Same Tucson, Tiny Changes

Beyond the interior, every Tucson receives fresh front and rear bumpers, as well as a less arachnid-like daytime running light situation. Where before the Hyundai wore ten chiclet-shaped LEDs integrated into the full-width grille design, that array has been slimmed to eight in total. The effect remains largely the same, but the look is slightly less busy. As on other recently updated Hyundais, the Tucson adopts cool new anodized aluminum badging, as well as new aluminum wheel designs across the lineup ranging in size from 17 inches in diameter to 19 inches.

The lineup again consists of gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid Tucson variants. The gas version is powered by a carryover 187-hp, 178-lb-ft 2.5-liter I-4 and an eight-speed automatic transmission (with either front- or all-wheel drive). Hybrid Tucsons are all-wheel-drive-only and use a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 with electric assist, and the PHEV upgrades that hybrid setup with a bigger battery and a more powerful electric drive motor. As such, the Tucson Hybrid makes 231 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid makes a stouter 268 hp and the same 258 lb-ft of peak torque, thanks to its 97-hp, 224-lb-ft electric motor (the Hybrid uses a 64-hp, 195-lb-ft motor). The PHEV also gets a 13.8-kWh battery, compared to the Hybrid's 1.49-kWh unit.

Both hybrid models also utilize a six-speed automatic transmission, and every Hybrid gets Hyundai's newest shift lever setup standard, a stalk with a twist knob at the end that pokes out from the steering column. This same piece is also found on the company's EVs, as well as nicer versions of the smaller Kona; on the gas-only Tucsons, the fancier shifter is limited to upper trims, leaving entry-level variants with a traditional console-mounted shift lever.

Other technologies ported over from other Hyundais include Digital Key 2, in which compatible smartphones can be used as the Tucson's key, unlocking and starting the car without needing the actual key fob; the aforementioned over-the-air update capability; and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.