Fifth-generation Hyundai Tucson revealed with petrol, hybrid and PHEV powertrains

Hyundai has officially revealed the fifth-generation Tucson, which retains the brand's latest design language while offering a choice of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.

Alongside the standard model, Hyundai has also introduced the Tucson XRT, which gets a more rugged, outdoor-focused look. The XRT is expected to go on sale in South Korea first before the end of this year.

Sharper, more upright design

The new Tucson continues Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" design language, but adopts a more upright and squared-off shape, with sharper body lines and more pronounced surfaces.

Up front, the SUV gets new H-Edge daytime running lights paired with a full-width light bar, giving the front end a more distinctive appearance.

The side profile features more prominent body lines and flared wheel arches, along with newly styled alloy wheels.

At the rear, the full-width tail-light design mirrors the front-end treatment. A wider rear bumper gives the SUV a more substantial look, while the lower spoiler adds a sportier touch.

For buyers looking for a more rugged appearance, the Tucson XRT gets its own exterior package, including:

• Wider front grille
• Thicker front and rear skid plates
• Black wheel-arch cladding
• Black window trim
• XRT-specific alloy wheels and badges

More tech inside

The cabin gets a more tech-focused layout, with a 9.9-inch instrument display and 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard. The infotainment system runs Hyundai's Pleos Connect, which is built on Android Automotive OS.

The top-spec variants get an even larger 17-inch central display. Other equipment includes a wireless smartphone charging pad and dual cup holders.

The XRT gets a darker cabin treatment, with dark metallic trim and XRT-specific seat patterns. It also comes with protective floor mats for both rows and LED lighting around the powered tailgate.

Powertrains

The new Tucson will be offered with three powertrain options.

The petrol range includes a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. Depending on the model, these are paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or eight-speed automatic.

The hybrid version combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery.

The plug-in hybrid comes with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel drive, along with a 17.1 kWh battery. It has a claimed electric-only range of up to 81 km and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The new Tucson certainly looks more substantial than the outgoing model, while the wider choice of electrified powertrains could make it an interesting proposition for the Malaysian market.

There is no confirmation yet on whether or when Hyundai Malaysia will introduce the fifth-generation Tucson. For reference, the current Hyundai Tucson line-up in Malaysia consists of three variants:

• Tucson 1.6T Prime: RM 159,800
• Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD: RM 179,800
• Tucson 1.6T Prestige HEV: RM 189,800

Would you like to see the new Tucson in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.