Electric Cars

Hyundai's latest iteration of the Tucson, the 2027 model, emerges with a striking, completely reimagined design and an extensive list of enhancements. This new compact SUV is notably larger than its predecessor, offering an elevated sense of luxury within its cabin. A significant addition to the lineup is the XRT Pro, an off-road variant tailored for adventure enthusiasts. The vehicle integrates a host of standard and optional features, making it a formidable contender in the highly competitive compact crossover market. Its expanded dimensions not only contribute to a more commanding road presence but also translate into generous interior volume, particularly benefiting rear-seat occupants and cargo capacity.

Under the hood, the 2027 Tucson introduces a revamped powertrain selection. The standard offering is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, replacing the previous naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit, and while its horsepower is slightly reduced, it promises efficiency. The hybrid model receives a considerable upgrade, now boasting 233 horsepower and improved fuel economy, with a front-wheel-drive version achieving an impressive 42 mpg combined. Inside, the Tucson features a modern cockpit centered around a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, with an even larger 17-inch display available, powered by Hyundai's intuitive Pleos Connect infotainment system. Thoughtful design choices, such as physical controls for essential functions and innovative comfort features like massaging front seats and dual wireless charging pads, underscore Hyundai's commitment to user experience. The introduction of the XRT Pro trim signifies a heightened focus on rugged capability, equipped with enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates, appealing to those seeking more adventurous excursions.

Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

The 2027 Hyundai Tucson marks a significant evolution in its powertrain offerings, moving away from the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine of earlier models. The new base engine is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, delivering 184 horsepower. While this represents a minor decrease of 3 horsepower compared to its predecessor, it is engineered for improved fuel efficiency. The flagship hybrid variant remains a compelling upgrade, combining the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors to achieve a robust 233 horsepower. This enhanced hybrid system not only offers greater power but also boasts impressive fuel economy, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving an estimated 42 mpg combined, a notable 4 mpg improvement over the previous all-wheel-drive-only hybrid.

Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options are available across the powertrain lineup, providing flexibility for diverse driving preferences and conditions. The hybrid model further distinguishes itself with an increased towing capacity, now rated at 3000 pounds, enhancing its utility. Although the plug-in hybrid option will not be offered in the U.S. market, Hyundai has indicated future plans to potentially integrate its innovative range-extender powertrains into the Tucson, signaling a continued commitment to advanced propulsion technologies. This strategic shift in engine choices underscores Hyundai's dedication to optimizing performance, fuel efficiency, and towing capabilities, ensuring the 2027 Tucson remains competitive and appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers seeking a modern, capable compact SUV.

Luxurious Interior and Off-Road Capability

The interior of the 2027 Hyundai Tucson has been meticulously redesigned to offer a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. At its core, a standard 12.9-inch central touchscreen display provides seamless access to the vehicle's functions, with an even larger, optional 17-inch screen available for an immersive user experience. These displays are powered by Hyundai's advanced Pleos Connect infotainment software, which includes an intelligent AI assistant capable of responding to a wider range of voice commands than before. Instead of a conventional instrument cluster, a sleek digital display screen positioned near the windshield presents vital driving information, contributing to a modern and uncluttered dashboard aesthetic.

Hyundai has thoughtfully preserved essential physical controls, resisting the industry trend towards full touchscreen integration. Below the main display, tactile volume and tuning knobs, along with climate-control switches, ensure convenient and intuitive adjustments. For enhanced comfort, Hyundai's innovative Ergo Motion massaging front seats are newly available, a premium feature rarely found in this segment. The Limited trim further elevates the experience with high-quality materials and refined touchpoints throughout the cabin. The column-mounted gearshift ingeniously maximizes space in the center console, which now includes dual wireless smartphone charging pads, exemplifying the Tucson's focus on passenger convenience and modern connectivity. Additionally, the new XRT Pro trim extends the Tucson's versatility, building upon the previous rugged XRT version with enhanced ground clearance and all-terrain tires, a distinctive front fascia, carbon-fiber trim, and robust skid plates for superior underbody protection, catering to those who venture beyond paved roads. Standard SE, SEL, and Limited trims complete the diverse lineup, with pricing details anticipated soon before its early next year arrival in U.S. dealerships.

Lucid Motors is elevating the in-car experience for its Air sedan owners with the introduction of a sophisticated new software package, Air UX 3.0. This update is designed to make the vehicle's myriad functions more accessible and intuitive, primarily through simplified touchscreen interactions. Users will find frequently used features within easy reach, thanks to new swipe and tap functionalities. This enhancement is part of Lucid's continuous effort to refine the interaction between driver and vehicle, making every journey smoother and more connected.

A key aspect of Air UX 3.0 is its advanced infotainment system, which closely mirrors the acclaimed interface found in the Lucid Gravity SUV. This includes a reconfigured screen layout that prioritizes ease of use for essential tasks such as music playback, route planning, and locating charging stations. The lower Cockpit screen now features swipeable cards for vehicle controls, media, and navigation, enabling rapid transitions between different functions. Additionally, integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been optimized, providing a larger display area for smartphone-based applications, thus enhancing communication, guidance, and entertainment options. The upper Pilot screen also benefits from new quick controls, accessible with a simple swipe, ensuring a cohesive and integrated user experience across both displays for navigating, managing charging information, and adjusting settings.

Beyond interface improvements, Air UX 3.0 introduces a more intelligent dual-screen navigation system. This allows drivers to customize their EV routing preferences, considering factors like charger compatibility, preferred charging networks, and desired battery levels upon arrival. Security and personalization are also bolstered, with quicker profile switching and enhanced PIN-based protection for guest and existing profiles. While 2025 and newer Lucid Air models will receive this upgrade seamlessly via over-the-air updates, owners of 2022 and 2023 models will need a hardware upgrade, costing $950, to benefit from the new system. A select number of 2024 models may also require this hardware intervention, depending on their production specifications.

This innovative software update from Lucid Motors represents a forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle technology, emphasizing user-centric design and connectivity. By integrating intuitive controls, advanced navigation, and enhanced personalization features, Lucid is not just improving the driving experience but also fostering a deeper connection between drivers and their high-tech vehicles. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Lucid Air remains at the forefront of automotive innovation, offering both luxury and practicality in a rapidly evolving market.