Hyundai is not going to bring the new generation of Tucson next season. The carmaker updated its best-selling crossover last year. Further upgrades will include the N model and possibly hybrid engine. It is likely to see at least one of these packages next season. The company is testing the performance-oriented 2021 Hyundai Tucson N in Germany, so we could see this one as the key upgrade for the upcoming season.
In the compact segment, it is hard to survive without multiple engine options. With the N package, the crossover will have something else to offer to possible buyers. But, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid would draw more attention with improved fuel economy. The class-leading vehicles are already there and their systems will return more than 40 mpg. So, everything is heading in this direction. It is a matter of day when will the Korean manufacturer make the hybrid part of the Tucson lineup.
Cosmetic changes are not expected. Minor tuning will be recognizable only to the hard-core fans. Designers could reshuffle options in trim levels to update the offer. A few new colors are possible.
Specs
Under the hood of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson will lay a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base crossover can develop 165 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Compared to other vehicles in the segment, these numbers are under average values. Still, that is the entry-level option that is very popular in Europe. Also, it will be a fuel-saver with 25 mpg combined when the front-wheel drive is used. A six-speed automatic transmission can also send power to all wheels.
Optionally, the crossover will use a larger 2.4-liter unit with 180 horsepower. This is the engine we used to see in the compact SUV class. The gas mileage is not going to suffer too much. The powerplant returns 22/28 mpg with FWD and 21/26 mpg if the AWD is on. In this case you also get the lock feature for 50/50 split for front/rear axle and a better grip.
Euro-Spec Tucson
There are more engines in the 2021 Hyundai Tucson lineup. However, a 1.6-l gasoline model is not available in the US. Depending on the tuning, it can crunch 130-180 hp and 120-195 lb-ft of torque. Higher values come with the turbocharged setup.
A couple of diesel units are also available. After the update in 2019, Tucson is using a 1.6-liter and 2.0-l oil burners. The first one is capable to produce 115-135 hp and 205-235 lb-ft, while the bigger one is more powerful with 180 hp and 295 pound-feet of twist. A six-speed manual transmission is standard for both engines. A 7-pace gearbox is available for a 1.6 CRDi model, while the 2.0 engine also uses an eight-step case.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Actually, the crossover is already available with the mild-hybrid configuration. However, engineers used a new 2.0 diesel plant as the base. This one is not coming to the US for sure. To be competitive with the Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid will need to offer the setup based on the petrol unit. A 2.4-liter drivetrain seems to be a good start, but the call is on the Korean company.
Our sources are not confirming any details on these rumors. Hyundai is already present in the electric segment thanks to the subcompact Kona crossover. It is one of the best-known EVs in North America. Now, its bigger sibling is about to get a hybrid configuration. We wouldn’t go too far to say Tucson EV is coming next season.
2021 Hyundai Tucson N
More certain than hybrid is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson N. The vehicle has been spied in Germany. The carmaker is testing the crossover at one of the best-known circuits, Nurburgring. The sources are pretty sure the prototype hides a 2.0-liter turbo engine under the camouflage. This unit is already available for some other Hyundai cars, including Veloster coupe. For the crossover, engineers will probably revisit the configuration and push outputs to 275 hp. The engine should be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Besides the powerplant upgrades, the 2021 Tucson interior is suffering changes to bring a sportier look. New buckets, steering wheel, and advanced options will make this trim the most expensive in the lineup. But, to provide the best driving impression, the carmaker could get the vehicle closer to the ground. Of course, many other exterior upgrades will draw the attention and make Tucson N attractive. Special wheels, bumpers, grille, and paintjobs are expected.
When Will 2021 Hyundai Tucson be Available?
The release date of the 2021 Tucson is not set yet. However, the prototypes have been spotted a few times. We know the company is working hard on the N model and it should be out until the end of this year. In the first half of 2021, we could see the hybrid model as well.
Tucson is a very nice suv except for their comparatively poor gas mileage. It would seem they would have brought out a hybrid long ago. or at least brought their gas engines up to Rav 4 levels.