Sales in the U.S. keep climbing for the Hyundai Tucson, which was once not even in the conversation when discussing elite compact crossover SUVs.
Sales were a modest 47,306 in 2014. Fast-forward 11 years and the visually appealing Tucson is one of the major players in the class, evidenced by its record-high sales of 219,205 last year.
We recently drove the 2026 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and were impressed by its overall capabilities. The PHEV is similar to the gas-powered Tucson, but has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that allows the SUV to travel roughly 32 miles on all-electric power, providing additional fuel economy.
Besides fuel considerations, there are other benefits in choosing the PHEV. It features a comfortable interior that’s smartly designed and packed with features. The PHEV delivers a smooth ride, adequate performance, and all models are equipped with all-wheel drive.
But one item that is always considered before the final decision is made could be a deal killer – price. The gas-powered Tucson starts at around $29,500, while the PHEV typically goes for approximately $34,100 and can climb much higher to over $50,000 with the top-of-the-line model.
Introduced in 2005, for 16 years there was no major decision making when considering a Tucson. That all changed when the company debuted a hybrid version in 2021 and one year later came out with the plug-in hybrid to complete its eco-friendly Tucson lineup.
In the Hyundai SUV class, the Tucson fits in between the smaller Kona and larger Santa Fe, and is the only PHEV the brand offers. The Tucson has a 13.8-kWh battery and charging takes roughly two hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger.
There are more performance-focused vehicles in the class, but the Tucson PHEV is no slouch. The acceleration is fine, relying on an electric motor that combines with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder to produce 231 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in a mediocre 7.6 seconds and gets an average of 35 mpg (gas-powered Tucson is 26 mpg).
While not sporty, the handling is solid and the PHEV proceeds along quietly in most every-day driving situations. The all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance gives it the ability to dabble in some mild off-roading. But there’s no dedicated off-road equipment or all-terrain tires available, so don’t push it.
Standard driver safety features include forward collision warning; automatic emergency braking; pedestrian detection; blind-spot monitoring; lane-keep assist; rear cross-traffic alert; adaptive cruise control; rear-seat alert; vehicle exit warning; driver-attention monitoring; and automatic high-beams.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 HYUNDAI TUCSON PLUG-IN HYBRID
- Performance: electric motor, turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, 231 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 35 mpg; 77 MPGe
- Price estimate: $34,100 to $50,200
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited; Battery: 8 years/100,000 miles
Last year’s interior changes enhanced the overall styling, ease of usage and provided technology updates. The PHEV has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It employs a user-friendly mix of knobs and buttons that includes operation of the radio volume and tuning, and temperature controls.
Among the standard features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, conveniently located wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and four USB ports – two up front and two in the rear.
Seating is generous in front and back for up to five passengers, especially the leg room that is often an issue for second row passengers. The cargo area measures 31.9 cubic-feet behind the second row and expands to 66.3 cubes with the seat folded to the floor.
This Tucson brand is on the rise, now ranked among the best in the class. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid should help keep sales high, a trend that continues to blossom.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.bsky.social
