The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$31,300 (SE FWD, US, before destination) · A$42,850 (Hybrid FWD, Australia, before on-roads) Official fuel use: 36–38 mpg combined (EPA, AWD) · 5.3 L/100 km (Australia) Power: 231 hp combined (US) · 172 kW combined (Australia) Boot: 38.7 cu ft (US) · 582 litres (Australia) Safety: 5 stars ANCAP (2021) · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) Overview The Tucson Hybrid is Hyundai's mid-size family SUV and a direct rival to the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. It stands out for its space, strong performance and long equipment list. Hyundai revealed an all-new Tucson in South Korea in September 2026, so this generation is nearing the end of its run. Design & Interior The current generation has been on sale since 2021, and the cabin still feels modern. Twin 12.3-inch screens are standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Reviewers praise the return of physical buttons and knobs for climate and audio. US testers rate the materials and storage highly, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doors. One Australian reviewer found the cabin less solid than a RAV4's and the column-mounted gear selector awkward at first. Driving A 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor combine for 231 hp, or 172 kW in Australia. Unusually, it uses a conventional six-speed automatic rather than a CVT. Reviewers describe acceleration as strong and smooth, among the quickest in the class. The ride is a highlight, soaking up large bumps better than several rivals. Steering is light and offers little feedback. Front-drive versions can tug at the wheel under hard acceleration, a trait known as torque steer. Fuel economy Economy is good rather than class-leading. The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive Blue at 38 mpg combined and other all-wheel-drive trims at 36 mpg. Hyundai quotes 38 mpg for the front-drive SE, which was not yet listed on the EPA site at the time of writing. Australian models claim 5.3 L/100 km. Real-world results vary. J.D. Power averaged 31.9 mpg over about 1,000 miles, while CarExpert recorded 5.0 L/100 km in mixed driving. A Toyota RAV4 Hybrid remains the more frugal choice. Practicality This is one of the most spacious SUVs in its class. Reviewers report that a six-foot adult fits comfortably behind a six-foot driver, and the rear seats recline. Cargo space is 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats in US testing, and 582 litres in Australia. In the US, Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds peace of mind. Australian buyers get five years of unlimited-kilometre cover, extendable to seven with dealer servicing. Safety The 2026 Tucson earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with Good ratings in the small-overlap, moderate-overlap and side tests. Hyundai also reports a five-star NHTSA overall rating. ANCAP awarded five stars in 2021, valid until December 2027. Scores were 86% for adult occupants and 87% for children, but only 66% for vulnerable road users and 70% for safety assist. One Australian tester found the driver-assist alerts intrusive and prone to false warnings. Verdict The Tucson Hybrid suits families who want space, comfort and punchy performance with lower fuel bills. It is well equipped, very roomy and backed by strong warranties. Buyers chasing the lowest fuel use should look at the RAV4 Hybrid instead. With a new generation revealed, it is worth asking about run-out discounts or waiting for the replacement. How we rated it Range 3.5 (competitive economy, but behind Toyota's hybrids) · Performance 4.0 (strong acceleration and a composed ride, some torque steer) · Safety 4.5 (IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and five-star ANCAP, modest vulnerable road user score) · Comfort 4.0 (roomy, comfortable ride, supportive seats) · Overall 4.0. Sources Hyundai USA Tucson Hybrid range and pricing: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson-hybrid Hyundai USA Tucson Hybrid SE: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/tucson-hybrid/se EPA fuel economy (Hybrid AWD): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49498.shtml EPA fuel economy (Hybrid Blue AWD): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/49499.shtml CarExpert Australian pricing and specs: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-tucson-price-and-specs CarExpert review (Australia): https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-hyundai-tucson-hybrid-fwd-review Edmunds review (US): https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/ J.D. Power review (US): https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/2026-hyundai-tucson-hybrid-review IIHS ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/tucson-4-door-suv/2026 Auto123 on the next-generation Tucson: https://www.auto123.com/en/news/2027-hyundai-tucson-revealed-korea/74240/