Hyundai previews rugged Tucson 2027 concept while Mazda details Skyactiv SUV tech

Hyundai has tested a prototype of the 2027 Tucson in the Alps, revealing a boxier, more rugged exterior aimed at an outdoor‑oriented image. The new design features a longer front fascia, larger wheel arches and a less rounded roofline, bringing the compact SUV closer in styling to the larger Santa Fe. Inside, the Tucson will debut Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system with a 17‑inch central touchscreen, a 9.9‑inch driver display, OTA updates and a voice‑assistant, while retaining essential physical controls.

Mazda’s Skyactiv family, employed across its CX‑60 and CX‑80 SUVs, combines engines, transmissions, chassis and bodywork into an integrated system. The i‑Activ AWD uses an electronically controlled multi‑plate clutch that normally sends 90 % of torque to the rear axle and can rebalance to 50:50 when traction is lost, a solution shared by Audi, BMW and Mercedes. The lineup offers diesel e‑Skyactiv D (5.7 L/100 km) and a plug‑in hybrid (3.8 L/100 km), all built on the scalable Skyactiv Multi‑Solution Architecture that accommodates various powertrains.