2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift previewed in Malaysia – new 1.6T Hybrid, new interior, CKD

At the forefront of Hyundai Motor Malaysia’s launch lineup is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift, alongside the new Santa Fe and Staria. The Tucson facelift, still based on the NX4 generation, was first revealed globally in 2020. Yet to be launched, this new Tucson brings a new hybrid powertrain to its variant lineup.

Though the differences from the original NX4 may seem subtle without a side-by-side comparison, closer inspection reveals a reworked grille with fewer but more prominent “Parametric Jewels” within the LED daytime running lights (DRLs). These DRLs now feature three larger, rounder elements compared to the earlier four. The headlamp housing and bumper have also been reshaped for a more angular, Santa Cruz-like look. Both front and rear skid plates have been enlarged and integrated for a more cohesive, muscular stance. New alloy wheel designs complete the exterior update.

Inside, the facelift ushers in a much more substantial transformation. Gone is the curved “waterfall” dashboard design, replaced by a modern, dual-screen layout reminiscent of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs. A full-width AC vent strip acts as a “belt” for the dashboard, and the new three-spoke steering wheel now omits the Hyundai logo in favour of the foru dots (Morse code for “H”).

More importantly, the traditional gear buttons on the centre console are gone, replaced by a column-mounted shifter. This frees up a vast amount of space between the front seats, improving practicality and storage options.

Although yet to be launched, Hyundai Motor Malaysia has confirmed 4 variants of the facelifted Tucson, with 3 different powertrains. See below for a brief overview:

	Style 1.6T FWD	Prime 1.6T FWD	Prestige AWD	Prestige Hybrid FWD
Engine	2.0L MPi NA	1.6L TGDi	1.6 TGDi	1.6 TGDi Hybrid
Max. Power	156 PS	180 PS	180 PS	235 PS
Max. Torque	192 Nm	265 Nm	265 Nm	367 Nm
Transmission	6-speed AT	7-speed DCT	7-speed DCT	6-speed AT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	AWD	FWD

All variants come with 6 airbags, while Hyundai SmartSense ADAS is reserved for the Prime and both Prestige models. Leather upholstery is included for all except the base Style. The Prestige trims also benefit from the shift-by-wire steering column gear selector and paddle shifters.

Malaysian buyers will receive the long-wheelbase version of the Tucson, similar to the model sold in North America. It measures 4,630 mm in length and 1,865 mm in width, making it slightly shorter (by 61 mm) and marginally narrower (by 1 mm) than the Honda CR-V. However, its 2,755 mm wheelbase gives it a 54 mm edge over the Honda, translating into a more spacious cabin and generous boot space — 582 litres, expandable to 1,903 litres with the seats folded.

For context, the pre-facelift Tucson, launched in November 2023 by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, came in three CBU variants:

2.0 Lite – RM158,88
1.6T Plus – RM178,888
1.6T Max – RM195,888

This time around, Hyundai Motor Malaysia is planning a similar initial CBU batch like done previously, but plans to transition the Tucson to local assembly (CKD), hopefully enabling a more competitive pricing.

Official pricing will be announced on July 2, and with local assembly, the facelifted Tucson could now be a more serious contender among popular C-segment SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Jaecoo J7.