2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

If a traditional hybrid vehicle grants added power and efficiency, a plug-in hybrid takes those benefits a couple of steps further, and the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid does so with aplomb. This top dog in the Tucson lineup brings the most power to the table, plus the most flexibility thanks to its ability to travel up to 32 miles on battery power alone. After that, the gas engine enables you to go as far as you’d like. That’s the beauty of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): They’re like a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle in one, but unlike an EV, you’re not beholden to waiting for the vehicle to charge.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is one of just a handful of such special compact SUVs, though it looks to have formidable competition in the all-new, forthcoming Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.

The gasoline-only Tucson and the Tucson Hybrid are each reviewed separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of plug-in hybrid SUVs, including the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid.

The only notable update for the 2026 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is that the included charging cord is now a Level 1/Level 2 combo, and the Titan Gray exterior color is swapped for Ecotronic Gray.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is available in two trims, with the SEL beginning at $41,570, including destination fee.

With PHEV versions of the Ford Escape and Dodge Hornet out of the picture for 2026, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has even less competition. But it’s formidable all the same. Its closest is its kin, the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid from cousin brand Kia, that starts just a few hundred dollars more. Also in the same ballpark is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The big question mark at the time of this writing is the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Pricing is still to be announced, but we can tell you the 2025 version starts higher at just over $46,000.

Before buying a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid’s resale value is about typical for the segment, but below that of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid enjoys 261 horsepower from its gasoline/electric drivetrain, making it the most muscular Tucson. If this model might seem a little pricey, the Tucson Hybrid (without the plug-in capability and subsequent all-electric driving range) has 37 hp less but the same torque: 271 lb-ft. That would make it similarly swift when accelerating away from a standstill.

Either of these two SUVs would be a great choice. However, the special thing about the Tucson PHEV is its ability to travel over 30 miles on battery power alone. So, with regular at-home or on-the-go charging, you can substantially cut down gas station visits and fuel costs.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can be lively from when the light turns green to overtaking on the freeway. During our stints in the driver’s seat, we’ve been pleased with the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid’s smooth ride quality, composure through the corners, and the relatively quiet cabin. We’d be more than willing to take a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid for a long trip. The standard all-wheel-drive system can adjust how much power goes to each wheel, bringing an extra degree of stability and effectiveness to the plug-in Tucson’s cornering abilities.

If you’re a new parent, here’s another perk: The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has a Baby Mode. It’s a driving mode that smooths acceleration so as not to unsettle the little bundles of joy snoozing in the back.

Fuel Economy

This aspect is where the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid pulls away from its brethren. It can run for 32 miles on battery power alone. After that, when operating as a regular hybrid, it achieves 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving — a 2-mpg deficit against the Tucson Hybrid.

The Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid shares a drivetrain with this Hyundai and therefore performs similarly. Toyota says the new 2026 RAV4 Plug-in will travel up to 50 miles on battery power alone, while packing 320 hp.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid’s 5-passenger cabin is a nice place to be, whether as a driver or passenger. It’s open, airy, and rich in tech. At center stage is a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s nicely incorporated into the dash. Connected to the left side is either a 4.2-inch LCD gauge cluster in SEL models or a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in Limited trims. Either way, the whole panel is curved to make it look like one giant screen. It all feels fancy and innovative.

Rather than a traditional transmission lever, there’s a stalk attached to the steering wheel that operates with a twist. Twist forward to put the vehicle into drive, twist back for reverse. For park, simply press the P button at the end. This setup saves space in the center console, and we’ve found it intuitive over time.

Below the screen are controls for climate and audio. We’re grateful that Hyundai uses physical dials to change cabin temperature and audio volume and tuning. Fan settings, though, must be changed by targeting your finger to the small touch-sensitive areas.

Cloth upholstery comes in the SEL trim, while the Limited model has leather-trimmed seating surfaces, along with perks like memory seating, ventilated front sets, power-adjustable passenger seat, and panoramic sunroof.

The large battery of the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid impacts what is still a relatively generous interior space. The rear legroom is 39.5 inches — a couple of inches less than its Tucson stablemates- yet it is more than adequate for a typical family. Cargo capacity takes a larger hit. Behind the rear seats of the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is a luggage area of 31.9 cubic feet, which opens out to 66.3 when those seats are folded. Compare that with the rest of the lineup’s 38.7 and 74.5 (or 74.8 in the non-hybrid model).

Even then, we wouldn’t call this anything like a deal-breaker, and other plug-in hybrid SUVs also have to make the same trade-off.

Our eyes like the look of the Tucson lineup in general. It’s stylish without being over the top. You can tell a Tucson at night quite easily thanks to the multiple lights housed in the front grille. The top Limited model gets premium LED daytime running lights up front and LED tail lights in back.

Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SEL models roll on 18-inch wheels, while the Limited has 19-inch wheels. More practically, a hands-free power tailgate is standard.

Look, ma: No cables!
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, a convenience we always appreciate. Furthermore, Limited trims have a wireless charging pad to juice your phone on the go.

Highway Driving Assist
We’re always impressed by how well Hyundai’s driver assistance features work (as well as those from brand cousins Kia and Genesis). Many of our owner reviews say the same thing. We’ve found vehicles equipped as such can shoulder much of the driving for long highway stretches with just a light but attentive hand on the wheel.

Warm and cozy
In addition to standard heated front seats, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Limited has a heated steering wheel, plus heated rear seats.

Head-up display
The Limited trim includes a 12-inch color head-up display. This unit projects vital info onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

Blind-Spot View Monitor
This innovative system displays real-time video of the left or right side of the vehicle in the instrument cluster when you engage the turn signal to make lane changes safer. We always appreciate this feature in Hyundai cars, and it comes in the Limited trim here.

Remote Smart Parking Assist
This feature, exclusive to the Limited trim, allows drivers to inch their SUV into or out of tight parking spaces while standing outside the vehicle.

A turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine provides the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid with the combustion action, while an electric motor completes the picture. Together, they create 261 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, which go to a standard all-wheel-drive system through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds.

As for charging the battery—the “plug-in” part for this plug-in hybrid—Hyundai says the battery in the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can reenergize fully in around two hours when connected to a 240-volt supply. And for 2026, the included charging cable is now a combo Level 1 / Level 2 unit.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Hyundai’s warranties are unbeatable. New-vehicle coverage is for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain and battery warranty for the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hyundai includes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, plus five years of roadside assistance at unlimited mileage.

Top Safety Ratings

The Tucson lineup rates a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earns the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.