New 2027 Hyundai Tucson revealed

The all-new fifth-generation Hyundai Tucson mid-size SUV has officially been revealed in South Korea ahead of a full global launch in October and an expected Australian arrival in 2027 – potentially with an all-hybrid engine line-up.

One of Hyundai Australia’s biggest-selling models, the new NX5-generation Tucson introduces a larger and boxier-looking body, completely redesigned interior and a tougher new XRT variant.

Hyundai Australia is yet to confirm local launch timing, powertrains or model grades, but the new generation of one of the segment-leading Toyota RAV4’s most serious rivals is expected to make its way Down Under during 2027.

And there is a strong chance the new generation could spell the end of conventional petrol power for the Tucson in Australia.

The current Australian Tucson range already leans heavily towards hybrid power, with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine now restricted to the entry Tucson and Elite grades.

The 2.0-litre produces 115kW/192Nm and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic, while the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid develops a combined 172kW/367Nm and is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.

More significantly under Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), the 2.0-litre petrol has an official CO2 figure of 184g/km, compared with 110g/km for the front-drive hybrid and 121g/km for the AWD hybrid.

That makes an all-hybrid Australian NX5 range a logical possibility when the new Tucson is expected to arrive in 2027, although Hyundai has yet to confirm its local powertrain plans.

Whether the existing hybrid system carries over or the NX5 adopts Hyundai’s newer-generation hybrid technology introduced here in the new Palisade is also yet to be confirmed.

And whether plug-in hybrid is added to the line-up as per the latest RAV4, is another unanswered question.

The current Tucson is priced from $40,100 to $59,850 plus on-road costs and is consistently among Hyundai’s most popular vehicles in Australia. So far in 2026 it ranks second within the brand behind only the smaller Kona SUV.

Revealed six years after the current NX4-generation Tucson made its global debut in 2020 and five years after it arrived in Australia, the new mid-size SUV measures 4700mm long, 1905mm wide and 1685mm high, riding on a 2785mm wheelbase.

That makes it 60mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has stretched by 30mm.

The new model adopts Hyundai’s latest ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy, with vertical H-edge daytime running lights combined with a slim horizontal centre lamp that uses indirect lighting to conceal the light source.

The more upright and rugged-looking design is accompanied by heavily sculpted front and rear guards, strong horizontal character lines and a redesigned rear featuring three-dimensional ‘prism’ taillights.

A horizontal centre tail-light and vertical rear combination lamps mirror the lighting theme at the front, while a prominent bumper and skid plate reinforce the Tucson’s more traditional SUV appearance.
The increase in exterior dimensions has also been used to create more passenger space.

Hyundai claims best-in-class interior room and says second-row headroom increasing 29mm to 1031mm.

The rear doors now open to 83 degrees, up from 73 degrees, to make getting in and out easier.
Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned around a floating structure created by a horizontal line connecting the air vents.

A large central infotainment display dominates the centre of the dash, while a separate slim driver display sits behind a new double-D-cut steering wheel.

Hyundai says the layout has been designed to improve visibility and reduce driver distraction.
Storage and convenience additions include a hidden palm-rest tray, card holder beside the driver’s air vent, luggage ‘AddGear’ system and dual wireless charging that allows two smartphones to be charged simultaneously.

Eight exterior colours will be available in South Korea, five of them new: Serenity White Pearl, Driftwood Grey Matte, Driftwood Grey Metallic, Red Rock Orange Matte and Goyo Copper Pearl.
Four interior colour combinations will also be offered.

Hyundai has also revealed a tougher-looking XRT version, and there is now a stronger case than ever for it to make its way to Australia.

The XRT option pack was introduced locally with the current Santa Fe, while Hyundai Australia is also preparing to launch the more serious Palisade XRT Pro with dedicated off-road hardware.

The Tucson XRT stops short of the XRT Pro treatment but gains a wide rectangular grille and larger skid plate, along with black wheelarch extensions featuring a forged-carbon-inspired pattern.

There are also unique wheels, black window surrounds, an XRT badge and model-specific rear bumper and skid plate.

Inside, it adds unique patterned seats, dark metallic trim, protective floor mats and touch-sensitive LED lighting in the tailgate.

Hyundai Australia has not confirmed the Tucson XRT for local sale, but the company’s expanding use of the badge here makes it an obvious candidate.

The current Tucson arrived locally in 2021 before receiving a major update in 2024 that brought revised styling, a comprehensively redesigned interior and a much broader focus on hybrid power.

Its replacement is larger and adopts a more rugged design direction, while Hyundai’s expansion of XRT in Australia improves the prospects of the tougher Tucson also joining the local range.

Much remains to be explained, but more details of the fifth-generation Tucson are expected at the global Tucson launch in October.

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