The 2019 Hyundai Vision T Plug-In concept is an SUV concept that the Korean automaker introduced at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. A somewhat futuristic design with unique styling cues, the Vision T showcases a brand-new design language. It's also described as global, so it could inspire a new lineup of SUVs. The crossover is slightly larger than the Hyundai Tucson and it's a plug-in hybrid. Sadly, there's no info about the drivetrain and no photos of the Vision T's interior. But let's find out what it could mean for the future of the Korean brand.

What Does the 2019 Hyundai Vision T Plug-In Hybrid Concept Tell Us About Hyundai's Future?

The Vision T is a significant departure from Hyundai's current design language. Sure, the overall design is that of a coupe-style SUV, an increasingly popular layout nowadays, but the details stand out. But the lights are there and the outer cells of the grille also incorporate LED lights.

The grille itself features an air shutter design. When the concept is stationary, the grille is closed and looks like a standard element that lacks openings. But when the vehicle sets in motion, the individual cells of the grille move to control airflow to the powertrain. They also optimize aerodynamics, which in turn helps improve fuel efficiency. The signature lights on the sides of the grille also activate only when when you start the drivetrain. The lights are actually hidden under a half-mirror system, so the entire headlamp and grille assembly looks like a big chunk of chrome when the concept sits motionless. This feature will make it on the next generation of Hyundai vehicles.

The lower grille is flanked by massive air vents, while the lower bumper is made of geometric shapes that mimic the cells of the grille. Both are too exaggerated for a production model, but they might inspire future designs.

There's a central fin that connects the nose to the windshield and two more on each side. The side fins start from the point where the grille connects seamlessly to the headlamps, extend over the wheel arches and travel to the front doors, where they split into two different lines. There's a superior line that continues toward the rear, creating a thick beltline, and a lower line that connects to the front edge of the side skirt. This lower line helps create the impression that the front fenders are completely separated from the body.

The side skirts are also wider than usual, while the rear fenders are so beefed-up that the body becomes notably wider toward the rear. The window trim is basically flat, creating the impression that the windows are fully integrated into the body. The B-pillars are almost invisible, but this is an impressive feature that will be difficult and expensive to put into a production model.

Move toward the back and the T-Vision reveals a rear fascia dominated by horizontal lines and extremely thin features. Each taillamp is made of four horizontal light bars stacked in groups of two, with an even thinner LED bar connecting them across the tailgate. The bumper feels massive but it's almost featureless, while the diffuser-like element suggests off-road capability. Both the Hyundai badge and the license plate number are illuminated in blue.

Hyundai had nothing to say about the interior and the drivetrain outside the fact that his SUV is a plug-in hybrid. But this doesn't mean that the Vision T lacks value. Like all Hyundai concept vehicles before it, the Vision T likely previews styling cues that will make it on production models in the near future.

At 181.5 inches long, this concept is smaller than the Santa Fe and slightly bigger than the Tucson. However, its wheelbase is almost two inches longer than the Santa Fe's and four inches shorter than the Palisade's. While it could also preview a next-generation Hyundai Tucson, it could also preview a brand-new model with a sportier design. With so many carmakers joining the coupe SUV segment nowadays, I expect Hyundai to also take the plunge in a couple of years or so.

Hyundai Vision T Concept Exterior Dimensions