The Rise Of The Hot SUV
Historically, true motorsports-inspired performance variants have been closely associated with coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks, as seen in the daily-driver Toyota Corolla getting a sporty GR Corolla spinoff. The rise of crossovers and SUVs did broaden the field, with Lamborghini introducing the Urus in 2017. Many high-performance SUVs, like the Aston Martin DBX707, occupy the luxury space, which is why reports of a possible Hyundai Tucson N are quite noteworthy.
According to Auto Express, the Tucson N would be one of the key models in Hyundai N’s broader expansion and the starting point for its transition to hybrid technology. The Tucson’s mainstream appeal, competing against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, could give a wider audience access to a standalone performance variant from a brand with an active motorsports presence, while retaining practical space for five occupants.
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Not Your Average Hybrid
A hybrid setup can help with fuel efficiency. However, Joon Park, Hyundai’s vice president of the N Management Group, told Auto Express that a hybrid system in N-badged models would take a different approach, emphasizing power delivery. There are no official output figures yet, but the publication estimates that the Tucson N could make between 300 and 350 horsepower.
The potential model could also get all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, larger wheels and tires, and upgraded brakes.
With the all-new, fifth-generation Tucson recently unveiled, it is an opportune time for Hyundai to explore a true performance variant in the compact-crossover segment, one of the most lucrative in the U.S. It would be interesting to see how the design team approaches an N-badged Tucson, given the model’s boxier look contrasts with the low-slung proportions typically associated with sports cars.
The distinction matters because sporty trims do not always amount to full performance derivatives. The Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, for example, has genuine suspension, steering, and rigidity upgrades, but it is not a full GR model in the same vein as the GR Corolla.
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Growing The N Roster
The report did not provide any timeline for the possible Hyundai Tucson N. However, the next-gen model is expected to arrive in the U.S. next year.
If this performance-oriented version happens, it would become part of Hyundai N’s broader expansion, which includes seven new models. One is expected to be a small N-badged EV positioned below the Ioniq 5 N. With an estimated price between $35,000 and $45,000, it could offer the market a more accessible option with fun, sporty driving characteristics and the instant torque of an all-electric powertrain.
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