2021 Hyundai Tucson 'Spied' Undergoing Hard Testing In New Teaser

The next-generation Hyundai Tucson is almost here. The SUV will lose all its heavy covers and camouflage wrap on September 14 in the U.S., though recent teasers have already given us a pretty clear look at its dramatic styling. New spy shots show the Tucson hard at work in its testing phase, though these photos weren't exactly snapped on the down-low by a photographer hiding in a tree.

This is actually another official teaser from Hyundai, specifically from the automaker's European division. In a press release accompanying the photos and video, Hyundai pledges the fourth-generation Tucson "will be produced in Europe, for Europe." That's technically accurate, as the Tucson is manufactured in the Czech Republic and sold throughout Europe. There are additional manufacturing locations, however, and the SUV will definitely be available in the U.S. market.

The crux of this latest teaser paints the new Tucson as an SUV with some hardcore capabilities for towing and off-roading. The rigorous testing and evaluation process included everything from high-speed testing at the Nürburgring, to high-altitude testing in the Alps. Nearly all the photos from Hyundai show prototypes towing a trailer, presumably putting the SUV's Autohold assistant and Downhill Brake Control features to the test. One photo shows a heavily camouflaged test vehicle powering through water, suggesting the next-gen SUV isn't just a pretty face for urban streets.

Speaking of face, this is perhaps the feature that folks are most interested in. Hyundai's design direction certainly has embraced big, bold grilles across its entire vehicle lineup. The Tucson could be the boldest of them all, with the toothy grille actually blending seamlessly into its headlights. The edges of the grille actually light up, and based on the previous teaser showing a darkened Tucson head-on, it's very striking to say the least.

One thing is for certain – in an overcrowded vehicle segment where models tend to look alike, the Tucson should definitely stand out. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.

Specifically, it remains to be seen on September 14 at 8:30 PM EDT. That's actually September 15 for those in Europe, 12:30 AM GMT to be exact. It's when Hyundai will officially pull all the covers and spill all the secrets for its all-new Tucson.