After only five years on the market, the third-generation Hyundai Tucson was discontinued to make way for a brand-new model. The fourth-gen SUV is a big departure from its predecessor in terms of exterior design, but it also brings new and innovative technology to the table. The fourth-gen Hudson is also the first to offer a hybrid drivetrain. The SUV was launched without the usual diesel options, and it remains to be seen if Hyundai will add any later on.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson looks the part

Up front, Hyundai replaced the traditional headlamp and grille assembly with a jewel-style element that blends them together when the lights are off. Hyundai calls it the "parametric grille." Once the half-mirror daytime running lamps are turned on, there's a clear separation between the lights and the grille. The layout is similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQC, but it looks far more futuristic and cool on the Tucson.

The profile is just as impressive thanks to its sharp and muscular lines. The creases of the front fenders extend well into the front doors, while the rear haunches trickle down toward the side skirts. An additional character line runs from the front doors all the way to the taillights. Here, Hyundai echoes the daytime running lights in the front with "half-hidden triangular shapes" that become visible only when lit. The jewel-like pattern seen on the front grille is also visible in the rear fender, just above the protection plate.

The fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson will be offered in two guises, so you'll get to pick between short- and long-wheelbase versions. However, we don't know yet whether both will become available in the United States.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is packed with modern technology

The interior of the new Tucson is just as modern as the exterior. It features a two-tier dashboard with the A/C vents placed at the top and digital displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The standard main screen measures eight inches, but you can opt for the larger 10.25-inch display. Goodies like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and the Bose audio system come standard.

Hyundai says that the Tucson's new air ventilation system is very sophisticated, having been benchmarked on systems used in aircraft. The climate system monitors air quality in the vehicle and purifies the air, while it also indicates real-time air-pollution levels on the Dual Automatic Temperature Control display using the fine dust detection sensor. The new Tucson is also the first model to feature technology that reduces moisture from the evaporator and keeps the air-conditioning system clean and free of odor. This air purification system doesn't come standard, though, and it seems that it will only be available in select markets.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson comes with gasoline and hybrid power

The SUV was unveiled with just one gasoline engine, in the form of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Smartstream. The new mill generates an extra five horsepower and seven pound-feet of torque. The old six-speed automatic was also replaced by an eight-speed gearbox.

The Tucson is also available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and marries an electric motor to a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The combo delivers a solid 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the most output of any Tucson today (sans the old 2.0-liter diesel with 295 pound-feet of twist). This new powertrain uses Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology that manages valve opening duration for optimal power, efficiency, and emissions.

No word on diesel engines yet, but Hyundai could offer them in Europe. Possible candidates include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with around 140 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with about 190 horses and 300 pound-feet of twist.

When will the 2022 Hyundai Tucson come to the U.S.

The new Tucson is already on sale in South Korea, but it will take a while until it reaches the U.S. market. Hyundai says it will cross the pond in the first half of 2021 and arrive in showrooms for the 2022 model year.