2026 Hyundai Tucson Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Hyundai’s most popular model charms with a mix of practical features and emotional appeal. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson’s generous cargo space, available hybrid models, and bold exterior design make the SUV compelling in a big segment.
Last year’s updates tightened up styling and introduced modernized tech to the lineup. Compact SUV competitors include the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.
What’s New
Considering the fourth-gen Tucson received a refresh just last model year, changes for this year are light.
Basics
- Towing capacity improves from 2,000 to 2,750 pounds for Tucson gas models
- Terrain mode for the XRT trim
- SEL Convenience is now called SEL Premium
- The Hybrid Blue is now called SEL; Hybrid N-Line has been discontinued
- Hybrid Blue SE base model is new
- Combo Level 1 and Level 2 charging cable for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Exterior
- Hybrid and PHEV are available with a Ecotronic Gray paint that replaces Titan Gray
- Hybrid model’s Titanium Gray Matte color has been retired
We’re also expecting Hyundai to reveal the next-generation Tucson as a 2027 or 2028 model.
What We Think
Considering all the Tucson’s recent updates, we’re most enthused about improvements inside the cabin. The fancy new dual-screen binnacle helps the dash feel more modern than the outgoing layout, and wireless phone mirroring is now standard with every trim.
We get a good balance of hard and soft buttons in the updated center stack as well. Interior packaging is strengthened with additional clever cubbies and storage options.
The 2026 Tucson could still improve in a few ways, however, starting with its gas powertrain—although it can tow more this year, it's underpowered and unrefined. Ride quality is composed for most road surfaces, but rough pavement will trigger some suspension oscillations that travel into the passenger compartment.
The rugged-looking XRT model lacks the substance to truly go off-road; it’s more for graded dirt roads than moderate trails. The Trail mode it gains this year might help.
A compelling blend of style, technology, and value have helped the Tucson become Hyundai’s bestselling vehicle. The gas model’s driving manners could use a little attention, though, if the company means for it to be an even better rival for the segment leaders.
MotorTrend Tested
Hyundai makes the 2026 Tucson available with one of three powertrains. Internal combustion models feature a 2.5-liter non-turbo inline-four engine that develops 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, making it the least powerful of the trio.
Unsurprisingly, it’s also the slowest. The gas 2025 XRT model can accelerate to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 9.0 seconds, 1.2 seconds slower than the hybrid variant and 1.9 seconds behind the plug-in hybrid.
MPGs and Range
Tucson gas FWD models return 25/33 mpg city/highway for 2025, and AWD versions get 24/30 mpg. This year’s ratings should be similar. That puts AWD efficiency slightly below the Subaru Forester, which sees 25–26/32–33 mpg.
Driving range on the Tucson comes to 372–400 miles, down from the 2025 Forester’s 465–481 miles. This means the Subaru will cost a bit less than the Hyundai and require fewer trips to the gas station.
Safety Ratings and Features
The Tucson earns good safety ratings. From IIHS, last year’s compact SUV is a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, receiving all good ratings in the crashworthiness category. NHTSA gives the Tucson its top distinction, a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars out of five in each of the front and side impact tests but just four stars in the rollover resistance assessment.
Every 2026 Tucson comes with the following as standard:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping systems
- A rear occupant reminder
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver-focus monitoring
Moving up the lineup unlocks rear automatic emergency braking, a display that shows what’s in your blind spot, a 360 camera, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Space inside the 2026 Tucson is generous. Rear legroom and cargo capacity compare favorably to the Rogue and outgoing RAV4.
Technology
Entry-level Tucson SE models come with a 4.2-inch multi-information screen, but every other variant comes with a 12.3-inch driver display and same-sized infotainment touchscreen. Base models are also equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear USB ports, and automatic high-beams.
Power heated front seats and a wireless phone charger are available. The top model comes with ventilated front seats .
When Can We Expect a New Tucson?
With this year’s model, the fourth-gen Tucson is five years old and near the end of its product life if the lifecycles of previous generations are any indication. That means we should be looking at the arrival of the fifth-gen model before long, an SUV that could mirror the exterior styling changes we saw with the updated Palisade.
Although the 2026 Tucson is mostly a carryover model, the 2027 or 2028 Tucson may be a completely new model.
Prices and Availability
Pricing for 2026 Tucson gas models should start around $31,000, with the top model in the range commanding closer to $43,000. Hybrids will start at roughly $35,000, and the entry-level plug-in hybrid is expected to sticker for about $41,000.
The jump in price from the non-hybrid 2026 Tucson to the hybrid model used to be bigger but Hyundai introduced a more affordable base Hybrid Blue SE this year.
