New Hyundai Tucson: automatic gearboxes only, diesel could disappear

Hyundai has officially confirmed that the next-generation Tucson will launch in South Korea before the end of 2026. The exact debut date, pricing and powertrain lineup remain unannounced, leaving buyers to choose between the familiar current crossover and waiting for the 2027 model.

The European lineup could switch entirely to automatic transmissions and drop diesel engines altogether. The range is expected to be built around hybrids with roughly 150 and 180 hp, plus a plug-in version.

The future Tucson PHEV is expected to offer an electric-only range of over 100 km. The current European crossover can travel up to 71 km on electric power alone under WLTP. If early figures hold up, that would be a jump of more than 40%, meaningfully cutting fuel use on daily city trips.

Inside, a new Pleos Connect infotainment system is expected. Hyundai has already unveiled this architecture, featuring a wide central display, a separate driver display and physical buttons for frequently used functions. The automaker has yet to reveal the final configuration for the Tucson.

32CARS.RU previously reported on the risk of a production halt at Hyundai's Korean plants affecting the Tucson and other key models.

Hyundai's presence at the Paris Motor Show, running October 12-18, is confirmed, and according to French media, the fifth-generation Tucson is already set to appear on Hyundai's stand — alongside the new Bayon, one of two European premieres for the brand at the show. Until an official presentation, the only solid reference point remains the timing of the generation switch: late 2026.