Next Hyundai Tucson revealed with bold new design

Ryan Bubear

19 Aug 2026

Next Hyundai Tucson revealed with bold new design

The next Hyundai Tucson has been revealed in South Korea, sporting larger dimensions, a bold new exterior design and an overhauled interior…

  • New Hyundai Tucson unveiled in South Korea
  • Longer and wider than NX4-series crossover
  • Hyundai claims “best-in-class” interior space

The next Hyundai Tucson has officially broken cover in South Korea. Meet the 5th-generation crossover, which sports not only a bold new exterior design but also larger dimensions and a thoroughly overhauled cabin.

The new Tucson‘s exterior design is dominated by sharp character lines, futuristic lighting elements and large alloy wheels. Hyundai has also confirmed a fresh XRT grade with derivative-specific, off-road-inspired styling (though official images of this version are still few and far between).

This new-gen Tucson debuts some 6 years after the current NX4-series model hit the global stage (a model that touched down in South Africa only in March 2022). Compared to that version, the next Hyundai Tucson is considerably larger.

Measuring 4 700 mm from front to back, the newcomer is some 60 mm longer than its predecessor (and 40 mm wider at 1 905 mm), while its wheelbase has grown by 30 mm to 2 785 mm. According to Hyundai, the result is “best-in-class interior space”.

Indeed, the Seoul-based firm claims 2nd-row headroom has improved by 29 mm to 1 031 mm. Furthermore, the rear doors now have an opening angle of 83 degrees (up from 73 degrees), which Hyundai says “improves ease of entry and exit”.

Up front, you’ll notice a large display positioned in the centre of the dashboard, along with a slim digital instrument cluster directly behind (and slightly above) the steering wheel. There’s also a dual wireless charging system that allows 2 smartphones to be charged simultaneously.

Hyundai has yet to reveal any information regarding the 5th-generation Tucson’s powertrain options. It’s also not yet clear when this model is scheduled to arrive in South Africa, though the local market could be in for a bit of a wait considering the 4th-generation version launched just over 4 years ago.

The current Tucson range in Mzansi comprises a trio of derivatives (offered with either a naturally aspirated petrol engine or a turbodiesel mill) with pricing bookends of R559 900 and R859 900. Based on our records, local Tucson sales fell from 1 976 units in 2023 to 775 units in 2024. Hyundai Automotive SA registered 793 units in 2025, with a further 835 units sold over the opening 7 months of 2026.

Find a used Hyundai Tucson on Cars.co.za!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do the dimensions of the 5th-generation Hyundai Tucson compare to its predecessor?

A: The 5th-gen Tucson grows significantly larger, measuring 4 700 mm in length (+60 mm) and 1 905 mm in width (+40 mm), with a 2 785 mm wheelbase (+30 mm). This expanded footprint increases rear headroom by 29 mm (to 1 031 mm).

Q: What new interior features and exterior styling highlights define the 5th-gen Hyundai Tucson?

A: Up front, the overhauled cabin debuts a large central dashboard display paired with a slim digital instrument cluster, a dual wireless smartphone charging pad and an expanded 2nd-row spatial layout. Visually, it features sharp character lines, futuristic lighting signatures, large alloy wheels and a rugged, off-road-inspired XRT trim level.

Q: Is the 5th-generation Hyundai Tucson confirmed for South Africa and how is the current model priced?

A: Hyundai Automotive SA has not yet confirmed an official local launch date for the 5th-gen model. The current 4th-gen (NX4) Tucson range remains available locally across three derivatives (offered with naturally aspirated petrol or turbodiesel engines) priced between R559 900 and R859 900.

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Ryan Bubear

Ryan Bubear

Having written about everything from sport to politics and crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years (or has it owned him?).

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