How the gas, hybrid, and plug-in powertrains differ
The base 2026 Tucson runs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, with FWD standard and AWD about $1,500 more. EPA ratings are 25/33/28 MPG city/highway/combined with FWD and 24/30/26 with AWD, and gas models now tow up to 2,750 lbs with trailer brakes. The Tucson Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter with a 47.7-kW electric motor for 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft through a conventional 6-speed automatic; the Blue SE trim rates 38 MPG combined and other AWD hybrids rate 36 MPG. For 2026 the 6-speed also received a software update that smooths the gas-electric handoff at low speeds. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid adds a 13.8-kWh battery for 268 horsepower, 32 miles of EPA electric-only range, 77 MPGe, and 35 MPG combined after the battery depletes; a 240-volt Level 2 charger refills it in about 2 hours. Hybrid and plug-in models tow 2,000 lbs.



