2021 Hyundai Tucson Starts Dropping Camo, Revealing Funky Grille

There has been a lot of talk lately about how the upcoming 2021 Hyundai Tucson will be a radical departure from the current model from a styling standpoint.

The spy shots we’ve seen so far did not reveal too much of the compact SUV’s design but the last batch did show an unusual front end styling, dominated by a huge grille flanked by split headlights. Now, it seems that the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is embarking on the next stage of development as prototypes have been spotted recently with considerably less camouflage.

Seen here at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (yes, even compact family crossovers without the slightest pretense of sportiness have to go through the Green Hell ordeal), the 2021 Tucson drops most of its padded camo, giving us a clearer look at its silhouette.

We have to admit it does look sportier than the current model thanks to the more inclined roofline and coupe-like window line – though that third lateral window seems to be hiding its final shape. Clearly, the taillights are not the real deal and are only provisional, while at the front Hyundai does not reveal much more than before.

The front end appears to look like a mix between the new Santa Fe and the Nexo, with hints of Venue as well. Still, we’re not sure the new Tucson will “freak out” people like Hyundai Design Center’s vice president Sangyup Lee said earlier this month.

The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is expected to bring a whole range of all-new features, including powertrains, safety tech, and connectivity. In North America, the engine lineup will likely include the all-new Theta3 2.5-liter engine in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, complete with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Europe will get an updated version of the 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder unit, as well as the 1.6-liter T-GDI turbo-four and possibly a diesel engine. Another possibility is the new 2.0 GDi HEV hybrid powertrain which recently debuted on the new Sonata.

The new Tucson will offer both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive setups when it launches in 2020 as a 2021 model.