2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Boldly styled and fun to drive, the Tucson Hybrid is our favorite version of Hyundai’s compact SUV. After a midcycle refresh last year, changes this year are minimal as the company eyes a new version of the crossover for 2027 or 2028.
Small hybrid SUV competitors include the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 (they’re all hybrids starting for 2026), Subaru Forester Hybrid, and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
What’s New
The 2026 Tucson Hybrid won’t see as many changes as it did for 2025. Last year, the refresh delivered sharpened design and plenty of upgraded technology.
This year, Hyundai updates the Tucson Hybrid’s trim lineup by introducing a new entry-level Blue SE grade and discontinuing the N-Line model. The former Tucson Hybrid Blue has also been renamed SEL. On the outside, a new Ecotronic Gray paint color replaces Titanium Gray Matte, adding a fresh touch to styling.
What We Think
The hybrid is the best version of the 2026 Tucson, addressing complaints we have about the gas model while benefitting from recent changes that improved every trim last year.
For 2025, Hyundai addressed one of our previous beefs with the interior by redoing the dash, merging screens into a single, wide binnacle, and rethinking the center stack controls. Functionality is much improved. The interior continues to be spacious but now has additional provisions for stowing stuff. Seating is comfortable, as well.
Although not as quick as the plug-in hybrid model, the Tucson Hybrid is still quite peppy. The crossover accelerates smoothly and driving manners are commendable, with direct steering and a natural brake feel. Some competitors get better fuel economy, though, which impacts this model’s value proposition.
There’s a lot to like about the Tucson Hybrid, but if maximum efficiency is the top priority, the RAV4 Hybrid is worth considering.
MotorTrend Tested
All 2026 Tucson Hybrids come with a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired with a single electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Total system output is rated at 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which allows for a MotorTrend-tested 0–60-mph time of 6.9 seconds. Every Tucson Hybrid features all-wheel drive.
MPGs and Range
Tucson Hybrid Blue base models offer the best fuel economy in the lineup because they roll on smaller wheels, and the same should be true this year. The Blue trim for 2025 gets 38/38 mpg city/highway last year, while other Tucson Hybrids return 35/35 mpg.
For comparison, the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid gets 33–34/38–40 mpg in AWD form but also offers a FWD model with 36/43 mpg. Range comes to 490–560 with the Honda, compared with 480–521 miles with the Hyundai.
What’s Next for Hyundai Hybrids
The 2026 Palisade is the first to receive Hyundai’s next generation of hybrid powertrains, and a version of the tech could head to the Tucson Hybrid at some point. The Palisade system uses a turbo-four engine and a pair of electric motors integrated into the SUV’s six-speed automatic transmission.
A Tucson Hybrid configuration will likely make less than the bigger SUV’s 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, with numbers closer to the compact crossover’s current output.
Fuel economy in a next-gen Tucson Hybrid should also improve, inching closer to the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid’s 41/38 mpg city/highway.
Safety Ratings and Features
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assists is standard with every 2026 Tucson Hybrid. Features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear cross-traffic monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- A rear-seat occupant reminder
Upgrades consist of parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot view display, Remote Smart Parking Assist automatic parking, and Highway Driving Assist hands-on semi-autonomous driving. HDA works well, but we found the Tucson Hybrid’s blind-spot monitoring to be inconsistent at times.
Last year’s Tucson Hybrid performed well in NHTSA safety testing, and we expect similar results from this year’s model. The Hybrid receives the administration’s top award, a five-star overall safety rating.
In IIHS testing, the Tucson gets the institute’s highest distinction, a 2025 Top Safety Pick+. That’s tough to earn.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Compared to the segment’s newest competitors, the 2026 Tucson Hybrid offers more cargo capacity with the second-row seats in place or folded down. The Hyundai also delivers more rear legroom.
Value
Feature-per-dollar value is a Tucson Hybrid strength and that includes plenty of standard tech. Hyundai equips the base model with the following standard features:
- A 12.3-inch central touchscreen
- Wireless charging pad
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats
- A powered driver’s seat
- USB ports for front and back seats
- A hands-free power liftgate
Voice control and ambient lighting are optional or unlocked on a higher grade. A 12.3-inch driver display, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel and rear seats are also available.
