Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

2.5L Powertrain With Available HTRAC® All Wheel Drive

Tucson’s standard 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder delivers balanced, easygoing power paired to an 8-speed automatic, offering smooth acceleration and quiet cruising. Front-wheel drive is standard for lighter weight and efficient driving dynamics, while available HTRAC® All Wheel Drive adds traction-enhancing control on wet pavement, gravel turnouts, or light trails. The tuning favors stability and comfort, and the steering feels precise without being heavy, making daily commuting and long highway stretches equally relaxed. Available drive modes let you tailor throttle and shift responses to match conditions, and the chassis tuning keeps body motions tidy in quick maneuvers. For Inland Empire drivers who contend with varied road surfaces and occasional weather surprises, the HTRAC® option is an easy choice to add reassurance on the way to work or the campsite.

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Choices

Beyond the well-rounded gas model, Tucson offers electrified powertrains designed to elevate responsiveness and broaden capability. HEV models combine a gasoline engine and electric motor for added torque and a refined, quiet character at city speeds, while PHEV variants let you plug in for all-electric driving on short trips and smooth hybrid efficiency on longer journeys. For 2026, electrified Tucson models include an upgraded Level 1/Level 2 combo charging cable, which simplifies charging at home or on compatible public Level 2 stations. The expanded trim structure also makes it easier to select the equipment level that suits your needs, with a newly added HEV Blue SE and a renamed HEV SEL (formerly Blue). Whether you prioritize confident acceleration, quieter urban driving, or reduced stops at the pump, Tucson’s electrified lineup offers smart flexibility.

Enhanced Towing Capacity and Trailer Readiness

For weekend projects or towing small toys, the 2026 gas Tucson now carries a maximum rating of up to 2,750 lbs. with trailer brakes, a notable increase that broadens what you can confidently bring along. HEV and PHEV models remain rated up to 2,000 lbs., giving you functional tow capability even if you prefer an electrified powertrain. Pair the proper equipment, including an available hitch, and you have a compact SUV ready for a lightweight pop-up camper, a pair of dirt bikes, or a personal watercraft for trips to the lake. The composed ride and calm cabin help reduce driver fatigue with a trailer attached, and the available all-wheel drive’s predictable traction is especially helpful when pulling away on a steep boat ramp or loose surface.

Panoramic Digital Displays and Seamless Connectivity

Tucson’s cabin centers around clarity and ease of use. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen anchors the interface, while an available larger, glass-front housing integrates digital gauges and infotainment in a single sleek panel that stretches across the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, simplifying daily connection routines without a cable. Available navigation, SiriusXM, and an upgraded audio system enrich the experience, while an available digital key smartphone app lets you lock, unlock, and even start the vehicle using your phone in supported configurations. Steering wheel controls and a clean climate-control interface keep adjustments straightforward. The result is a cockpit that feels modern and intuitive, delivering the right information at a glance so you can keep your focus on the road.

Hyundai SmartSense Safety and Driver Assistance

A robust suite of driver-assistance technologies comes standard or is available to help you navigate crowded commutes and late-night drives home. Key systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist to help maintain your path, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist for side awareness. Available features such as Smart Cruise Control with lane-centering support highway flow, while additional camera and radar-based alerts can elevate confidence in busy parking lots or tight spaces. For families and first-time SUV buyers alike, Tucson’s safety focus is foundational, and it complements the vehicle’s solid structure and composed ride. With features that support awareness without intruding on your driving style, Hyundai strikes an appealing balance between helpful guidance and driver control.