Our Opinion - 2026 Hyundai Tucson Review The 2026 Hyundai Tucson looks nice and is sophisticated enough to interest casual drivers, but it doesn’t perform as well on the road as cars from Honda, Mazda, and Volkswagen. All-wheel drive is available as an option, but the standard configuration pairs a four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower to the front wheels. The Tucson Hybrid has more power if you want to go faster, even though it doesn’t accelerate as quickly. There is more space inside the Tucson than in other small SUVs, and it looks great. The inside of a Hyundai is also very tech-savvy. There are available features like adaptive cruise control that automatically centers the car in its lane and a big digital display that combines entertainment and gauges into one glass screen. What's New? There won’t be any significant changes to the Tucson for the 2026 model year, as it was just rebuilt last year. Pros and Cons Pros You can choose between two hybrids. A useful bedroom with cutting-edge technology. High marks for safety. Cons Unrefined fuel engine that isn’t very strong. Because XRT can’t go off-road very well. It’s possible to make the ride better. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Tucson comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. While those who prefer a more spirited drive might wish for greater power, the Tucson delivers enough performance for city commuting and confident highway passing. It may not be a sports car, but it provides a smooth ride, responsive handling, and agile steering. What truly sets the Tucson apart is the composed and refined driving experience it offers, giving it a touch of luxury rarely found in vehicles within this segment. Safety A variety of driver-assistance features are available, many of which come standard. Key safety highlights include: Most automatic emergency brakes can tell who is on the road. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are included as standard features. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering is available. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Tucson features a clean yet modern dashboard layout, with a column-mounted shifter, a digital gauge cluster, and a dedicated panel with physical controls for climate settings. Drawing inspiration from Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV as well as the redesigned Sonata and Elantra sedans, the Tucson’s cabin reflects a major step forward in the brand’s interior styling. Its design is thoughtfully executed, showcasing premium materials and advanced features throughout. The Tucson offers spacious rear seating and a large cargo area, giving it an edge in comfort and everyday usability over many of its competitors. In fact, it can hold up to 22 bags with the rear seats folded and accommodates nine carry-ons behind the second row. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA has not yet released Tucson’s 2026 fuel economy numbers. However, the 2025 model got up to 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg total. However, during our highway fuel-economy test at 75 mph, the Tucson XRT returned just 26 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity A larger, combined digital screen that spans most of the dashboard’s width is available as an option, but the standard system features a single 12.3-inch touchscreen. This vehicle is equipped with two displays: one dedicated to digital gauges and another for functions such as navigation, audio, vehicle settings, and more. While SiriusXM satellite radio and an upgraded Bose sound system are available, every model comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Another advanced feature is Hyundai’s digital key smartphone app, which allows you to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle. Range, Charging, and Battery Life During our tests, the all-wheel-drive Limited trim achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.8 seconds. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions deliver a stronger sense of power, though they still fall short of the quicker Toyota RAV4 Prime, which we evaluated separately. Towing and Payload Capacity All Tucson types can pull up to 2,000 pounds, but you don’t have to have one. Price and How to Choose The price of a 2026 Hyundai Tucson could range from $30,695 to $40,670, depending on the model and extras. Our pick would be the mid-range SEL trim, as it includes a power liftgate, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Choosing the higher package is a smart upgrade, as it includes advanced driver-assistance technologies, a sunroof, built-in navigation, and a digital instrument cluster. All trim levels are available with all-wheel drive.
