Hyundai is readying a new version of its Tucson SUV, as these spyshots show. The Korean mid-sized SUV will move into its fourth generation in 2020, five years after the outgoing TL model made its debut.

Although this test mule is wearing heavy camouflage, we can already see that the new car will be a stylistic departure from the current model. The contours of the front end indicate that the slim upper headlights and the large grille will be integrated into a single mask-like graphic, tapering towards the outer edges.

Together with the triangular inserts for the grille, the look is reminiscent of last year’s Le Fil Rouge concept, which previewed a new design language for the brand. As with other recent Hyundai SUVs like the Santa Feand Kona, the headlights are split, with the main lamp units sitting lower down. While the rest of the car is obscured by disguise, one can spot the upswept window line and square wheel arches, just like the Santa Fe.

Under the bonnet, the Tucson is expected to be offered with a wide range of powertrains, depending on the market. In the United States, the car will likely feature the new third-generation Theta petrol engine, which made its debut in the latest Sonata. Part of the Smartstream family, it will be offered in turbocharged and naturally-aspirated guises.

As for Europe, the Tucson should receive smaller 1.6 litre Smartstream turbocharged petrol and diesel mills. The former was introduced on the Sonata Turbo in the US, while the latter – which comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system – is fitted to the current facelifted model. Also expect the Smartstream 2.0 GDi HEV hybrid mill from the Sonata Hybrid in the US, which makes a total of 192 hp in the D-segment sedan.

-paultan