, and taillights.
Expected before the end of the year, the
2021 Tucson is understood to benefit the 2.5-liter Theta3 engine in North
America. The four-cylinder unit should be offered in naturally aspirated and
turbocharged forms and will be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic
transmission. The 2.0-liter GDI from the Sonata Hybrid, where it puts out a
combined 192 HP, could be part of the offering in a new hybrid model.
European customers on the other hand could
get the 1.6-liter T-GDI and 1.6-liter GDI power units, and perhaps a diesel. As
usual, base models will have to make do with front-wheel drive, while going for
an upper spec will unlock the all-wheel-drive option.
