New Hyundai Tucson NX5 due in 2026: early details

Since it first went on sale in Europe, the Hyundai Tucson has shifted more than 1.4 million units. In 2024 alone, over 155,000 were sold, making it Hyundai’s best-selling model in Europe.

That popularity is likely down to a blend of factors: it’s the right size for most families without feeling as oversized as the Santa Fe, it comes with a strong level of standard equipment, it’s priced competitively, and there’s an engine line-up to suit (almost) everyone. In other words, it’s a "recipe" for success.

In its current generation, the South Korean SUV has already received a refresh, which means the next Tucson Hyundai unveils will be an all-new model. That is exactly the car we’ve already had the chance to catch during dynamic testing.

More rugged lines

Even if the camouflage hides the finer details, one thing looks clear: the new Hyundai Tucson will move away from softer, more rounded shapes. Everything points to a next-generation body with sharper, squarer surfaces, giving it an (even) tougher, more rugged stance.

The most obvious changes are at the front. Much like the larger Santa Fe, the upcoming Hyundai Tucson appears to adopt a more upright nose and a flatter bonnet than today’s model. Even so, the split headlight arrangement seems to remain, with a clear separation between the main lamps and the lighting signature.

From the side, the standout features are the pronounced wheelarches and a higher beltline that runs the full length of the SUV. At the rear, despite the heavy camouflage and exaggerated shapes, the overall SUV format appears to carry over without major changes.

Inside, according to Korean Car Blog, the next Tucson will debut the new Pleos OS operating system, which is said to set new benchmarks for the digital experience. The cabin is expected to feature a 16:9 panoramic display and a user interface designed to feel as intuitive as a smartphone.

Another key addition will be a level 2.5 autonomous driving system. Alongside this, there will be the AI (artificial intelligence) assistant “Gleo”, offering a conversational interface similar to ChatGPT.

End of Diesel

On the mechanical side, the future Hyundai Tucson is set to drop Diesel engines entirely. Instead, the South Korean SUV will focus exclusively on mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems.

The plug-in hybrid, in particular, is expected to deliver- for the first time- an electric-only range of more than 100 km (WLTP). Technical specifications have not yet been confirmed, but based on what is known so far, a higher-capacity battery is likely to be part of the package. As for the combustion engine, it should be an evolution of the 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit used in the current Hyundai Tucson.

When will it arrive?

Codenamed NX5, the launch of the next-generation Hyundai Tucson is planned for the third quarter of 2026, with market arrival the following year.

As for pricing, assuming the range is made up solely of electrified powertrains, it’s reasonable to expect figures to sit slightly above the €36,000 currently being asked for the generation on sale today.