Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

2,750-lb Towing Capacity (ICE)

For the 2026 model year, gas-powered Tucson models raise the bar with a maximum tow rating of 2,750 lbs when properly equipped with trailer brakes. That’s a notable step up from the previous year and a meaningful advantage for drivers who want to bring along a small camper, jet skis, or a pair of dirt bikes on the weekend. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver smooth response around town and steady confidence on the highway. The tuned ride remains quiet and composed, so even when your gear is hitched up, the Tucson feels settled, not stressed. If light towing is an occasional part of your lifestyle, this capability gives the Tucson a compelling edge in its class while maintaining the balance of comfort and refinement owners expect.

HTRAC All-Wheel Drive with Terrain Mode on XRT

Hyundai’s available HTRAC all-wheel drive delivers sure-footed traction for variable conditions and is especially helpful during heavy rain, gravel parking lots by the trailhead, or uneven access roads. For 2026, the adventurous XRT trim adds Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings, layering on targeted traction strategies that help you make the most of grip at each wheel. Instead of overthinking how to finesse the throttle, just select the surface you are on and let the system do the heavy lifting. In real-world terms, that means more confidence crossing a sandy shoulder at the beach, heading into a snow-dusted morning commute, or picking your way down a rutted campsite path. The Tucson’s steering remains crisp and predictable, rounding out a driving experience that is more confident than ever without sacrificing the calm demeanor you enjoy the other 95 percent of the time.

Standard 12.3-inch Infotainment and Available Panoramic Dual Display

Technology in the Tucson is designed to feel familiar and effortless on day one. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen puts navigation, phone, and audio at your fingertips, while an available panoramic-style dual display combines digital driver information and multimedia behind one elegant glass panel stretching across much of the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard across the range for quick, cable-free connections, and available extras such as SiriusXM, built-in navigation, and an upgraded Bose audio system enhance longer drives. Hyundai Digital Key lets you use a compatible smartphone to lock, unlock, and even remotely start the vehicle, which is especially handy when passing keys between family members. For plug-in hybrid shoppers, an included Level 1 / Level 2 (combo) charging cable simplifies at-home and public charging routines, making daily EV driving more accessible.

Hyundai SmartSense® Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety isn’t a single feature—it’s a well-rounded suite of support that helps you stay aware and act quickly. Hyundai SmartSense® brings together key driver-assistance systems such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. In heavy traffic, the Tucson helps you maintain following distance smoothly, and on open stretches, it reduces fatigue by supporting consistent lane positioning. Clear visual alerts and intuitive steering and braking inputs deliver assistance that feels natural, not intrusive, so you stay in control. The result is an SUV engineered to earn your trust on every drive, backed by the brand’s strong safety testing track record and thoughtful calibration.

Roomy Cabin and Flexible Cargo Space

The Tucson’s interior is a high point, with a modern dash, an intuitive climate-control panel with real buttons, and an upscale mix of materials that make even short trips feel special. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom, and cargo space behind the second row is among the more accommodating in the compact SUV segment. Fold the rear seatbacks to unlock ample room for furniture boxes, camping totes, or sports gear. Details matter, too: the column-mounted shifter supplies a clean console layout, cup holders are thoughtfully placed, and cabin storage keeps daily essentials close at hand. For HEV/PHEV shoppers, the newly available Ecotronic Gray color (HEV/PHEV) adds a sophisticated exterior option to match the Tucson’s elevated interior vibe.