Tuesday, June 30, 2026

2026 Hyundai Tuscon XRT AWD: The Brand’s Quasi- Off Road Compact Crossover

 


Highlight:  The Tuscon is Hyundai's best-selling vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37,065 (Base SE Trim MSRP): $31,350

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a surround view monitor with forward ground view; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a ti;XRTre pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; Bluelink; dash camera; a temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (XRT): 18-inch wheels; 8-speed automatic transmission; AWD;  black front and rear lower fascia; XRT-exclusive exterior cladding; exclusive body side cladding; roof side rails; rear tow hitch; push button ignition starter; handsfree power liftgate; dual automatic temperature control; leather-like seating; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated exterior mirrors; rear spoiler; trailer pre-wiring; dual level cargo floor; and leather wrapped steering wheel

Options: carpeted floor mats; and pearl white exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder /187-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 33-city/25-hwy (test model)

Towing: 2,750 lbs (test model)

What’s New: Its essentially a carryover model for the 2026 model year. However, a new terrain mode has been added.

Why:

Offers a new terrain mode

Available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration

Like the segment leader the RAV4, a hybrid and a plug-in model are available

A high-level of standard safety driving aids

Stylish athletic design

Heated front seats

One of the top new car warranties in the segment

car-like ride

But:

No sunroof on test model

Needs more horsepower

No wireless charging on test model

Test model too pricey

 


Verdict: The compact Tuscon is Hyundai's bestselling model. Like the segment competitor, the Toyota RAV4, the Tuscon is in every category. The Tuscon offers a gasoline, a hybrid and a plug-in model. 

At a starting price of $31,350, the current generation Tuscon is available in a variety of trims in either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

We spent time behind the wheel of the brand's Tuscon XRT. Its Hyundai's version of an off-road vehicle, offering the appearance package with some of its black out features as well as a new terrain mode. 

Being that a newly designed Terrain is on the horizon in 2027, Hyundai didn't make any significant changes this model year. We also must note the Tuscon received a midcycle update in 2025.

Overall, the vehicle is a great alternative for the newly designed hard-to-get Toyota RAV4 due to supply constraints. Also, the compact crossover offers one of the top new car warranties in the segment. 

Competition: Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue 

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