15,045 ORDERS IN 24 HOURS, 245 HP HYBRID & 17-INCH SCREEN TO MAKE KIA SPORTAGE OBSOLETE!

Hyundai Motor reports a huge number of pre-orders for the all-new fifth-generation Tucson on the day of its launch in South Korea. The automaker recorded a total of 15,045 orders, beating the previous first-day Tucson record set by the fourth-generation model by over 4,200 units.

The new Tucson is the best-selling model in terms of pre-orders due to its improved performance, enhanced driving and safety, increased equipment, and larger cabin. Hyundai credited the demand to the value provided by the Tucson in terms of driving performance, safety, and convenience functions with cutting-edge technology.

A RECORD-BREAKING Tucson

Hyundai Motor registered 15,045 contracts for the all-new Tucson on October 21, 2026 – the first day of order-taking. It marked the most number of first-day pre-orders for any Tucson variant to date, beating the 10,842 first-day orders recorded by the fourth-generation Tucson in South Korea in September 2020.

Fourth-gen Tucson (2020) 5th-gen Tucson (2026)

First-day pre-orders 10,842 15,045

Despite the price of the new Tucson being higher by approximately 3 million won compared to the previous model, the demand for the new Tucson came in strongly. The majority of Tucson buyers are expected to be Inspiration trim owners as this is the most desirable segment in terms of value.

Trim Share of orders Share of orders

(Previous gen) (Current gen)

Inspiration (top) 29% 44%

H-Pick (base) 33%

Exclusive (mid) 22%

XRT (Exclusive-based) 1%

The Inspiration trim accounts for 44% of the total pre-orders, compared to the 29% recorded for the previous Tucson. The H-Pick base model accounts for 33%, while the Exclusive mid-range trim garners 22% of the total pre-orders. The XRT Exclusive-based sport model with unique exterior details only accounts for 1% of pre-orders.

The large share of Inspiration pre-orders suggests that Tucson buyers want the most desirable trim with the most features, including the 17-inch display, Highway Driving Assist 2, and dual wireless charging.

Hybrid Variant Is More Desired Now

Hybrid Tucson was the most in-demand variant with 55% of all pre-orders, edging out the 48% garnered by the petrol model. It marked the first time that the hybrid Tucson recorded a higher percentage of first-day pre-orders compared to the petrol variant.

Powertrain Share of pre-orders

Hybrid petrol 55% 48%

Gasoline 45% 52%

Hyundai Motor noted that buyers were attracted to the hybrid Tucson’s next-generation hybrid system which provides more power and better fuel economy. Hybrid Tucson delivers 245 hp – 10 more than the previous Tucson – and offers improved fuel economy.

Hybrid Tucson offers 17.4 km/L on average with 17-inch wheels and 2WD. Meanwhile, the petrol Tucson comes with a larger turbocharger which increases maximum power by 13 PS to 193 PS. It also features an 8-speed automatic gearbox, compared to the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox of the previous model.

Petrol engine specs:

Engine 1.6-litre turbo petrol

Power 193 PS (+13)

Torque 27.0 kgf·m

Gearbox 8-speed automatic

The new petrol Tucson should offer better performance and more refined driving dynamics with the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Larger Body, Bigger Boot, Broader Doors

The new Tucson is larger than before with a 60 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 30 mm longer wheelbase. The fifth-generation Tucson’s 645 litres boot volume is among the largest in the class, while its 83-degree opening angle makes it the easiest to load/unload and accommodate large objects and child seats.

Measurement Increase (vs previous gen)

Wheelbase +30 mm

Length +60 mm

Width +40 mm

Boot volume 645 L

Rear door opening 83 degrees

9 AIRBAGS & ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES TO IMPRESS BUYERS

The new Tucson features a comprehensive driving safety system which includes 9 airbags – the most for any car in this class. The Tucson also features a new safety feature called a redundant power supply for door unlocking – first for Hyundai.

Safety features included:

· 9 airbags, including front-row centre-side airbags

· Door unlock by remote control – includes a redundant power supply (Hyundai first)

· Pedal misapplication safety assist

· Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

· Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 (NSCC 2)

· Surround View Monitor with transparent-view function

· Front and rear parking collision-avoidance assist

· Walk-Away Lock

The redundant power supply for door unlock means that the power supply to the door lock is doubled, thus, minimising the risk of malfunction in unlocking doors in case of a power supply failure.

PLEOS CONNECT DIGITAL COCKPIT WITH 17-INCH DISPLAY

All Tucson variants will feature Pleos Connect infotainment software with a 17-inch screen for the Inspiration trim or 12.9-inch for the other trims.

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Infotainment features:

· Pleos Connect software

· 17-inch configurable display (Inspiration)

· 12.9-inch display for other trims

· App market

· Over-the-air (OTA) updates

· Wireless charging for 2 phones (Inspiration)

The 17-inch screen in the Inspiration trim is among the largest in the segment. The app market and OTA updates ensure that the infotainment system remains relevant and up-to-date throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

PETROL & HYBRID Tucson TO COST THESE MUCH IN SOUTH KOREA…

Trim Petrol Hybrid (after tax)

H-Pick 31.4 36.15

Exclusive 35.3 39.9

XRT 36.8 41.65

Inspiration 37.9 42.7

The petrol Tucson starts at 31.4 million won while the hybrid Tucson starts at 36.15 million won, after tax benefits. The fully loaded Tucson trim should cost below 50 million won.

WHY BUYERS ARE BUYING THE NEW HYUNDAI TUCSON.

Reasons for buying the new Tucson include:

· Higher power (193 PS petrol, 245 hp hybrid)

· Better transmission (8-speed automatic)

· Larger body and bigger 645-litre boot

· More advanced driving and safety (9 airbags)

· Larger 17-inch Pleos Connect display

· Hybrid variant is now the preferred choice among Tucson buyers.

Compared to the Kia Sportage, buyers are saying that the new Tucson is a better value choice for a hybrid SUV.

SHOULD YOU WAIT FOR THE NEW HYUNDAI TUCSON IN INDIA?

Hyundai Motor yet to announce the arrival of the new Tucson in India. However, the current Tucson is available in India as a CBU, while the new Tucson is expected to arrive shortly.

The new Tucson is definitely worth waiting for if:

· You want a hybrid SUV with 245 hp

· You want the most advanced driving and safety features (including 9 airbags)

· You need a lot of storage space (645 litres boot with 83-degree opening)

· You want a 17-inch digital cockpit

But, you should not wait for the new Tucson if:

· You need a vehicle immediately

· You want the existing diesel engine

· You need the cheapest possible SUV in the segment

· You need a 7-seater SUV

With record-breaking first-day pre-orders of 15,045, the new Tucson with 245 hp hybrid, 9 airbags, and 17-inch Pleos Connect display is proof that buyers want more powerful and better-equipped cars, even if it costs more. If the new Tucson arrives in India, it could become one of the most desirable midsize SUVs in the country.

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