2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

It’s nice, but oh, the price!

David Colman

Story and Photos by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

I was profoundly surprised to discover the $50,140 bottom line of this 2026 Hyundai PHEV Limited AWD. Based on past experiences testing Hyundai's Tucson - the company's bread and butter SUV - that number seemed out of line. So I retrieved my road tests of a pair of 2025 Tucsons. The first was a Limited XRT AWD, which retailed for $36,165. The second was a Hybrid AWD priced at $39,715. Now granted, neither of these Tucsons were Plug-in PHEV models, but I was still left wondering what could be responsible for this $10,425 price increase for a hybrid Tucson in just one year.

Could the simple addition of PHEV capability account for a 26% jump in sticker price? Not likely. Rather, a close look at the Monroney Sticker of Hyundai's test '26 Tucson revealed that its engine and transmission were both constructed in Ulsan, Korea, where final assembly also took place. The sticker also noted that Korea accounted for 90% of the Tucson's "Major Source of Foreign Parts Content," while "U.S./Canadian Parts Content" amounted to exactly 0%. Make of that what you will, but I would not be surprised to find the explanation for the price surge begins with a capital "T" and ends with a pair of "Fs"

So is the highest level Tucson Hybrid still worth the money? Considering that it's still a great vehicle to drive, the answer is probably yes. Hyundai offers just two different Plug-in versions of the Tucson. The less expensive is the SEL, which retails for $40,235. If you select a Limited model like the one we tested, your base price jumps to $48,550. Among the Limited's many upgrades are leather-trimmed seating surfaces, remote smart parking assist, a surround view monitor, a Bose Premium sound system, and a brilliant panoramic sunroof.

The PHEV model allows you to travel 32 miles on electric power only. While that range lies at the short end for all PHEV models, it does make sense if you live in or near a city and have access to a home charger for daily battery replenishment. The Tucson's 7.2kW onboard charger will recharge its 13.8 kWh battery pack in about two hours when connected to a Level 2 charging station. Of course, the great advantage of this PHEV over full EVs is the gasoline-fired confidence it provides to keep going after battery life has expired. To that goal, Hyundai has provided the plug-in with a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 which generates 268hp and 271b.-ft. of torque. That's significantly more powerful than the 231hp four that powers the non-PHEV Hybrid. Consequently, the PHEV sprints to 60mph from a standing start in 7.1 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds quicker than the straight Hybrid and a whopping 2.2 seconds quicker than the 187hp base model Tucson.

The handling agility of the Tucson makes it stand out from the compact SUV competition. We got a clear shot at strafing some tight turns unimpeded by traffic in either direction. The directional stability of the Tucson was impressive. We dialed the drive mode from Eco to Sport (there is no Normal) and instantly sensed more precise feedback from the steering wheel. The Tucson tracked reliably and precisely from apex to apex, enjoying unexpectedly strong grip from its 235/55R19 Michelin Primacy A/S radials (TW 540). No matter how much steering angle we cranked into the front wheels, we were rewarded with abundant grip, stability, and finesse. This Hyundai's sophisticated HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, good front-to-rear balance, and comparatively low center of gravity made for one of the best handling compact SUVs we've driven to date.

That unexpected nimbleness is backstopped by a level of interior luxury that will make you feel more comfortable about spending 50 grand for your PHEV. The front seats are fully supportive in every way, and upholstered in a shade of handsome gray leather that perfectly matched the exterior color called Shimmering Silver. This Tucson's interior is done up tastefully, without a need for childish graphics that scream Look at Me.

The dashboard's curved 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster melds seamlessly into the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Neither looks like an afterthought. Rather, both screens are sunken to a height appropriate for the dashboard as a whole, and properly embedded to look like part of the design plan from the outset. Also, credit the Hyundai staff for coming up with an overall interior plan that makes the Tucson feel bigger than it actually is. The split bench rear seats offer surplus leg room and decent comfort. With the flip of a lever they back seats converted to enough flat floor storage for us to carry home a new 7-foot-long area rug from Costco.

Hyundai is currently offering up to $5,500 in various incentives on the PHEV Tucson, which might be just the incentive you need to mitigate this model's ten grand price jump.

2026 HYUNDAI TUCSON PHEV LIMITED AWD

POWERTRAIN: 2.5 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve+AC Motor
HORSEPOWER: 268hp
TORQUE: 271lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 35MPG (Gas Only); 77MPGe
PRICE AS TESTED: $50,140

HYPES: Fastest Tucson, Short Haul EV Capability

GRIPES: Mega Price Jump

STAR RATING: 8.5 Stars out of 10

©2026 David E Colman