5 Minutes
Next-Generation Tucson (NX5): Bold, Boxy and Technology-Forward
Internally dubbed NX5, Hyundai’s next-generation Tucson takes a distinctly more angular direction, trading some of the curvy DNA of its predecessors for a squarer, more purposeful silhouette. Early prototypes sighted during hot-weather testing in Europe reveal a design clearly inspired by the larger Santa Fe: an upright nose and tail, sharper body creases and revised mirror caps that emphasize an overall boxier aesthetic.
Design and Exterior Details
The heavily camouflaged test mules show a Tucson that aims for a commanding road presence. The upright front fascia and pronounced rear end give the compact SUV a more muscular, expedition-ready stance compared with the softer lines of the outgoing model. Side mirrors appear more angular, complementing the geometric theme. Underlining the production intent of these prototypes is the use of Nexen rubber — a sensible choice given Hyundai’s South Korean roots; Nexen Tire Corporation, formerly Woosung and Heung-A Tire, sits alongside peers Kumho and Hankook in the domestic tire landscape.
Dimensions and Wheelbase Options
Hyundai reportedly plans two wheelbase lengths to suit different markets: a longer 2,800 mm (110.2 in) variant and a slightly shorter 2,750 mm (108.3 in) version, the latter expected for Europe. Offering two wheelbase choices can improve interior packaging flexibility—longer rear legroom for markets that prioritize passenger comfort and a slightly shorter footprint for denser urban environments.
Powertrain, Performance and Electrification Strategy
Rumors suggest Hyundai will pivot the Tucson’s powertrain lineup toward electrification. Instead of continuing with combustion-only variants across the board, the upcoming model is likely to emphasize hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. The longest-range Tucson PHEV is targeting roughly 100 km (62 miles) of electric-only range under the WLTP cycle — a meaningful improvement over the current generation’s approximate 70 km (44 miles) WLTP figure for some European specifications.
This shift is consistent with tightening EU emissions rules, including the upcoming Euro 7 regulatory environment, and with rising sales of electrified vehicles in the EU and UK that have reduced demand for diesels. Hyundai is expected to tune the hybrids for smooth integration with the chassis, delivering efficient real-world economy and competitive combined-system outputs for typical compact SUV duties.
Driver Assistance and Autonomy
The NX5 is also anticipated to upgrade driver aids to Level 2.5 (also called Level 2+), enhancing highway-driving convenience with conditional hands-free capabilities in specific scenarios. Expect improved adaptive cruise, lane-centering refinements and more sophisticated sensor fusion to support these semi-autonomous features.
Infotainment: Hyundai Pleos OS and Gleo
One of the more significant interior changes is the arrival of Hyundai Pleos OS, a modern operating system with AI-driven features. Pleos reportedly brings a wide 16:9 display with a smartphone-like interface, an integrated app store and conversational AI. The voice assistant, named Gleo, is said to handle advanced infotainment commands, climate control adjustments and even natural-language satellite navigation — positioning the Tucson as a tech-forward compact SUV in its segment.
Market Positioning, Sales Importance and Competitor Comparisons
The Tucson remains Hyundai’s global bestseller and a critical model in the automaker’s line-up. In 2024 Hyundai delivered 4.14 million vehicles worldwide, with 836,802 of those sales in the United States. The Tucson alone contributed 206,126 deliveries—well ahead of the Elantra at 136,698—making this redesign a strategic priority.
With rivals moving aggressively into electrified compact SUVs and plug-in crossovers, Hyundai cannot underestimate the importance of balancing customer demand for traditional combustion options with the business need to electrify. The new Tucson will be measured not only on styling and tech but on how effectively it meets fuel-efficiency expectations, electric range targets, and driver-assist usability versus competitors in the compact SUV market.
Specifications Snapshot (Expected)
- Model code: NX5 (next-generation Tucson)
- Wheelbase options: 2,800 mm and 2,750 mm (market-dependent)
- Primary powertrains: Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV); combustion-only likely reduced or phased out in many markets
- Target PHEV WLTP electric range: ~100 km (62 miles)
- Infotainment: Pleos OS, 16:9 display, Gleo AI assistant, app store
- Driver assistance: Level 2.5 (Level 2+), hands-free features under certain conditions
Conclusion
Slated to arrive for the 2026 model year and expected to launch in the third quarter of 2026, the NX5 Tucson represents a bold stylistic and technological pivot for Hyundai. With boxier looks, stronger electrification emphasis, advanced driver aids and the Pleos OS with Gleo, the Tucson aims to remain competitive in the fast-evolving compact SUV segment. Given its outsized role in Hyundai’s global sales, the stakes are high: the company needs this redesign to hit the mark on design, efficiency, technology and market fit.
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