Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the fifth-generation model of its globally best-selling compact SUV, the Tucson, at a world premiere event in New York.
On October 1, local time, Hyundai hosted the "All-New Tucson World Premiere" event, showcasing the new Tucson to media and influencers from around the world.
Attendees traveled by a dedicated ferry for about 30 minutes across the river from Battery Park City in Manhattan to the event venue, which featured a sign reading "The Boldest Tucson" at the dock.
The new Tucson's North American exclusive model, the XRT Pro, was revealed alongside the standard hybrid model. The fifth-generation Tucson features a design based on Hyundai's design philosophy, "Art of Steel," which modernizes the strength of steel. The front end incorporates vertical H-edge lighting daytime running lights and a slim horizontal center lamp with indirect lighting, creating a wide and robust impression.
While the fourth-generation Tucson emphasized bold design, hybrid powertrains, and advanced driver assistance systems, the fifth generation focuses on enhanced space and next-generation hybrid and infotainment technologies.
It features a next-generation hybrid system based on "Intelligent Efficiency," which balances performance and efficiency. The Tucson also includes a "Stay Mode" that allows users to operate climate control and infotainment without starting the engine while stationary.
For the first time in a Hyundai SUV, the next-generation infotainment system, "Pleos Connect," is based on Android Automotive OS (AAOS). It allows vehicle control through the AI agent "Gleo AI," which is powered by a large language model (LLM), and provides access to various external services via the Pleos app market.
The new Tucson measures 4,700 mm in length and 1,905 mm in width, making it closer to a mid-size SUV. Compared to the fourth generation, it has increased in length by 60 mm, width by 40 mm, and height by 20 mm. The interior features a floating structure with a split upper and lower design, a crash pad, and a large center display to enhance openness.
Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor Company, stated, "With bold design, spacious interiors, smart infotainment, and efficient hybrid technology, we aim to set a new standard in this market." He added, "Starting with the Tucson, we plan to launch over 100 new and facelifted models globally by 2030, with 58 new models set to debut in North America alone."
Considering the Tucson's significant global sales, Hyundai operates models and powertrains tailored to regional market demands. Since the launch of the first-generation model in 2004, the Tucson has sold a cumulative total of 10,616,102 units globally as of August this year, with 91% sold overseas.
In North America, the Tucson will feature gasoline and hybrid powertrains, along with an off-road specialized version, the North American exclusive "XRT PRO" model. An additional Tucson model optimized for the European market will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 12.
Hyundai's strategy is to diversify powertrains and models to target global markets, adapting to the characteristics of key markets such as South Korea, North America, and Europe. Last month, the Tucson was launched in South Korea with two powertrains: a 1.6 turbo gasoline and a 1.6 turbo hybrid. The pricing for the domestic Tucson will be announced this month, with global sales set to begin.
A Hyundai official remarked, "This world premiere demonstrated the Tucson's ability to reaffirm Hyundai's brand competitiveness on the global stage. We will continue to expand Tucson's global sales through strategies tailored to regional market characteristics."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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