Auto Shows The Hyundai Vision T Concept Is Pretty Much the Next-Gen Tucson SUV

The Hyundai Vision T concept debuting at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show previews the production version of the upcoming Tucson SUV, and also offers a peek at the next evolution of the Korean automaker's Sensuous Sportiness design language.

Hyundai’s New Concept Pays Homage to…the Pony?

That’s right, the new 45 show car celebrates the anniversary of Hyundai’s first car.

See more news from the Los Angeles Auto Show

Sporting a matte-green exterior, the Hyundai Vision T concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can be juiced up via an illuminated charging port cleverly hidden in the passenger-side rear fender. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Vision T is half an inch longer than the current-generation Tucson with a wheelbase that's 5.3 inches greater.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the Hyundai Vision T concept is its front fascia, which integrates the grille and lighting together. When its headlights are on, part of the grille illuminates, giving the car a unique and futuristic look. The grille itself has a cool geometric design complete with air shutters that can move in sequence. Out back, the taillight pattern mimics the headlights and is connected by a thin LED strip. From the side, the Vision T has a swoopy profile like the current-generation Tucson but it's distinguished by a massive chrome strip that spans the entire upper area above the daylight opening. Its wheels also have a cool, three-dimensional beveled design that carries over onto the tire sidewall, while its roof has purple embossed glass with a diamond pattern.

Hyundai’s Veloster N Gets an Adrenaline Shot for SEMA

Hyundai's Performance concept improves the Veloster N with a bunch of performance and aesthetic additions. Hyundai announced that it will unveil a Veloster N Performance concept at SEMA next month. The concept features a variety of bolt-on performance and aesthetic accessories. Hyundai says that there's a good chance that these modifications will become available for sale, though we don't know when. The Veloster N just became the second-fastest front-wheel-drive car to lap Virginia International Raceway at C/D's annual Lightning Lap test—the fastest being the Honda Civic Type R.

© Motor Trend Staff Hyundai Vision T Concept front three quarters 04

Although Hyundai calls the Vision T a concept, it clearly hints at the next-generation Tucson. Expect most of the exterior design to remain intact through its transition into a production model. The next-gen Tucson should ride on the same new platform as the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata and will likely feature the same Smartstream 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrain options, including hybrids and possibly a turbocharged variant, could also be in the cards for the upcoming Tucson compact crossover due in a year or two. We won't know for sure until we get closer to the new SUV's launch, but at least we have a pretty good idea what to expect visually thanks to the Vision T.