2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

　　

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Hyundai has built its reputation on value and bang for the buck. But we'd argue that its designs are an unsung contributor to the brand's popularity. From the sleek Sonata of a decade ago to the quirky, swept-back Veloster hatchback, Hyundai's design leaps may be as important as its abundant features and attractive prices. For a compact SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a pretty striking leap.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Blue Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$101/mo  for Tucson Blue Hybrid

　　Tucson Blue Hybrid

　　Blue Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $32,575 MSRPSEL Convenience Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $35,155 MSRPN Line Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $36,655 MSRPLimited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) (Most Popular) - $39,715 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: A stylish design and a superior hybrid powertrain

The Tucson, Hyundai's small crossover SUV, was redesigned in 2022, and its doors pop with bulges and wedges, and sharp lines extend from the front doors to the rear taillights. A wide-slatted grille is complemented by segmented LED accent lights, and the roof tapers to the back for a sporty look. Exciting design won't save a bad car, though, and fortunately the Tucson isn't a bad car. It's roomy and comfortable, with good headroom in front and rear rows, a minimal and classy interior, and abundant cargo space that's among the best in the class. The Tucson's standard four-cylinder engine is painfully slow, but fortunately an available turbocharged hybrid powertrain gives the Tucson plenty of punch plus an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined driving. There's also a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid that we review separately on zzdcar.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Tucson's wild style and ample interior space make it a top consideration among competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. Kia's Sportage, which is related to the Tucson, is another excellent pick. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Hyundai Tucson is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Tucson Hybrid drive? You might not guess it, but the Tucson Hybrid is a standout athlete in the hybrid SUV class. It provides a smooth, comfortable driving experience with few faults: The steering is crisp, its handling is composed around sharp turns, and the hybrid powertrain is a willing sprinter. In our testing the Tucson Hybrid zipped from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, beating out the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as the quickest in the class.

　　It feels good around town too. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission is eager to deliver power when you need it. We also like the responsive brakes. Beware that clunky gear shifts are sometimes apparent at low speeds, and the crossover dives forward a bit under hard braking. But in all it's an enjoyable drive, and the handoff between electric power and the engine is excellent.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Tucson Hybrid? One of the Tucson Hybrid's greatest attributes is its smooth ride on the road. It simply glides on road surfaces of all kinds, and it approaches luxury SUV levels of comfort due to the supple suspension. Aiding the experience are the plush front seats on the Limited trim — their upscale surfaces and supportive cushions are a step above the competition.

　　You will notice some wind noise inside the cabin at times, but otherwise few noises make it from the outside to the inside. The Tucson Hybrid also allows few creaks or rattles even on bumpy roads. We experienced some difficulty working the climate controls with inconsistent cabin temperatures and loud fans. However, the available heated and cooled seat features work quickly.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below