Long-awaited performance SUV imagined! 2026 Hyundai Tucson N envisioned in new renders based on spy shots but what do we know about the Tiguan R rival?

Hyundai has made no secret of its desire to expand on its line-up of go-fast N models, and a hotted-up version of its popular Tucson mid-sizer has long been on the cards.

Now imagined by Gotcha Cars and shared by TheKoreanCarBlog, a new Tucson N render, said to be based on the most recent spy images of the car, gives us a clearer look at what to expect.

An updated version of the Tucson is due soon, and is expected to follow its Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, and Nexo siblings into a blockier and retro-inspired design direction.

Recently, Hyundai N Management Group Vice President Joon Park told Auto Express the N division would not just be focusing on EVs despite its most recent product being the Ioniq 5 N. He said “this is not the end of our journey” with combustion powertrains, and there will be a next-generation performance-oriented version of the brand’s hybrid system expressly designed for this purpose.

“We have two different strategies for our hybrid systems: one for efficiency and one for neutral efficiency. If we have a hybrid system in our N cars, the strategy will be different; to have more power intensely,” he told Auto Express.

Next-generation hybrid N models are planned to be “lighter, more agile, nimble and exciting” according to Park, reportedly hinting at a next-generation version of the current 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder set-up with a hybridised transmission producing over 220kW.

Little else is known about the upcoming N models or the performance-oriented hybrid system, but given the tightening vice of emissions regulations in much of the world, expect larger electric motors over even more potent combustion components.

This strategy, to focus on both efficient and performance-oriented hybrid systems is not unique to Hyundai, with Toyota recently investing in new performance-oriented plug-less hybrid powertrains for use in products like the new hybrid 300 Series LandCruiser, while Ford is said to be looking into an electrified V8 for the next version of the Mustang, which we could see as early as late next year.

Even Chinese brands are moving into the performance hybrid space, with GWM in particular announcing an all-new 4.0-litre V8 engine to be used in conjunction with one of its 'Hi4' plug-in hybrid powertrains. The brand's representatives suggested to CarsGuide at the Beijing motor show that this powertrain will be used in the next version of the brand’s range-topping Tank 700 off-roader.

Meanwhile BYD has even invested in an all-new Subaru-style 2.0-litre turbo flat four engine paired with quad electric motors for its YangWang U7 sedan, which it says it needs for packaging reasons. The system has total power outputs in excess of 1000kW according to BYD.

Expect to learn more about Hyundai’s performance hybrids soon, as updated or next-generation versions of some of its key products are due imminently. Next for the brand seems to be the incoming Chinese-built Elexio mid-size SUV, which will serve as Hyundai’s alternative to the Kia EV5. The electric SUV has already been spotted testing on Australian roads.