Hyundai’s Tucson crossover offers hybrids models starting at $32,575 

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Just two years ago, Hyundai redesigned its compact, five-passenger Tucson crossover, giving it a sleek new look, more passenger and cargo space, and a variety of hybrid options.

The redesign made the Tucson six inches longer than the previous model, but also included increased fuel efficiency while embracing the latest safety and convenience technologies.

Tucson’s lineup includes conventional gasoline-electric powertrains, regular hybrids, and plug-in hybrid versions.

A normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and eight-speed transmission are used across the line for the non-hybrid models. It cranks out 187 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque.

Hybrids come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 44 kilowatt electric motor, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Total hybrid output – gasoline and electric together – is 226 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. The 1.6-liter engine alone has 180 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque.

For the standard gasoline versions, prices for 2024 begin at $27,500 plus $1,375 freight for the base SE model with the 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive is available on all gasoline-only trim levels for an additional $1,500 over the front-wheel-drive price, which would make the SE model $29,000.

Next up the line is the SEL, which begins at $29,650 with front drive and $31,150 with AWD.

The XRT model is next, at $34,325 for front drive, and $35,825 for AWD.

At the top of the gasoline-only lineup is the Limited model, at $36,760 with front drive and $38,260 with all-wheel drive.

Regular hybrid models for 2024 include the Blue model ($32,575), followed by the SEL Convenience ($35,155), N Line ($35,409), and Limited ($39,715), which is the one we tested for this report.

There are two plug-in hybrids: the SEL ($38,725) and the Limited ($45,450).

Tucson’s newest exterior includes half-mirror design daytime running lights built into the grille, which are visible only when they are illuminated.

The vehicle’s side profile includes a long hood and level roofline, coupled with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. A side chrome line begins above the side mirrors and follows the arc of the roofline, terminating at the rear (C pillar).

Similar to the daytime running lights, the full-width taillights have half-concealed triangular shapes that are clearly visible only when illuminated.

The dash features a 10.25-inch touch screen, a hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, which Hyundai says is “a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers … [which] reduces potentially unpleasant airflow.”

Up front are comfortable bucket seats, and there is a three-passenger bench seat in the second row. The power-adjustable driver’s seat includes lumbar support.

The Tucson’s second-row seat has a “fold-and-dive” function to instantly expand the cargo area when no passengers need the rear seat. There is a convenient release lever for this feature in the cargo compartment.

Cargo capacity is 38.7 cubic feet with the 60/40 folding rear seatback in the upright position, or 74.5 cubic feet with the full seatback folded down (hybrid models).

Added for 2022 was the XRT model, designed to look more rugged and to appeal to those who like off-the-beaten-track adventures.

It has unique styling features, including black 19-inch wheels and special dark exterior elements. The XRT trim builds on the Tucson SEL with Convenience package and is available on gasoline models only.

Our Limited Hybrid tester came with leather seats, hands-free smart liftgate, power/folding/heated outside mirrors with turn signals; dual front and rear USB ports; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rearview monitor with parking assistance; dual automatic climate control; auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink; wireless device charging; audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls; proximity key with pushbutton start; and Hyundai’s Digital Key.

As with most new vehicles, the redesigned Tucson is offered with a host of advanced, high-tech safety features previously found only on luxury vehicles.

These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist; Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist; Safe Exit Warning; Driver Attention Warning; Rear Occupant Alert; and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

The rear-seat occupant alert system is designed to remind the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle, but it goes beyond that. If after the driver exits, the system detects movement in the rear seat, it will flash the lights and sound the horn, and send a text message to the driver.

With our hybrid drive system, there was never a lack of power even when I needed bursts of acceleration to pass or merge with traffic from freeway on-ramps.

Our tester came in the Deep Sea (very dark blue) exterior color, with gray-on-gray interior.

The Tucson comes with the Hyundai Blue Link system, with enhanced safety, service and infotainment telematics. Included in this system is the remote start feature.

EPA fuel economy estimates for our Limited Hybrid model were 37 mpg city/36 highway/37 combined.

During our weeklong test, with about a 50-50 mix of city-highway driving, we averaged 36.8 mpg.

The only extra on our test vehicle was the carpeted floor mat package ($210).

Total sticker price for our 2024 Tucson Limited Hybrid was $41,300, including freight and the floor mats.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com, or on X (formerly known as Twitter) @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid

The package: Compact, five-door, four-cylinder gasoline/battery electric motor powered, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger crossover utility vehicle.

Highlights: Hyundai’s entry-level crossover got a complete makeover for 2022 to enter its fourth generation, with a roomier interior and loads of new technology.

Negatives: No third-row seat offered to expand passenger capacity.

Power: 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine/44.2kW electric motor.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Power/torque: 226 HP./258 foot-pounds total system output (gasoline plus electric).

Brakes, front/rear: Ventilated disc/solid disc, antilock, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Electronic stability control: Standard, including traction control.

Side air bags: Front seat-mounted and roof-mounted side-curtain for front and rear, standard.

Length: 182.3 inches.

Cargo capacity: 38.7 cubic feet (behind rear seat); 74.5 cubic feet (rear seat folded).

Curb weight: 3,692-3,837 pounds.

Fuel capacity/type: 13.7 gallons/unleaded regular.

EPA fuel economy: 38 mpg city/38 highway/38 combined (Blue hybrid); 37/36/37 (all other regular hybrids).

Base price range: $32,575-$39,715, plus $1,375 freight (2024 regular hybrids).

Price as tested: $41,300, including freight and option (Limited Hybrid with carpeted floor mats).

On the Road rating: 8.9 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.