2023 Hyundai Tucson Performance

The base models rely on only good old-fashioned internal combustion. A new naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine lifted from the Sonata serves as the entry-level engine. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive system is available across the range.

Hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models use an identical 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that works in combination with an electric motor located in the transmission. The four-wheel-drive system remains mechanical, so you won't have to worry about losing grip in treacherous weather once the battery runs flat.

All models come with a 2,000-lbs towing capacity for braked trailers and 1,650 lbs for trailers without stoppers.

At the lower end of the range, a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine is the only option. It produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A standard all-wheel-drive system with Normal, Sport and Smart settings is available for $1,500 extra.

Two versions of the hybrid powertrain are available, utilizing the same 1.6-liter turbo four-pot delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. In both cars, the electric motor is located within the six-speed automatic transmission, which means the all-new Tucson still relies on a mechanical coupling for the AWD system.

The HEV model uses a 59 hp/195 lb-ft electric motor and a 1.49-kWh battery, resulting in a combined power output of 226 hp. The plug-in hybrid uses a 90 hp/224 lb-ft electric motor and a 13.8-kWh battery. The result is 261 hp and an electric range of 33 miles. According to Hyundai, the battery can be charged within two hours at a Level 2 charging station.

The ICE engine is capable of gas mileage claims of 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined, dropping to 23/28/25 mpg in AWD guise. The HEV ratings depend on the specification. The Blue specification has EPA-estimated figures of 38/38/38 mpg, while top-spec models fall slightly to 37/36/37 mpg. The EPA estimates for the PHEV are 80 MPGe on electricity and gas and 35 mpg on gas only on the combined cycle, with an all-electric range of 33 miles. These figures are worse than the RAV4 Prime's 94 MPGe, 38 mpg, and 42 miles.

ICE models have a 14.3-gallon tank, while HEV models make do with 13.7 gallons. The PHEV model is equipped with a tiny 11.1-gallon tank.

You can expect to get 414 miles between refills on the FWD ICE model and 357 miles in the AWD model. Even with the smaller gas tank, the HEV model in Blue spec will do 520 miles between tanks.