New Hyundai Tucson Review

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson in Phoenix is definitely the most comfortable this SUV has ever been. A new open design makes it feel even roomier. There's more high-tech instrumentation, new ergonomic switchgear, and a fresh new look.

The front seat chairs have a special ant-fatigue design. Most trims have a power driver's chair and push button start. Rear seat chairs have a reclining function for extra wiggle room. At its most stylish, the Tucson has leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, front-passenger power chair, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also has our favorite feature, ventilated front seats.

Quality materials include soft-touch surfaces and a cleanly styled dashboard. The wrap-around design makes the doors and dashboard as one when the doors are closed. This makes the cabin feel bigger, and this careful fit and finish adds to the elegance. Good sound insulation and an acoustic windshield keep the ride quiet. Road Show calls it “luxury-car quiet”.

Contemporary Hyundai Tucson cockpits are equipped like never before. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard across the board. This hoodless screen replaces the 8-inch standard and 10.25 upgrade touchscreens on the 2024 models. Plus shoppers can get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in a panoramic display.

Push button start, proximity key entry, and the available Digital Key make it easy to access and start your vehicle. The available fingerprint authentication sensor gives owners a heightened sense of security.

Entertainment standards include wireless Apple Carplay and, of course, wireless Android Auto. This allows you to stream navigational tools right to your screen using your favorite map apps.

Digital instrumentation keeps the driver informed about everything. This ranges from speed limits to the current battery status in the plug in hybrid Tucson.

The wireless quick-charging pad has been upgraded to a more convenient place with a higher wattage capability. A new 27-watt capability makes the USB-C data and charging ports more useful. There are over-the-air-updates for many systems, which will keep the Tucson as current as possible. To learn more about trim levels and technology, check out the 2026 extended review.

Hyundai hybrid technology utilizes a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Controlled by an electronic six-speed automatic, the output is 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. With the Tucson Plug in Hybrid, output is 261 horsepower.

Regular hybrid fuel economy is 37 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. With the e-handling capability, the all-wheel-drive hybrid uses torque control to improve cornering. The electric motor incrementally increases braking force to the front or rear wheels as needed during the cornering process. The plug in hybrid Tucson does even better by providing electric mileage that easily covers your daily commute.

The standard engine is a clever 2.5-cylinder unit, generating 187 horsepower. Standard front wheel drive is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD fuel economy is an estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg in highway driving. Quick steering and an efficient suspension provide a stable, well-modulated driving experience. Road Show praises its “superb ride”, calling it smoother than rivals.

Payload limits are a hefty 1,300 pounds. Roof rail limits are an excellent 220 pounds. The tow rating is 2,000 pounds. Ground clearance is 7.1 inches with front-wheel drive and 8.3 inches with all-wheel drive.

After crash testing under new stricter requirements, the Hyundai Tucson earned Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Indeed, the Hyundai Tucson SE comes with a remarkable amount of Hyundai features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and the related automatic emergency brake. The lane keep assist and driver drowsiness monitor are additional standards. Like the SEL edition, the Hybrid Blue has all of these features as well as the blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. Other important features include rain-sensing wipers and adaptive cruise control. The top trim has a blind spot camera and Highway Driving Assist.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited has Remote Parking Assist. This is a remarkable automated feature. It allows you to stand alongside the vehicle and direct it by using the keyfob. This puts it into a parking space. Want to see it in action? Visit our dealership and ask for a demonstration!

With the number of ways the new Tucson tries to keep you cool, you’d think it was engineered right here in the Arizona desert. The multi-air ventilation system is something that Phoenix drivers can really embrace. With the ability to control your air flow, the unique ventilation system can start you off with a blast. Then you can push a diffuse button to spread the air more widely. The front row can be cool without being cold, allowing more air to circulate. Of course, the second row has its own vents, too.

The Blue Link app doubles as a remote starter, and it allows you to cool down the cabin before you drive. It even lets you turn on the available ventilated seats before you enter. Now that’s cool.

Hyundai’s advanced system has interesting features such as nature soundscapes. That can help get kids to sleep. The quiet mode focuses the sound on the driver. That lets you listen to your news or music while the kids on the backseat are either sleeping or listening to their own smart devices.

Plus, when parents exit the SUV, there’s less chance of leaving someone behind accidentally. The rear seat alert signals caregivers to check the back row before leaving the car’s vicinity. Of course, there are LATCH attachments to hold baby seats in place. Trying to keep kids from stepping in front of a car, Hyundai has a Safe Exit Warning feature that reacts to traffic approaching the sides of the vehicle after it is parked. Why not put these features to the test? Schedule a test drive at your convenience.