- The next Hyundai Tucson was caught in a parking lot in South Korea.
- It appears to be much larger than the current generation model, almost as big as the previous Kia Sorento parked next to it.
- The revised interior features Hyundai’s new Plios infotainment with a larger tablet-like setup.
We don’t have to wait until the new Tucson debuts later this year to see its completely redesigned interior because that’s basically it. Camouflaged on the outside but with an open cabin, the next generation of Hyundai’s popular compact crossover was filmed by? youtuber mediaauto In a parking lot somewhere in South Korea, possibly at the R&D center in Namyang. Before we get to its radically different interior, it’s impossible to ignore the obvious increase in size.
If the previous-generation Sorento parked next to it is any indication, the Tucson appears poised for a growth spurt. At first glance, it looks as big as the above-segment SUVs in Hyundai’s sister brand Kia’s lineup. The longer body should provide a more spacious interior, assuming the wheelbase grows accordingly. For reference, today’s Tucson is about 177 inches (4.5 m) long, while the old Sorento was a little more than 187 inches (4.8 m) long.
It’s not likely to be that big as the camouflage makes it appear larger than it actually is, but its body does appear to be significantly longer than the current Tucson. Elsewhere, it appears to have some strange headlights and taillights hidden beneath the camouflage; Not that we’re surprised, given Hyundai’s fondness for experimenting with quirky lighting designs.
While Hyundai did its due diligence by covering the body, it left the Tucson’s cabin mostly open. The new Plios infotainment system takes center stage and looks absolutely massive, yet thankfully there are still some physical controls underneath it. The tablet-style display appears larger than the optional 14.6-inch screen inside the new Elantra/Avante. In the flagship Grandeur, the display stretches to 17 inches.
The driver still gets a separate digital instrument cluster atop the dashboard, like the Elantra and Grandeur sedans. Although I don’t mind it, it’s surprising to see an old-school, bulky gear lever on the lower center console. This is especially puzzling since the current Tucson originally had buttons between the seats before changing to a small stalk behind the steering wheel. Perhaps this setup is reserved for lower-level trims or certain markets, but either way, it doesn’t look like a provisional layout that only a prototype would use.
Other details we can see include dual wireless charging pads, large cup holders, a 60:40-split rear bench and plenty of buttons on the steering wheel and driver’s door. Ample rear legroom seems to suggest a longer wheelbase, and there’s a good chance cargo capacity has increased significantly as well. All this shows that the problems with vehicles are far from over, especially if it gives automakers room to churn out new models.
Although the curtain will rise in South Korea in the coming months, the new Tucson is not expected to go on sale globally until late 2027. Next year will also see the arrival of a complete redesign of its Kia sibling, the revamped Sportage.
Motor1’s Opinion: Hyundai has a habit of making dramatic changes to its models for each new generation, and the Tucson appears to be no exception. We can already see the all-new interior, while cutouts in the exterior camouflage hint at major changes beyond the immediately noticeable increase in size.
Once again, Hyundai isn’t afraid to take a risk with one of its best-selling models. It’s a strategy that is paying off, with sales remaining strong despite increasing competition from Chinese automakers.
Source:
MediaAuto სარირირირი / YouTube
