by Martin Pretorius
Since its launch in the USA in 2022, the new Hyundai Tucson compact SUV has earned round after round of applause. Included in the product mix are two hybrid powertrains, and they may just be the best vehicles in the range. Buyers can choose between a normal 226-hp hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in 261-hp version (PHEV), and they're both excellent. Various trim levels are available, so it should be easy to find a model and trim to suit your needs. Built on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, it shares much with the Kia Sportage, but its distinctive styling definitely lets it stand out in the rather dull small-SUV market segment. Competitors for the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid include the new Honda CR-V Hybrid with its re-engineered hybrid system shared with the new Accord and the top-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Good as it is, this is a hotly contested market segment representing the class of vehicle (after trucks) that Americans love most and the Tucson Hybrid is not as strong on fuel economy as its rivals - a noticeable flaw for a hybrid. Let's see if it has other redeeming features to make up for this shortcoming.
Because the fourth-generation Tucson Hybrid only arrived in North America for the 2022 model year, Hyundai has not made dramatic changes to this model for 2023. This year, the Hybrid SEL Convenience trim gains H-Tex leatherette upholstery in place of last year's cloth, as well as the Limited's navigation-based smart cruise control with Curve Control. It also gets the 10.25-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with HD Radio and dynamic voice recognition, but because this system uses wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the SEL Convenience loses the wireless smartphone integration its old infotainment system had last year.
Newly standard features across the board are adaptive cruise control with stop & go, intelligent speed-limit assist, the Hyundai Digital Key, wireless charging, a motion-activated power liftgate, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and junction turning detection. There's a new paint color - Serenity White Pearl - for 2023 as well.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Blue |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$31,350 |
| Hybrid SEL Convenience |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$34,310 |
| Plug-In Hybrid SEL |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$37,500 |
| Hybrid Limited |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$39,110 |
| Plug-In Hybrid Limited |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$44,760 |
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson range offers some of the sharpest handling in its market segment, and the hybrid versions are no different, as we found in our Hyundai Tucson Hybrid review. While the ride quality on its four-wheel independent suspension is generally smooth and compliant, the 2023 Tucson hybrids also manage to scythe around corners without losing composure. The electrically assisted power steering doesn't really communicate the state of the tires' grip to the driver, but it is quick to respond and has a nicely weighted feel.
Performance is also class-competitive or better than most opponents, with even the basic HEV managing to feel lively and eager to accelerate. That electric-motor torque makes a big difference in normal driving and lends immediate throttle response to the entire drivetrain. Combined outputs for the HEV amount to 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, but it's the fact that all the torque is available from a standstill that makes it feel so eager.
The PHEV is even livelier than the HEV, thanks to its more powerful electric motor and upgraded battery. With a combined output of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft, there's enough punch on tap to get the PHEV to 60 mph in the mid-7-second range, along with similarly instant response but more stamina on the open road. The overtaking performance also benefits from the PHEV's larger motor, and real-world driving gives the impression of more power than the specification sheet suggests.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid models stand ahead of their competitors in most areas except outright fuel efficiency, but they have so many other positive attributes that it might be worth sacrificing a few MPG for a much nicer overall experience. Apart from the infuriating capacitive-touch audio controls, the Tucson's interior is rather plush for its segment, and it also comes with a long list of standard features for not too much money. In short, the Tucson Hybrid is one of the very best cars in its class, and with accomplished competitors such as the RAV4 and Honda CR-V hybrids in the mix, that says a lot.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo