Next-Gen Hyundai Tucson Gets A Massive Screen But Keeps Real Buttons

Finally, a Glimpse of the Cabin

Hyundai has been working on the next Tucson since last year, with camouflaged test mules popping up overseas for a while now. We’ve seen hints of the new exterior, but the cabin has remained a mystery – until these latest images surfaced.

The new spy shots, courtesy of Korean Car Blog, finally pull back the curtain on the Tucson’s interior. The centerpiece is a massive screen that dominates the dashboard. There’s also a new steering wheel, redesigned seats, and updated door panels – clear signs that Hyundai is aiming for a more modern, minimalist vibe inside.

Thankfully, even with all the new tech, Hyundai hasn’t ditched the basics – physical buttons and knobs are still there.

A Boxier Tucson Seems to Be on the Way

As expected, the next Tucson’s exterior will evolve. The latest spy shots hint at a boxier, more upright look inspired by the bigger Santa Fe. Think flatter panels, squared-off wheel arches, and a tougher front end. Some renders even show a full-width LED light bar and flush door handles, while the rear could swap the current taillight design for something more vertical, in line with Hyundai’s latest styling direction.

Under the hood, expect the usual mix of turbocharged gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options to stick around.

Competition in the compact SUV space is as fierce as ever. The Toyota RAV4 still sets the pace in a lot of markets, but the Tucson has become a cornerstone for Hyundai’s global lineup.

Pleos Connect Could Be the Real Story Here

That oversized screen isn’t just Hyundai employing a bold design statement – it’s likely our first look at Hyundai’s upcoming Pleos Connect software platform in the popular SUV.

Pleos Connect is Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system, built for cars that can get updates over the air. It runs on an Android-based platform with a smartphone-like interface, split-screen options, customizable layouts, and its own app store.

Hyundai is also rolling out an AI assistant called Gleo, which is supposed to handle natural-language voice commands rather than just set phrases. Expect a 17-inch center touchscreen paired with a 9.9-inch digital cluster. But as mentioned, Hyundai says you’ll still get real buttons for climate and media controls.

The next Tucson is set for a global debut in late 2026 as a 2027 model. If these leaks hold up, Hyundai’s best-seller is about to get a serious tech upgrade – without losing sight of what makes it easy to live with.

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