Hyundai is reportedly planning a
massive redesign of its popular Hyundai Tucson compact SUV for the 2027 model year.
But the current 2026 model is worth considering if you like the current styling.
The 2027 Hyundai Tucson will include a massive redesign including replacing the current curvy aesthetic with a boxy, rugged exterior similar to the larger Santa Fe. Upgraded cabin tech
includes a massive new 17-inch touchscreen (vs. the 12.3-inch in the current model) and a 9.9-inch digital gauge cluster.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will reportedly feature a
larger battery for an extended EV range. Currently it allows for 32 miles of pure electric range and can be plugged in overnight at home on a regular 120-volt three-prong household wall outlet. It
takes about 10 to 11 hours to fully recharge.
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Plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds — pure electric for short commutes, and the option for a gas-powered engine
for longer driving needs.
Studies have shown that most vehicle owners typically drive about 30 miles per day. So if that’s the case, you may not be refilling that
gas tank very often.
On gasoline only, the vehicle gets 35 mpg combined city/highway, which is better than the average. The average fuel economy for a compact SUV is around 28
MPG combined, according to Cars.com.
The trim level I tested, the Limited, had a lot of bells and whistles including heated front and rear seats and ventilated front seats and a
leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The MSRP is $48,300. With the carpeted floor mats and freight and handling, the version I tested totaled $50,140.
Incidentally,
Hyundai recently issued two safety recalls affecting certain 2025–2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. Issues include software bugs causing the instrument panel
display to go blank and overly sensitive front cameras that may cause sudden, unexpected braking.
Neither system malfunctioned during my week-long test drive.