2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
The Hybrid might be the best of the Tucson range. Quicker and efficient than the standard model and notably more affordable than the desirable plug-in hybrid, this feels like the sweet spot. It competes with other hybrid compact crossovers including the gas-electric variants of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Ford Escape.
What's New
- Tucson N Line joins the trim lineup
- Steering wheel haptic feedback for lane keep assist and blind-spot monitoring
- New paint option Hampton Gray
- Base trim gains 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Standard rear side airbags
What We Think
Our biggest qualms about recommending the Tucson relate to its engine, a rough, underpowered, non-turbo four-cylinder. The hybrid is a drastic improvement, with a smooth automatic and lots more torque that transform the powertrain to something that feels powerful and premium. We've noted a relatively comfortable ride, precise steering, and more grip through the bends than we'd expect. The natural brake feel is impressive for a hybrid, too.
The hybrid shares the stylish, distinctive bodywork of the standard car, which helps the Tucson stand out from a sea of blobby, indistinct crossovers. One unfortunate note about the hybrid, though: It comes standard with the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display, which seems like a good thing, but it loses the smaller system's wireless smartphone mirroring and physical climate controls.
The Tucson Hybrid's appeal isn't universal when you look at the competition, though. Hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape are all more efficient, and the popular Toyota is quicker and more affordable. That said, the Tucson's style and feature content provide plenty of draw.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2024 Tucson Hybrid mates a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 with a single electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, and total system output amounts to 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, good for 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds. Fuel economy numbers read 37-38/36-38 mpg city/highway, with entry-level Blue trim examples carrying a slight advantage. For a little context, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid returns up to 41/38 mpg and the Ford Escape Hybrid can achieve 44/37 mpg.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2023 Tucson earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though since it hasn't been evaluated in the institute's new, more challenging side test, it doesn't qualify for 2023 awards. With AWD, the 2023 Tucson also only earns a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Hyundai's safety feature offerings are more noteworthy. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring are all standard. The range-topping Limited model adds a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane centering, and a blind-spot camera feed in the digital instrument cluster.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Tucson has strength in its interior dimensions, providing more front and rear legroom than either the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V hybrids. Hyundai's offering has more space behind the seats, too.
Technology
New for this year, every Tucson Hybrid gets a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment setup, which was previously limited to the top two trims. The SEL Convenience and Limited models add a matching 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless charging is standard as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Range-topping Limited trims add Bose premium audio.
Is There an Electric Tucson?
Hyundai has a few electric SUV options, although for now, there's no electric Tucson. Buyers seeking an EV from the automaker can look toward the smaller Kona EV, the SUV of the Year-winning Ioniq 5, or the Ioniq 6 sedan. A three-row Ioniq 7 is on the way.
Recommended Trim
The entry-level Blue trim is hard to ignore. Even saving money over the higher trims, buyers still get a big infotainment screen and most driver assist features. Considering the Blue also gets better fuel economy than its peers, this will be the best pick for many drivers.
