Facelifted 2023 Hyundai Tucson spotted on test

• Updated styling
• Expected mild, full and plug-in hybrid options to stay
• Updated technology in the works

Hyundai is currently developing a mid-life facelift for the Tucson small SUV in a bid to keep it fresh against its rivals, including the Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot E-3008, which have also been updated. We’ve now spotted it on test, decked out in camouflage and tackling European roads.

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The updated Tucson looks to be getting some updates to its styling, which include a tweaked grille design up front complemented by new LED headlights. The rear of the new Tucson is more heavily disguised, but the placement of the camouflage at the top of the tailgate suggests a revision to the Tucson’s spoiler, and a new rear bumper is also expected.

Hyundai recently presented a new, boxier, more minimalist look with the latest version of the Santa Fe, but as the new Tucson is set to be merely a facelift, we wouldn’t expect its design language to differ too much from the outgoing model overall.

The new Tucson is also expected to get some tech and interior upgrades, so we’d expect it to benefit from the latest version of Hyundai’s infotainment system. It’s unclear whether the updated Tucson will get a thorough redesign of the cabin to include a similar dual-screen setup to the one found on the latest Kona and Ioniq models, although this is unlikely.

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We’d also expect a choice of powertrains similar to those currently offered in the outgoing model, including mild, full and plug-in hybrid options, albeit with slightly improved performance and range figures. As with the old Tucson, it’s likely the new car will retain the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive versions.

The new Hyundai Tucson is likely to get a full reveal by the end of this year or early into 2024, and we’d expect it to go on sale soon after, going head-to-head with the latest versions of its main rivals. There’s no confirmation on pricing yet, either, but we’d expect a small increase over the outgoing model’s £30,500 starting figure.

Why not check out our in-depth review of the closely-related Kia Sportage...