2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV

SUV · 1.6L I4 Turbo PHEV · AWD

77/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a suv is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	1.6L I4 Turbo PHEV
Horsepower	227 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft
0–60 mph	6.5 sec
Top speed	125 mph
Drivetrain	AWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	29 mpg (26 city / 33 hwy)
Range	470 miles
MSRP	$39,100
Body style	SUV

The verdict

What's good

Electric-first driving covers most suburban daily mileage seamlessly
Interior quality and technology punch above the compact SUV segment
AWD pairing with PHEV adds real winter traction confidence
Hyundai warranty coverage gives peace of mind on the newer hybrid hardware

What's not

Powertrain reliability track record still shorter than Toyota equivalents
Battery pack reduces cargo floor space versus the standard Tucson
Small tank creates range anxiety faster when running on gasoline alone
Regenerative braking modulation takes adjustment for drivers new to PHEVs

The engine

Smartstream

1.6L Turbo I4 Plug-in Hybrid

Pairs a brisk turbo four with a punchy electric motor for around 261 hp of combined system output, giving silent EV commuting plus strong, geared real-shift acceleration when both wake up.

Hyundai's Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI replaced the older Gamma turbo four and anchors the plug-in Tucson, mated to a 13.8 kWh battery and a 66.9 kW motor.

The Smartstream 1.6 turbo was the world's first production engine with Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD), varying how long the intake valves stay open.
Unlike most hybrids' CVTs, it drives through a six-speed automatic for a more conventional, geared feel.
Its electric motor is sandwiched into the transmission rather than using a separate eCVT.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 77 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault