2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

  1. Research Center
  2. /
  3. Road Test Research Articles
  4. /
  5. New Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

One Hot Hybrid

The high styled Hyundai Tucson Hybrid debuted in the Spring of 2021. A plug-in hybrid version takes you 33 miles on all-electric power only. Hyundai amped up the performance in both versions of the popular compact SUV offering 226 horsepower in the Hybrid and 261 ponies in the PHEV making these the fastest and most fuel efficient Tucsons ever.
 
A smooth six-speed automatic transmission is a great choice for the Tucson, besting the usual CVT transmission found in many hybrid vehicles. Plus, this hot hybrid is available in all-wheel drive and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. The cabin is supremely quiet and comfortable, with superior luxury and ample safety and driver assist features.
*All mileage is EPA-Estimated
 
For 2024, a high-performance sporty N-Line joins the Tucson Hybrid's trim levels, and all trim levels are fitted with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and feedback through the steering wheel for standard driver assist tech such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. Rear side airbags are also now standard.
 
The overall look is sleek and futuristic with its unique front grill and integrated LED headlight package. New alloy wheels match the vehicle perfectly. Lots of flowing body lines makes the Tucson stand out in a sea of boring competitors. Best of all, this pleasing package is remarkably affordable. You get a lot of crossover here for a starting MSRP of $33,950.

Under the Hood

While the regular gasoline-powered version of the Tucson is known for less than inspiring power, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions of this excellent SUV shaves two seconds off its zero to 60mph times offering a peppy jaunt to 60 in just 7.7 seconds, making it the quickest in its class and beating out the Toyota RAV4. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine is married to an electric motor and a six-speed tranny for a combined 226 horsepower in the Hybrid and 261 horses in the PHEV. The standard all-wheel drive adds roadworthy grip in all driving conditions.
 
We found the steering to be remarkably crisp and the handling inspires confidence in this refined family hauler. According to the EPA, the Tucson Hybrid gets 38 mpg of both city and highway driving. The PHEV version's 13.8-kWh battery pack will take you 33 miles on electric power only before you need a recharge. When you do plug it in, it only takes two hours for a full charge on Level 2 charging.
*All mileage is EPA-Estimated

In the Cabin

The high styled interior is a comfortable place for five adults and there's 38.7-cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 80 feet of room with those rear seats stowed. There's also a hands-free liftgate. You'll find a touch-sensitive control panel and a push button shifter. A sleek and uncluttered dashboard includes a digital gauge display and a large 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes as standard and so does Hyundai's digital key feature. Stepping up to the Limited Trim model gets you a premium Bose Sound System, a heated steering wheel, plus heated and ventilated front seats. A nice touch is that even the rear seats recline.
 
We found the touchscreen to be highly intuitive, offering every possible control and even all the driver assist features are designed in a very clear and easy to navigate manner. We especially appreciate that all the driver assist details are explained so that you really understand what they do and how they function. The 360-degree camera view system is another excellent touch.
Before heading out, you can choose your drive modes between Eco, Sport, Smart, and Snow. Each mode changes the look and animation of the gauges. The Limited trim also comes with a magnificent panoramic sunroof that opens completely and there's mood-changing ambient lighting throughout the cabin.

On The Road

The first thing we noticed when taking this Tucson Hybrid out on the road is that it has excellent pickup. Thanks to the electric motor and gas engine combo, when you need to get on an onramp or pass another vehicle, this baby is ready to pick up and go. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the suspension is truly excellent.
 
We were very impressed with the Tucson. It offers what consumers want in today's most popular crossover hybrid segment; comfort, great value, and remarkable reliability. Another cool selling point is the subtle addition of blind spot cameras in the side mirrors. When you hit the turn signals, a video view of what is around you appears in the gauge cluster to make sure you are clear to change lanes. This feature is unique to Hyundai vehicles and very clever.
The Wrap Up
We like everything about the latest Tucson Hybrid. It has earned a five-star safety test rating and comes with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist all as standard, while adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist are available options. And let's not forget Hyundai's industry-leading warranty. The Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid includes a five years or 60,000 miles limited warranty, a 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty, and complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
 
Simply put, in a landscape of cookie-cutter crossovers, this one is a real winner. Starting MSRP is $33,950.