The all-new 2021 Hyundai Tucson has just
been unveiled and as recent teaser images suggested, it shares virtually
nothing in common with the outgoing model. Now in its fourth-generation, the
Hyundai Tucson is the latest recipient of the automaker’s ever-evolving
Sensuous Sportiness design language. With that in mind, the Tucson features a
brand new front grille with Parametric Hidden Lights that means when the SUV is
switched off, the front of the Hyundai appears to be covered exclusively in
dark geometric patterns with no obvious LED daytime running lights.
This edgy design continues down the sides
of the SUV where there are sharp, chiseled surfaces and angular wheel arches.
Completing the design overhaul is a radical new rear-end that includes split
taillights, hidden rear wipers that sit under the spoiler, a smooth glass
Hyundai badge, and an aggressive diffuser and bumper package. In the United
States, petrol-powered Tucsons will be sold in seven exterior colors: White
Cream, Phantom Black, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Gray, Amazon Gray, Flame Red,
and Intense Blue.
The SUV’s radical design overhaul
continues in the cabin where there is a vertically oriented center fascia that
descends to the console like a waterfall, according to the car manufacturer.
Also found in the cabin is a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
as well as a digital gauge cluster. Hyundai has also removed traditional knobs
and buttons for the air conditioning and heat systems.
Elsewhere, Hyundai has designed an ambient
mood lighting system that is positioned in the two side pockets of the center
fascia, around the wireless charging pad, and through the door map pocket. This
system offers 64 configurable colors and 10 levels of brightness. The new
Tucson also has second-row seats that can fold flat and provides 1,095 liters of space.
While flagship models use a 10.25-inch
touchscreen, more basic models use an 8-inch system but even still, they
provide wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as the
option to connect two Bluetooth devices at once. The new Tucson also comes with
an app that uses NFC to unlock and lock the SUV while also allowing owners to
start the engine and its climate control system from up to 90 feet away.
In the United States, the new Hyundai
Tucson will be available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that
produces 187 hp and 247 Nm of torque while mated to an eight-speed
automatic transmission. Also on offer is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms with up to 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Hyundai has confirmed that sales of the new Tucson will
start in Korea in September as a 2021 model. It will then land in the U.S. and
other global markets as a 2022 model starting from the first half of 2021.