Hyundai's 4th-generation Tucson is arguably one of the biggest things that are about to happen in the CUV segment. This Korean supermodel effortlessly combines family values with a sci-fi design.
We've always had a pretty good idea of what to expect because Hyundai was kind enough to make a highly detailed and accurate preview study. But the Vision T's features will, of course, be watered down a little for the production model.
Prototypes have been spied throughout the past year, the latest being sighted at the Nurburgring track in Germany, where it lost no less than three wheel nuts. Using photos like those, the Korean website KKS Studio has crafted these latest renderings, which they say are 98% accurate.
In our opinion, the 2021 Tucson is best described as a RAV4 combined with Lamborghini and Honda influences. The Toyota CUV, which is also its biggest rival, has the same softened rectangular shapes defining the wheel arches. On top of this, the Tucson boasts sharp creases that remind many of the Lamborghini Urus. It's safe to say that looking like a $200,000 super-SUV is no bad thing.
The attention-grabbing element at the front is the grille, which integrates many LED triangular lights. Meanwhile, the rear sports tiger claws for taillights, and we know this because the test prototypes had holes where they're supposed to go.
All signs point toward the new Tucson coming out during the second half of the year. We don't know if auto shows like Los Angeles will be allowed, but Hyundai can always opt to have a private event.
The Tucson is already one of the most popular Hyundai models and CUVs, and new engines are going to help this fresh generation along. We believe the base model will be powered by a 2.5-liter with about 190 horsepower, maybe paired up with an N-Line sports model packing between 250 and 300 hp. This is pure speculation at this point, as testing hasn't begun yet.
Over in Europe, they might see a few new engines as well. Hyundai has just introduced a new 1.5-liter T-GDI turbo with about 160 horsepower that seems to blend frugality with torque. Also, there's likely to be a hybrid model that uses the 1.6-liter and at least one unit powered by diesel.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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