2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD: The Brand’s Compact Crossover

Highlight:  The Tucson is also available as plug-in model, too.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $41,010 (Base Blue Model: $ 33,950)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a rearview camera; forward collision brakes; lane keep assist system; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a heated side mirrors with turn signals; blind spot collision avoidance assistance and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Blue): 17-inch wheels; privacy glass; a rear spoiler; roof side rails; a handsfree liftgate with adjustable height setting; cloth seats; power driver’s seat; power driver’s lumbar support; heated front seats; a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD speaker with SiriusXM;  60/40 split reclining rear seats; a dual level cargo floor; an 8-inch infotainment screen; dual automatic temperature control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; wireless device charging system; and keyless push button ignition system

Standard Equipment (Limited): 19-inch wheels; a shift by wire gear selector; a panoramic sunroof; leather seats; power front seats; memory operated driver’s seat; heated and ventilated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a heated steering wheel; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a Bose 8 speaker audio system; a remote smart park assist system; front and rear map lights; and ability to operate specific aspects of the vehicle with one’s smartphone

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

Tucson non hybrid

Tucson plug-in

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine/180-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 2,000 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 37-city/36-hwy

What’s New: The Hyundai Tucson hybrid is essentially a carryover model.

Why:

Over 500 miles on a full tank

Offers more horsepower than all of the competitors

A sexy futuristic design

Peppy engine

Great road trip vehicle

Easy to use infotainment system

Partial split rear reclining seats

19-inch wheels

Roomy cargo area

Rugged look

Leather seats

Ventilated front seats available

Heated front and rear seat

A remote smart park system (designed for close parking)

A handsfree smart liftgate

AWD

A host of driving aid features

A co pilot assist driving system and a radar activated cruise control system

One of the best new vehicle warranties in the industry

A wireless remote smartphone charger

A brake hold system

But: 

Should a mainstream compact crossover be priced over $40,000?

No front wheel drive option available

Has a slightly lower MPG and overall total driving range than the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4

The base model Toyota RAV4 is priced slightly lower than the Hyundai Tucson hybrid Blue

Verdict: Hyundai's hybrid sales have grown by 29 percent, when comparing April 2024 year-over-year sales. The stylish compact Tuscon hybrid is one of the vehicles in the brand's portfolio that has allowed the Korean carmaker to expand their customer base, as consumers are seeking more fuel-efficient vehicles. 

The Tuscon hybrid, which goes head-to-head with the segment leader, the Toyota RAV4, offers more miles per gallon and driving range on a full tank than its non hybrid sibling. And like the RAV4 hybrid, the Tuscon hybrid is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. 

Conversely, both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Honda CRV hybrid are available in both a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. Honda's hybrid actually out bests the segment leader, Toyota, with a combined 40 MPG. The Hyundai lands slightly lower at a combined 38 MPG, according to fueleconomy.gov.

The competitors all offer a total driving range on a full tank of gas in the 558 to 566 miles on a full tank, while the Tuscon hybrid brings up the rear at 521 miles. On the upside, the Hyundai Tuscon hybrid offers more horsepower than all of the competitors in the segment.

Ironically, while a front wheel drive configuration typically equates to a lower MSRP, that's not the case with the competition. In fact, both of the front wheel drive competitors have a higher base MSRP than both Hyundai and Toyota. 

Outside of the pricing and the miles per gallon, the car-like riding Tuscon hybrid is available in a variety of trims. The easy to maneuver hybrid has a standard list of safety driving aids, too. Depending on the trim, consumers can option out their vehicles with everything from a panoramic sunroof to heated and ventilated front seats to a higher end premium Bose audio system. 

Moreover, the Tuscon hybrid infotainment with the built-in optional navigational system is easier to use. Unlike the RAV4, which leans on a subscription-based navigation system and a voice navigation to operate many of its features, the Hyundai doesn't require such. Added to that, Hyundai also offers a remote park assist feature in the vehicle, allowing the Tuscon to be parked in tight spaces, without the driver being behind the wheel. 

Lastly, while a number of the vehicles in the segment have yet to offer a hybrid powertrain or other alternatives, Hyundai has made sure that their hybrid is both competitive and in step with the segment leader.

Competition: Ford Escape Hybrid; Honda CR-V Hybrid; Kia Sportage Hybrid; and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid