Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

2.5L Inline 4 and 8-Speed Automatic

At the heart of the Tucson is a well-tuned 2.5L inline 4 that produces 187 horsepower and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup is tuned for smoothness and quiet cruising, an area where the Tucson feels a class above. On surface streets, the transmission shifts unobtrusively, and at highway speeds the cabin remains impressively hushed. Front-wheel drive is standard, and HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available across trims for added traction on wet days and confidence on unpaved access roads. For shoppers who prioritize extra punch or efficiency, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants deliver a livelier feel without sacrificing refinement.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive

HTRAC All Wheel Drive adds peace of mind when conditions vary, helping the Tucson transfer power where it is needed to reduce wheel slip. In day-to-day driving, the system calmly manages traction on rain-slicked streets and gravel shoulders, while still feeling light and composed in corners. Pair HTRAC with the Tucson’s precise steering and balanced suspension tuning, and you get an SUV that is easy to place in traffic and reassuring on mountain roads. If your lifestyle includes weekend trailheads or trips to higher elevations, HTRAC is an excellent match for the platform’s thoughtful chassis tuning.

Integrated Dual Displays with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Hyundai packages the Tucson’s tech in a way that is both modern and easy to live with. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen is standard, and an available larger-format panel blends the digital gauge cluster and infotainment behind a single glass pane for a cohesive, upscale look. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, simplifying your routine by syncing your maps, messages, and audio without a cable. Available navigation, an upgraded audio system, and a wireless charging pad add convenience, while the Tucson retains practical physical buttons for climate controls, avoiding the tap-through menus that can make daily adjustments frustrating.

Towing Capacity Up To 2,750 lbs (ICE) and XRT Terrain Mode

The 2026 Tucson’s gas models now offer up to 2,750 lbs of towing capacity with trailer brakes, a meaningful jump that opens the door to more small trailers, pop-up campers, and toys. Electrified models remain rated up to 2,000 lbs. Beyond towing, the Tucson XRT adds Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings that tailor throttle response and traction control for low-grip surfaces. It is a useful addition for light weekend exploration, beach parking, or muddy trailheads. The combination of increased capability and more nuanced traction settings in the XRT trim expands what you can confidently plan for your free time.

Electrified Choices and Included Level 1/Level 2 Charging Cable

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of Tucson continue to provide responsive acceleration with the added benefit of electrification. For 2026, Hyundai includes a convenient Level 1 / Level 2 charging cable with the electrified models, making it easier to adapt to home and on-the-go charging options. Trim updates help you find the right equipment mix, too. The former SEL Convenience is now SEL Premium on gas models, the HEV lineup adds a new Blue SE trim below last year’s Blue, the prior Blue becomes SEL, and the HEV N-Line is discontinued. Shoppers will also notice Ecotronic Gray available on HEV and PHEV models, while Titanium Gray Matte is no longer offered on HEV. These details reflect how customers really shop, keeping Tucson’s lineup clear and appealing.