Hyundai’s Gamble: Tucson’s Radical Redesign Sparks Debate

Declining Tucson Sales
Bold Design Changes
Speculated Design Sparks Discussion

In South Korea, the Hyundai Tucson, which KIA’s Sportage has overshadowed, launched a bold facelift model in December last year. However, it still falls short of the Sportage’s sales figures.

From January to April following the launch, the Sportage sold 19,661 units, ranking fourth in overall sales and achieving the highest sales among compact SUVs. On the other hand, Tucson sold nearly half, with 11,746 units, recording disappointing results.

Significant Design Changes
Straight Light Bar Applied

The Sportage is expected to receive a facelift by the end of this year, enhancing its competitiveness and marketability. Perhaps this is why fans were disappointed with Tucson’s moves. Even though there’s still a long time until the facelift, the speculated design, which significantly changes the disappointing design, has sparked discussion among netizens.

Considering that the designer’s imagination was fully deployed since the recent facelift model was released, the completely different look of the Tucson is captivating. Looking at the front design first, the straight DRL applied along the angular parting line creates a sleek design.

Two-tone Color of Black and Red
Sharper Headlamps

The original Tucson’s headlamps were trapezoidal and placed at the bottom. In the speculated design, the headlamps were placed where the wing-shaped DRLs used to be. A sharp triangular headlamp design was applied, borrowing from the original shape of the DRL. Vertical DRLs were placed where the headlamps used to be, emphasizing the vehicle’s width.

The side of the car features a trapezoidal waistline for a more angular look, a larger curved wheel arch line, and an inflated front fender with an overfender for added volume. The more angular side mirrors add an aggressive image, and the intense red at the bottom contrasts with the black color, creating a two-tone effect.

Two-tone Color of Black and Red
Luxurious Chrome Garnish

The rear focused on detailed changes while maintaining the original shape of the taillights. The bottom of the sharply diagonal taillights was made thinner than the original, creating a sleeker look. At the bottom, a divided light bar was placed vertically, improving visibility. Chrome garnish was applied to the tailgate, and the bottom was made more voluminous for an aggressive look.