2027 hyundai tucson hands on previewNo vehicle segment is more popular than the compact crossover. And while Hyundai has been battling in this category for a long time it appears the automaker is now playing for keeps with the new 5th generation Tucson.The Tucson has already sold 10 million units globally and has been Hyundai's top seller in the US every year since 2020.We were invited for an early first look at this new crossover where we had ample time to get hands-on with the machine (check out the video below) and ask questions of the product planners, designers and more.While no one at the event would go on record to say as much, the goal is clearly to topple the industry leaders and become number one.So let's take a look.Normally we'd start outside the car but it's worth jumping right inside where you spend all your time to talk about some incredibly important bits.First, let's get the less sexy stuff out of the way. The door angle openings are now 83 degrees rather than 73 degrees which just makes it easier to get into. This isn't something that will get any headlines but it's does make living with the vehicle that much easier.Overall the car is roughly 2.4-inches longer, 1.6-inches wider and 8/10ths of an inch taller than its predecessor.The bigger exterior dimensions mean there's anywhere from a half inch to an inch more headroom and rear seat legroom is a half inch more. Overall it feels spacious. And it's not like the old model was cramped.Cargo room is 41.7 cu-ft which is a half cu-ft more than before2027 hyundai tucson hands on previewNow lets move onto the tech.The cabin itself is a massive change from before. The steering wheel is small in diameter but big in thickness, giving a sporty look and feel. It's lower cut in a more oval shape to make a clear line-of-sight to the new 9.9-inch digital gauges that sit at the top of the dash in your line of sight.Entry models come with a 12.9-inch center screen with an optional 17-inch beast on higher end trims. And because Hyundai listens to its customers (and journalists like your's truly), there are physical buttons for things like HVAC controls. Halleluiah!2027 hyundai tucson hands on previewThe screen itself uses an entirely new operating system called Pleos Connect which is based on Android Automotive OS . This replaces the old Google system. Of course it offers over the air updates.And despite Hyundai building out a whole new OS and app store with dedicated apps, critically, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.And because AI is everywhere these days, it uses Hyundai's new Gleo AI agentic system that responds to natural language commands. That means you can converse with it rather than just bark out hyper-specific commands. In essence, you don't need to change how you how talk, just because you're talking to a machine.But there's more AI in the Tucson. While a lot of cars have multi terrain select systems that let you switch between snow, mud, sand , etc., Hyundai's optional new AI-powered Smart Terrain Assist analyses the road and adjusts based on the conditions. And off-road it can coach you on if it thinks you can actually go up that hill or not. (Note: this feature is available exclusively in the XRT Pro model… but more on that later).2027 hyundai tucson hands on previewWhile some improvements are high tech. Some are simple. For example, there's a longer armrest helping with touchscreen ergonomics. That also means there's no center console gear shifter. That has been moved to a control stalk sticking out of the right side behind the steering wheel. What's old is new again!Also of note are the dual wireless charging pads.And before we leave the cabin it's important to point out that for those in colder climates there's the optional full de-icing heated windshield. Metal coils run through the glass, so you can forget the ice-scraper, or at least make your scraping job a lot faster.Under the hood you have two engine choices, a base 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder that makes 184-hp, or a hybrid version of that same powerplant.The hybrid is a next generation system that makes 233-hp and is promised to achieve 42 mpg in front drive form or 40 mpg for AWD models. One of the big improvements is regenerative braking that's 50% more efficient.It also gets a 3,000 lb tow rating up from 2,000 lbs on the old model.One rather advanced technology that only astute drivers might notice is the E-Traction system on the Hybrid model. It works like a limited slip to better distribute more power to the outside wheels and less to inside for better handling.Sadly, while there is a plug-in hybrid available globally, it isn't going be offered in the US. This is surprising because Hyundai currently offers a Tucson PHEV. Based on the global spec sheet we were handed it does look like this new PHEV also offers about 10 additional miles of range – though it's hard to say for sure because the specs refer to the European WLTP cycle and not the stricter US EPA cycle. Still, our rough conversion indicates that 10 mile number.When we probed the Hyundai team at the event, it was mentioned that instead Hyundai is looking more into EREV technology. An Extended Range electric vehicle operates almost the opposite of a PHEV. While the latter uses an electric battery to improve the efficiency of a gas motor, the former (EREV) uses a gasoline engine as a generator for what is fundamentally an electric car. Will Hyundai bring a Tucson EREV to market? It's hard to say. They've indicated a Santa Fe EREV is in the cards and with Nissan Recently rolling out this tech in its Rogue, it's not a wild conclusion.2027 hyundai tucson hands on previewFinally, let's talk about style. Rather than explain it, it's often best just to soak it in yourself in the photos (or the video above). There's the H-edge lighting signature with the big light bar across the front and the unique clamshell hood. We had the opportunity to chat with X from Hyundai's design team and he explained how Hyundai spends a great deal of time, effort and money on designing its lights, because it's one of the best ways to communicate a high-tech vibe. Overall Hyundai seems to have pulled off design that's both sophisticated and modern while it still has something rugged and SUV-ish about it.And speaking of Rugged, the XRT trim has evolved to the XRT Pro. Gone is the add-on appearance package and in its place is a whole new trim level.It gets a forged-carbon side cladding design, all-wheel drive, and the first ever all-terrain tires on a Tucson. Those sit on truckish 18-inch wheels. The SRT Pro offers 8.3-inches of ground clearance thanks to an added 30mm higher ride height with better approach and departure angles. It also comes with unique seats too.These off-road trims are all the rage right now as brands look to amplify their off-road cred. Plus, as one Hyundai rep told us, it's a small step to build brand authority in the off-road space as Hyundai prepares to launch its body-on-frame SUVs.Pricing hasn't been announced but at the event Hyundai reps consistently reiterated their focus on affordability. In fact, that's one of the main reasons a gas engine is sticking around – in order to meet that lower entry price. Expect it out later this year with sales starting earl in 2027.