Hyundai Motor Company is launching a global offensive in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) market with its All-New TUCSON, featuring a bold design and best-in-class features.
On Thursday, Hyundai unveiled the All-New TUCSON at a world premiere event in New York City, presenting the new model to global media and influencers.
The TUCSON has established itself as a global bestseller in the compact SUV segment. During the event, Hyundai showcased the TUCSON’s design and features while also outlining its brand vision and future direction.
The venue was set up as a runway against the iconic New York skyline, visually embodying the TUCSON’s theme of Boldness.
Attendees arrived at the venue by ferry and were guided through the vehicle unveiling and exhibition displays.
In his keynote address, José Muñoz, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the TUCSON’s crucial role in the company’s global growth strategy.
Muñoz declared that this TUCSON is the finest yet. It combines bold design, a spacious interior, cutting-edge infotainment, and efficient hybrid technology to set a new benchmark in this competitive segment.
He also outlined the company’s ambitious product pipeline, stating that starting with the TUCSON, it plans to introduce over 100 new and refreshed models globally by 2030, with 58 new models slated for North America alone.
New TUCSON Boasts Larger Body and Incorporates Next-Generation Hybrid Technology and AI
Hyundai’s design philosophy, Art of Steel, is evident in the TUCSON, offering a modern reinterpretation of steel’s robustness.
The vehicle has grown to 185.2 inches (4,700 mm) in length and 75 inches (1,905 mm) in width, allowing Hyundai to claim best-in-class interior space.
It features H-edge lighting that accentuates horizontal proportions and innovative Prism Rear Lamps with a three dimensional (3D) floating sculpture design.
The powertrain focuses on balancing performance and efficiency, driven by the next-generation hybrid system based on Intel Corporationligent Efficiency.
A unique Stay Mode allows users to operate climate control and infotainment systems without starting the engine, similar to an electric vehicle (EV).
The TUCSON debuts Hyundai’s first Android Automotive OS (AAOS)-based infotainment system, Pleos Connect, in an SUV.
An artificial intelligence (AI) assistant named Gleo AI, powered by a large language model (LLM), offers conversational vehicle control and information retrieval. Users can also access various third-party services through the Pleos app market.
Hyundai describes this suite of technologies as Everyday Progress, highlighting its commitment to enhancing daily life through innovation.
Powertrain and trim configurations will vary by market. In North America, Hyundai plans to offer gasoline and hybrid models, along with an off-road-focused XRT PRO variant.
For the Korean market, the TUCSON will launch with two powertrains: a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid. The hybrid model, featuring Hyundai’s next-generation hybrid system, delivers a maximum output of 245 horsepower and achieves a combined fuel efficiency of 17.4 km/L (about 41 mpg).
A Europe-specific model will debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, as Hyundai tailors the TUCSON lineup to regional preferences to boost global sales.
Previously, Hyundai hosted an All-New TUCSON Media Day on September 18 at the CJ ENM Studio Center in Paju, South Korea, previewing the TUCSON for domestic customers. Pricing details and sales are expected to commence this month.
A Hyundai spokesperson stated that this world premiere demonstrated the TUCSON’s ability to reinforce Hyundai’s brand competitiveness on the global stage. It aims to expand TUCSON’s global sales through strategies tailored to regional markets.
In related news, Hyundai reported second-quarter consolidated revenue of 49.2153 trillion KRW (approximately 36.5 billion USD), with an operating profit of 2.8509 trillion KRW (approximately 2.1 billion USD). This represents a 1.9% year-over-year increase, marking the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history.
Global sales for the second quarter totaled 991,885 units, with 157,647 units sold domestically and 834,238 units overseas. Notably, U.S. sales reached 264,587 units, a 0.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
