A revamped version of the Korean brand’s mid-size SUV has been caught on camera, sporting a major cosmetic overhaul
Our spy photographers have snapped a facelifted version of the Hyundai Tucson during its road assessment. The updated SUV will receive a major cosmetic redesign, an updated interior and a revised powertrain range, with PHEV technology likely appearing for the first time. We expect the new Tucson will be revealed next year, before going on sale in 2021.
Exterior styling revisions are fairly involved. This Tucson mule features an entirely redesigned front end, which draws inspiration from the hydrogen-electric Hyundai NEXO SUV. Revisions include a new front bumper, a fresh egg-crate grille, new LED headlights, new wings and a reworked bonnet.
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The heavy cladding towards the rear of the vehicle suggests an equally extensive redesign, with a fresh tailgate, slightly tweaked doors and revised tail lights. The outgoing Tucson’s sloping roofline and chrome roof rails will be transferred onto the new model, while fresh alloy wheel designs will feature across the range.
We’re yet to see the inside of the updated Tucson. However, it’s fair to speculate that the revised model will feature the improved infotainment system that’s being rolled out throughout the Hyundai range. A larger 10.25-inch screen is sharper than older, smaller iterations, and can display various important functions on a revised widget-tiled home page. A new digital instrument binnacle will be offered for the first time, lifted from the NEXO.
We expect plug-in hybrid technology will make an appearance on the facelifted Tucson, too. The current model is available with Hyundai’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDi petrol unit, which shares the same engine block and mounting points as the 1.6-litre four-cylinder PHEV unit found in the current IONIQ.
As such, the new Tucson will likely use a re-tuned version of the IONIQ’s 139bhp PHEV powertrain, comprising 44.5kW electric motor an 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Like the IONIQ, it’ll feed its power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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The Tucson’s existing range of conventional and MHEV powertrains will also be transferred onto the new model, with a range of performance and efficiency tweaks.
What do you make of the facelifted Hyundai Tucson? Let us know in the comments section below…
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