2026 Hyundai Tucson N in the works

Hyundai N is tipped to pull the drapes off a white hot 2026 Hyundai Tucson N that will pump out circa 224kW from a new hybrid powertrain.

Created to beat the 239kW Toyota RAV4 GR Sport that boasts a plug-in hybrid and GR tuned chassis, the new Hyundai Tucson N is set to be a proper N model, rather than a watered-down replacement for the N Line trim.

According to Britain’s Auto Express, the Tucson N will come with a new electrified powertrain that will be centred around a next generation 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.

Instead of a traditional mechanical all-wheel drive, the Tucson N will employ a rear electric transaxle. Developed by the Korean performance brand, it’ll likely include at least one, maybe two e-motors to provide torque vectoring and boost power to more than 300bhp (224kW).

When asked if N was developing a high-performance hybrid powertrain to be possibly used in the inbound Tucson N, the performance division’s boss Joon Park said: “We’re not limiting ourselves to EVs … we will go further with the ICE-based cars as well.”

It’s not yet known if the new hybrid tech will be plug-in or even feature a pure-electric range for commuting but the rear e-axle is expected to unlock levels of agility alien to combustion-powered fast SUVs and could even provide for a dedicated drift mode.

No timeline has been given for the Hyundai Tucson N but the evidence of mules already testing in Europe suggests a reveal could happen later this year.

Although, it isn’t the first time a racy Tucson has been in the works, so time will tell.

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