2022 Hyundai Tucson Lights Up for the Press

Hyundai’s promised something radical in the C-segment crossover space, and the next-generation Tucson is it. A strong-selling bread-and butter model, Tucson will split into two come the 2022 model year, Hyundai claims, broadening the crossover’s market appeal.

The new generation will also bring unmistakable lighting to the table.

Appearing in new teaser images emerging out of Seoul, the 2022 Tucson is, as Hyundai claims, the “first C-SUV in its class to be available in both short and long wheelbases, depending on the region, to meet diverse market needs.”

Volkswagen’s Tiguan would like a word.

While North American customers stand to gain the long-wheelbase version of the popular CUV, all regions will see the model’s “Parametric Hidden Lights” and “Parametric Dynamics” design theme. When parked, it will seem as if the Tucson has no headlights at all, hidden in plain sight as part of the expansive grille. Only when the vehicle fires up will the front end light up like that musical billboard from Close Encounters.

Out back, taillights go from bland to enthusiastic, incorporating a full-width LED strip atop dual vertical elements that call to mind the Ford Mustang family. The roofline appears much more coupe-ish than before, with sharply-raked rear glass and thick metallic trim tracing the greenhouse though to the D-pillar.

Featuring smaller overhangs, the Tucson’s stretched body will be longer and wider than before, affording additional rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity, one assumes. The cabin will boast an uncluttered, twin-cockpit design that Hyundai claims will remind occupants of a modern boutique hotel. Avant-garde wall art not included.

In redesigning the vehicle’s interior, Hyundai clearly had water on the brain. The gauge cluster housing fades away while a lower instrument display pops up. “The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge,” the automaker stated. “The vertically oriented, fully integrated center fascia descends to the console like a mighty waterfall.”

Wonderful word, mighty.

The Tucson’s big reveal comes the night of September 14th.

[Images: Hyundai]