Next-generation 2027 Hyundai Tucson.

The popular Hyundai Tucson is due for a new generation very soon as a 2027 model. Today, we have new illustrations that could give us a look at the next design direction for the popular Hyundai USV.

The images above show what we have seen from the many spy shots previously published. A much more angular, even blocky shape, similar to the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Or even many current Kia models. Which is rather strange. It seems Hyundai is working on a heavily revised version of the 2024 Santa Fe for the 2027 model year as well. Mostly because its angular design hasn’t been as popular as the previous generation. Strange to see Hyundai follow the Santa Fe look for the next Tucson. And also quite risky.

To me, that already feels a little tired and frankly, quite easy and repetitive. All new Kias start looking the same these days. Making Hyundais look more like Kias seems a strange idea.

The current Tucson has been a big hit for Hyundai, with over 206,000 sold last year alone. The next one could end up being a bit too much of a gamble…

Still, Hyundai has never been shy about taking design risks. Over the past decade, the brand has repeatedly changed directions, sometimes drastically, in an effort to stay ahead of the competition. The current Tucson itself was quite a bold step when it first appeared, with its dramatic lighting design and sharp body creases. At the time, it looked very different from anything else in the segment.

If these new illustrations are even close to the final product, the next Tucson could move away from that flowing, futuristic style and toward something much more rugged and upright. That might appeal to buyers who like the tougher look of vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 or even the Ford Bronco Sport.

Still, it is a delicate balance. The Tucson’s current design helped it stand out in a crowded compact SUV segment. Changing that formula too much could risk losing some of that unique character. We will probably see many more spy shots over the next year, giving us a clearer idea of what Hyundai has planned for one of its most important models