Hyundai to Redesign Two Best-Selling Models: Tucson and i30 Sedan to Stick with Petrol and Hybrid Power

Hyundai is set to refresh two of its most popular models, the Tucson and i30 Sedan, with redesigned versions expected to launch in the first half of 2026. These new models, codenamed NX5 (Tucson) and CN8 (i30 Sedan), will continue to offer petrol and hybrid powertrains, signaling Hyundai’s commitment to internal combustion engines (ICE) well into the next decade.

Why Hyundai is Extending the Lifespan of ICE Vehicles

According to Korean outlet ET News, Hyundai’s decision to stick with petrol and hybrid options for these key models reflects a shift in market dynamics. While electric vehicle (EV) adoption has surged in recent years, global demand has temporarily cooled, prompting automakers like Hyundai to adjust their timelines. Additionally, environmental regulations such as Europe’s Euro 7 emissions standards have turned out to be less stringent than initially expected.

This means that Hyundai will continue to produce ICE versions of the Tucson and i30 Sedan potentially until 2033, with improved powertrain performance and the latest in safety technology, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.

What to Expect in the Redesigned Tucson and i30 Sedan

The Tucson and i30 Sedan (known as the Avante in Korea and Elantra in the U.S.) are already household names for the brand. Both models received facelifts in 2023, with their current versions having launched globally in 2020 and in Australia in 2021.

The redesigned models will reportedly offer enhanced powertrain performance, with the Tucson continuing to come in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, while the i30 Sedan will stick with petrol and hybrid options.

Hyundai’s Best Sellers: A Global and Local Success Story

Both the Tucson and i30 Sedan are vital to Hyundai’s global and local success. In 2023, the Tucson and Elantra were the brand’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. In Korea, the Avante was the third best-selling Hyundai model behind the Grandeur sedan and Porter truck.

In Australia, the Tucson is Hyundai’s best-selling vehicle, with 14,398 deliveries by the end of September 2024, while the i30 range (which includes the older hatchback) ranks third with 9243 deliveries. This strong performance highlights the importance of these models to Hyundai’s overall sales strategy, both in Australia and globally.

Looking Ahead: The Balance Between ICE and EVs

Hyundai’s decision to extend the life of its ICE models is a reflection of the automotive industry’s current balancing act between the growing demand for electric vehicles and the sustained popularity of petrol and hybrid-powered cars. While Hyundai continues to invest in EVs and has a growing lineup of electric models, the continued success of its traditional models like the Tucson and i30 Sedan shows that petrol-powered vehicles still have a significant role to play in the near future.

With the redesigned Tucson and i30 Sedan set to hit the market in 2026, Hyundai is positioning itself to cater to both the evolving preferences of drivers and the shifting regulatory landscape, ensuring that it remains a key player in both the ICE and EV markets for years to come.