2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price, Specs, MPG

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price, Specs, MPG   –  With two new gas-electric SUVs arriving at just about the same time, it might seem like Hyundai has created some redundancy within its own lineup – or at least made it difficult to decide which is best.

After all, there isn’t much separating them in terms of size, and their fundamentals are identical, with the same mechanical and electrical components underpinning them. Hell, they’re even priced within spitting distance of each other, which only makes matters more complicated. In reality, the choice is about as simple as they come: leave the Santa Fe, take the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.  2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

As is the case with the gas–electric Santa Fe, there’s little indication in everyday operation that this is a hybrid, and the transmission is a big reason why – but it’s not the only reason. Yes, that’s what helps this Tucson accelerate in a linear manner that’s far superior to any CVT-equipped vehicle out there; and it also means it’s quick to drop a physical gear or two (which can also be done via paddle shifters) when it’s time to pass. But rather than the sleepiness that’s often associated with efficiency, this is a perky little performer.

Regardless of how it’s powered the Tucson is about as enjoyable to drive as anything in the segment, including the Mazda CX-5 that’s often praised for its agility. While there is some body roll to contend with, steering response is compact-car sharp and leads to reassuring changes of direction while remaining firmly planted to the road below. The brakes, too, while featuring regeneration to put energy into the battery for later use, progressively bring the 1,735-kg (3,825-lb) SUV to a stop without the soft pedal feel that’s typical of hybrids. 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Specs

Hyundai has strategically packaged this hybrid powertrain as the only one available with the Tucson’s two top trims. That means all kinds of good stuff is included in both, like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker stereo, satellite radio, wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate.

Other goodies included in the pricier of the pair include memory settings for the driver’s seat, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and Hyundai’s hokey remote-park system that allows the vehicle to be moved forward or back from outside the vehicle via buttons on the key fob. Of course, other good stuff is included in both trims, like alloy wheels, keyless entry with proximity sensor buttons on the front door handles, and push-button start.

Engine and Performance

OK, the real reality is that it’s hard to go wrong with either one of these Hyundai-badged hybrid SUVs – and a big reason why is what drives them. They use the same 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, both relative rarities in modern gas-electric machines, alongside a 44-kW electric motor. Together, those power sources provide 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, all of which gets to the pavement via an all-wheel drive system that disconnects the rear ones from the equation when they aren’t needed.

It stands out here more than the slightly larger Santa Fe Hybrid that this gas–electric powertrain leans more heavily on the former than it does the latter. Particularly when accelerating from a stop – and even in fuel-saving eco mode – it’s quicker than the competition to kick over to internal combustion power. Pair that with the conventional automatic rather than the continuously variable transmission (CVT) typically found in hybrids and this Tucson performs with little indication that it’s different from the average small sport utility.  2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Fuel Economy

Despite the tendency to get into the gas in a hurry, the Tucson Hybrid happily switches over to electric-only propulsion once cruising speed is reached – particularly on secondary highways where speeds stay below triple digits – and stays there for prolonged periods, with nothing more than a green indicator in the gauge cluster alerting the driver of the switch to emissions-free mode.

The same is true of the Santa Fe, though its biggest shortcoming is its relative inefficiency compared to the stalwart Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or segment-leading Ford Escape Hybrid. And while the Tucson employs the same gas–electric components as its slightly larger sibling, right down to the 1.49-kWh battery pack under the back seat, it’s the far more efficient of the two.

Officially, it’s rated to burn a combined 6.4 L/100 km – one litre less than the Santa Fe that weighs roughly 172 kg (380 lb) more. And while that’s still slightly worse than the Escape (5.9 with all-wheel drive) and RAV4 (6.0), as well as the Toyota Venza that uses the same underpinnings (6.1), it wasn’t difficult to bring the real-world average down even further. An initial test drive saw the Tucson consume 6.2 L/100 km over 200 km of cruising around town, on the highway, and along winding ribbons of road in Niagara Region’s wine country.  2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Safety Features

Just like the Santa Fe, the one item missing from this hybrid’s safety features list is a head-up display. Beyond that omissions, everything from automatic high-beam headlights to lane-following and lane-keep assist, that works in stop-and-go traffic is included in both trims. There’s also blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and an exit alert system that will warn occupants of approaching rearward traffic, though the top trim replaces the blind-spot warning indicators in the door mirrors with a camera-based system that displays a live look at either side of the vehicle in the gauge cluster when the signal is activated.

The overhauled Nissan Rogue boasts one of the best advanced adaptive cruise control systems in the business, leaving the so-called highway driving assist in the Tucson’s top trim as a close second. The system provides steering input to keep the vehicle centred within its lane markings, even on winding roads (assuming the driver’s hands remain on the wheel), but is constantly applying micro-corrections that the Rogue’s system doesn’t. It can, however, be disengaged via a button on the steering wheel without disabling lane-keep assist.  2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price and Release Date

With a two-trim strategy for this Tucson Hybrid, pricing skews slightly to the more expensive end of the spectrum than the Escape and RAV4 hybrids, but it’s far better equipped than both of them. Realistically, its pre-tax pricing of $40,624 for the Luxury Hybrid and $43,324 for the Ultimate Hybrid – both including an $1,825 freight fee – is more in line with the loaded Escape Titanium Hybrid with its available options ($42,549) or RAV4 Hybrid Limited ($45,210), as well as the hybrid-only Venza ($40,350 to $49,550, depending on trim). The Santa Fe, meanwhile, is priced at $43,324 and $45,724 for either of its available hybrid trims.

Parked next to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the gas–electric Santa Fe is best described as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Make no mistake: there’s nothing inherently wrong with the slightly larger of the two that’s just as enjoyable to drive, with performance that stands out for feeling like that of a conventional SUV. If anything, its ride quality is slightly superior to the Tucson’s, and it has a little more room inside for people.  2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Price