For some people, the word “SUV” conjures up visions of massive vehicles designed to dominate the road and comfortably fit a professional hockey team inside. But for some of us, an SUV is something else: something smaller and more refined, with a smooth driving experience and an interior that’s spacious enough for an intimate gathering of friends or family. Compact crossover models have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the Hyundai Tucson is a favourite for many drivers, particularly since it has a couple of hybrid options available. This gives you tremendous freedom in terms of the performance you get in your next ride, and Hyundai is well known for delivering impressive tech features and gorgeous style.
However, before you head out looking for a Hyundai Tucson hybrid for sale, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. You have a couple of options available for hybrid models, including both a standard hybrid and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Hyundai Tucson, along with two different trim levels for the electrified models. I love seeing this kind of freedom in a model like this—too often, a manufacturer will offer one hybrid option, and you get what you get—but it means you need to choose carefully. Let’s take a look at the two different types of hybrids available for the Tucson and the trims that give you what you need.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
To start things off, let’s look at the engines available for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson hybrid models because you have an important decision here. The standard gasoline-powered Tucson comes with a 2.5L I-4 engine that offers 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. With available all-wheel drive, this engine has an estimated fuel efficiency of 10.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 L/100 km on the highway. Even though you obviously can’t get this engine in a hybrid model, it’s worth looking at as a frame of reference.
If you go with the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, you get a 1.6L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers an impressive 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Already, you can see why a lot of people choose a hybrid model over the standard Tucson since it provides a lot more power for an invigorating driving experience. You get standard all-wheel drive with the hybrid engine (no option for front-wheel drive here), and it is rated for 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway. We can see that this engine is not only more powerful but also far more efficient, which is why so many people go for it.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
The standard hybrid engine is excellent, but Hyundai isn’t done yet, and you can choose a PHEV version of the Tucson if you prefer. Two things set plug-in hybrids apart from standard hybrids. First, you can charge the battery by plugging it into a charging station. Second, they offer a limited all-electric range while producing zero emissions. This kind of vehicle is a great choice if you’re curious about what it might be like to drive an EV, but you’re not ready to commit to completely leaving the gas pump behind.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV features a 1.6L turbocharged I-4 engine, much like the standard hybrid version, but it’s tuned to deliver 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This extra power allows for a fantastic driving experience, and you get all-wheel drive standard with this version as well. Not only does the PHEV offer better overall fuel economy than the conventional gas-powered Tucson, but it can also travel an estimated 53 km in all-electric mode without using any gas. If you make a lot of short trips or have a short daily commute, you can take care of everything you need without using any gas. Best of all, you can plug the Tucson PHEV into a conventional 120V outlet or get an at-home charging station that makes it easy to keep your battery charged and ready when you need it.
Check Out the Hyundai Tucson Luxury Hybrid
No matter which hybrid powertrain you’re most interested in, two options are available when choosing your trim for the Tucson hybrid. There are six total trims offered for the Tucson, but the other options are limited to the gas engine. However, the two hybrid trims are both fantastic options, so you’re not missing out on any great features. For starters, the Luxury Hybrid rides on 48 cm alloy wheels with a Smart Power Liftgate in the rear, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated body-colour side mirrors. You get automatic headlights with the Luxury Hybrid on top of LED headlights, tail lights, and brake lights. This model also includes a panoramic sunroof, front and rear skid plates to protect the underside of your vehicle, and a gorgeous overall design.
Inside the Luxury Hybrid, you’ll find a 26 cm infotainment system with navigation, which features support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You get a Bose eight-speaker Premium sound system in this trim, numerous USB ports for charging and connecting smart devices, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and remote engine start with proximity key entry. The Luxury Hybrid features leather seating with heated front and rear seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 26 cm digital display instrument cluster.
Perhaps best of all, the Hyundai Tucson Luxury Hybrid is also an incredibly safe vehicle featuring Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection. It also has Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Driver Attention Warning to help alert you if you’re losing focus while driving. You get Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Reverse Parking Distance Warning to help you stay safe on the road and while manoeuvring at low speeds.
Upgrade to the Hyundai Tucson Ultimate Hybrid
If you want a premium driving experience in your next hybrid, then consider the aptly named Hyundai Tucson Ultimate Hybrid, which builds on what the Luxury Hybrid offers. For starters, you get super bright projector-type LED headlights and a Surround View Monitor that gives you a virtual, 360-degree look around your SUV while driving at low speeds. Inside the Ultimate Hybrid, you’ll find a wireless charging pad for compatible devices, heated and ventilated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat to go with the power driver’s seat. The driver’s seat also has an Integrated Memory System that makes it easy to share the Tucson between multiple drivers. In terms of safety, the Tucson Ultimate Hybrid has Forward and Reverse Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist to ensure you’re as safe as possible every time you hit the road.
Which Model Has What You’re Looking For?
As you can see, you have a wealth of options when it comes to getting a Hyundai Tucson with a hybrid powertrain, letting you put together something that’s perfect for you. At the end of the day, shopping for a new car is all about getting what you need, regardless of what anyone else says is popular or what your neighbours have in their driveways. Both the standard hybrid and the plug-in hybrid powertrains are excellent, so you can’t go wrong with either, and while the Ultimate Hybrid adds some features to the Luxury Hybrid, you’re not going to be unhappy driving either of them. Once you know what you need from your next vehicle, you can shop with confidence and drive away from your favourite Hyundai dealer, knowing you found the right compact crossover that you’ll enjoy for a long time.
