2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Tucson Hybrid and its PHEV plug-in twin are like the porridge of modern-day propulsion. Not quite fully electric, but not completely reliant on gasoline. Both hybrids are all-wheel drive with power coming from a combination of a front motor and 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Total output is 226 horsepower for the Hybrid and 261 hp for the PHEV, which make it quicker than the 187-hp gas-fed Tucson. The Tucson Hybrid also comes with more standard features and is supremely quiet at highway cruising speeds. It uses a six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the groan-inducing CVT, and can even tow as much as 2000 pounds when properly equipped. It's easy to look at too. With a portion of its daytime running lights integrated into the grille, the Tucson Hybrid is wildly attractive and one of the most affordable PHEVs sold today.

What's New for 2023?

After its big revision last year, the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson PHEV is mostly the same for 2023. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a speed limit assist feature have become standard on all trims. The Serenity White Pearl paint replaces Quartz White.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

A plug-in hybrid SUV for under $40,000 is a big deal. We like the SEL's offering of equipment, and the fact that it gets a smaller 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (versus the 10.25-inch found in Limited trim level), which means it retains a volume knob. Plus, it comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and heated front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The hybrid Tucson's boost in performance over its gas-only counterpart is worth celebrating. A turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine and a front motor give the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models their go, which Hyundai says is good for a combined 226-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Just don't expect the same thrilling acceleration of the 302-hp Toyota RAV4 Prime level acceleration from either of them. At our test track, our loaded Limited hybrid test vehicle managed a 7.1-second run to 60 mph. While the Tucson is no sports car, its handling is confident, it's got solid steering, and a comfortable ride. The richest part of the Tucson drive is its quiet cruising speed that lends itself to a more luxurious experience otherwise lost in this affordable-minded segment of SUVs.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and PHEV can tow up to 2000 pounds, which is more than Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox, but less than the Mazda CX-50's 3500-pound maximum capacity.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Plug-in hybrid Tucsons use a 13.8-kWh battery pack that delivers an EPA-estimated 33 miles of electric-only driving. A 7.2-kW onboard charger can fully recharge the battery in about two hours when connected to a Level 2 charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates the Tucson Hybrid is good for 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway; the plug-in hybrid model earned a rating of 80 MPGe combined and delivered 33 miles of electric-only driving in the EPA's test. When compared to the gas-only Tucson, those numbers are pleasingly better than the 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway ratings it earned. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the hybrid model failed to deliver its EPA-estimated 38 mpg, delivering just 28 mpg; we haven't tested the plug-in hybrid on our route yet. For more information about the Tucson's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Tucson sports a simplistic but modern dashboard design with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and a touch-sensitive control panel for the climate-control system and infotainment. Hyundai's flagship Palisade SUV and the brand's recently redesigned Sonata and Elantra sedans have served as a sort of watershed moment for the company's interior designs, and the new Tucson continues the trend with a thoughtfully arranged interior filled with quality materials and luxury features. The Tucson's rear seat space and cargo area are both larger than the outgoing model, providing more passenger comfort and practicality. Behind the hybrid's back row, we fit nine carry-on suitcases, and the luggage capacity rose to 22 bags with the seatbacks stowed.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A standard 8.8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation is optional—as are features such as SiriusXM satellite radio and an upgraded Bose stereo system. Other high-tech offerings include Hyundai's digital key smartphone app, which provides lock and unlock features as well as an option for remote start.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features will be available, many of which will come standard. For more information about the Tucson Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

In the compact-SUV market, only one rival offers as much warranty coverage as the Tucson Hybrid, and that's its corporate twin, the Kia Sportage. The Hyundai still holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs