Hyundai's daring new RAV4 rival incoming: 2027 Hyundai Tucson officially revealed ahead of battle with Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX-5

Hyundai has pulled the covers off its all-new fifth-generation Tucson medium SUV, positioning it as the Korean maker’s “boldest ever” SUV.

Unveiled with New York’s Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, key highlights include a next-generation hybrid system, a Gleo AI voice assistant, the Hyundai Group’s latest Pleos Connect multimedia platform and new Tucson XRT and XRT Pro variants taking the compact five-seater into off-highway adventure territory.

2027 Hyundai Tucson hybrid only for Australia

Three powertrains will be available globally - internal-combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, with the hybrid only slated for sale here from mid-2027.

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Built around a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-speed auto transmission, specs for the hybrid driveline, to be offered in front and all-wheel drive, include healthy overall outputs of 174kW/380Nm, a 1.49kWh battery and fuel use between 5.6L/100km and 6.2L/100km (depending on wheel size and drive configuration). Pure electric range is not known at this stage.

The new hybrid powertrain was developed with key goals of 5.6L/100km fuel economy and 0-100km/h acceleration in under nine seconds and its complimentary ‘E-Traction’ system is designed to optimise torque delivery to minimise traction loss in cornering.

2027 Hyundai Tucson

2027 Hyundai Tucson bigger all around

The new Tucson has crept up in size, being longer (+60mm), wider (+40mm) and taller (+20mm) than the out-going fourth-gen version. Door opening angles have also been widened to a family-friendly 83 degrees (up from 73 degrees).

Although a short wheelbase version will be available in European markets, Australia will only see the long wheelbase model (from Korean production), which measures 2785mm (+30mm) between the axles.

In evolving the Tucson’s interior, Hyundai said a minimalist approach has prioritised a premium, low-stress environment with a focus on ergonomically positioned displays and intuitive controls.

A pair of 9.9-inch instrument and vehicle information displays sit above the steering wheel in similar fashion to Peugeot’s iCockpit arrangement to “keep the driver’s visual field uncluttered”.

2027 Hyundai Tucson buttons for frequently used features

Screen size varies by model, but below the 12.9- or 17-inch central multimedia display a row of ‘tactile buttons’ has been included for frequently used features like ventilation and audio.

Following the practice of other recent Hyundai models, the shift-by-wire gear selector is mounted on the steering column to liberate extra space in the centre console.

Final specification is yet to be confirmed but Aussie buyers can expect to see:

Over-the-air (OTA) updates for multimedia and other systems
LED exterior lighting
20-inch alloy rims
Dual wireless charging pads
Multi-zone climate control
Stay Mode (engine-off air con, heating, audio, charging)

2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT

While the XRT Pro remains exclusive to North America for the time being, Australia will see the Tucson XRT which features a unique, wider nose treatment, extended black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body, skid-plates and a specific, off-highway focused wheel and tyre package.

Hyundai has also confirmed a "sports-inspired” variant of all-new Tucson will debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show on October 12.

Launching the 2027 Tucson, Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz said, “Millions of families around the world count on the Hyundai Tucson, and this is the best one we have ever built.”

“Its combination of bold design, generous cabin space, seamless infotainment, and available hybrid efficiency sets a new standard for what customers should expect in this segment.

Tucson opens the most ambitious product offensive in our history, including more than 100 new and refreshed vehicles globally by 2030,” he said.