Hyundai Unveils Fifth-Generation Tucson with Rugged New Design and Larger Dimensions

Hyundai has released the first official images of the fifth-generation Tucson crossover, codenamed NX5. The brand’s bestseller features a dramatic styling overhaul, adopting a rugged silhouette under the Art of Steel design philosophy, a larger body, and a completely redesigned interior.

The full global debut, including engine specifications, will take place in October 2026.

Dimensions, Cabin Space, and Art of Steel Styling

The new Tucson moves away from integrating daytime running lights into the grille, opting instead for clean geometric shapes. A full-width LED light bar with vertical H-shaped elements spans the hood, while the main headlight units are positioned lower on the bumper. Boxy wheel arches and straight side lines give the crossover a look closer to classic body-on-frame SUVs.

According to Car and Driver, the vehicle has grown in all key dimensions:

• Length: 4,700 mm (+60 mm compared to the previous generation);
• Width: 1,905 mm (+40 mm);
• Wheelbase: 2,785 mm (+30 mm);
• Height: approximately 1,685 mm.

The increased dimensions provide an extra 29 mm of headroom for second-row passengers, while the rear doors now open up to 83 degrees (10 degrees wider than before) for easier entry and exit.

Pleos Connect Architecture and Physical Buttons

The interior has been completely reimagined. Instead of a unified dual-screen setup, designers installed a large, standalone central touchscreen running the Pleos Connect infotainment system. A compact digital instrument cluster is positioned high up near the base of the windshield, above a new flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Resisting the trend toward all-touch controls, engineers kept a physical switchgear panel below the screen for climate control and basic functions to ensure safer driving. Features include dual wireless smartphone chargers, a mounting system for Hyundai AddGear modular accessories, and ambient cabin lighting.

Rugged XRT Trim and Release Timeline

As noted by Autoevolution, the rugged Tucson XRT trim also made its debut. It features beefier bumpers with skid plates, dark trim accents, black wheel arch extensions, and durable seat upholstery.

According to British publication Auto Express, Hyundai will reveal powertrain specifications during the South Korean launch in October. Global sales in Europe and the US are scheduled to begin in 2027.