All-New 2016 Hyundai Tucson Spied with Less Camouflage in America

The third generation Tucson will make its official debut next year as a 2016 MY vehicle. An all-new design language is clearly peaking from under the camouflage of the spied prototype, made even more obvious by the older mode that's accompanying the convoy. A new type of grille design is being showcased, similar to the one on the new Sonata and Genesis sedans. Tapered headlights with lots of LED accents flank this new grille and give the compact SUV a wider look.

As we've come to expect from Hyundai, the design of the vehicle is far more aggressive than any used by a German automaker. Around the back, we were lucky enough to see the Tucson with its rear cargo area uncovered. The taillights are large and have a 3D effect, bulging out of the bodywork for a more futuristic design.

For the American market, the new SUV will probably get carryover engines. They will include the 2.0-liter GDI DOHC and the larger 2.4-liter inline-four with somewhere just over 180 hp. There's talk that Hyundai could also see a performance version launched with a turbo engine producing over 200 hp, most likely the 2-liter with 245 hp borrowed from the top-spec 2015 Sonata.

Could the 2016 Tucson Get a Diesel?

With the last generation A3 hatchback, Audi registered a huge surge in TDI clean diesel sales, spurring a few other automakers to consider diesel engines for America. Mazda's 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D was supposed to be offered on the CX-5 SUV already, but has been delayed due to the lack of power that would affect the model's image. While Hyundai is making the Tucson run using a hydrogen fuel cell, the first diesel version could be coming to America as well. Another alternative would be to offer a hybrid powertrain, like the one on the 2014 Sanata.