2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

The Hyundai Tucson is a solid compact SUV, and the plug-in hybrid version brings even more strengths. It can travel up to 33 miles on electricity alone, and then returns 35 mpg in gas-electric hybrid operation. And just like the conventionally powered Tucson, the plug-in hybrid version is boldly styled, roomy, and well-equipped with some class-leading features and tech. Of course, it also boasts the best warranty in its class.

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid competes with the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the PHEV variants of the Kia Sportage and perhaps the smaller Dodge Hornet.

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid gets some minor but welcome updates for 2024. The previously optional 10.25-inch touchscreen now comes standard on every model. It also gets new standard safety features like seatbelt reminders for every seat, rear seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a haptic feedback steering wheel.

Before buying a Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid resale value is about average for the segment.

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 261-horsepower gas-electric hybrid powertrain matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Being the most potent powertrain available in a Tucson, it delivers swift acceleration and confident highway passing power. It’s not as powerful as the Toyota RAV4 Prime — nor is the powertrain as refined and seamless — and it’s not as nimble as the smaller Dodge Hornet R/T, but it nevertheless offers a compelling combination of electric range, overall efficiency, and power.

All Tucson models benefit from a serene and comfortable ride; the PHEV is no exception. We enjoyed the quiet cabin and smooth ride that make the Tucson feel like a premium SUV. The handling and steering provide a good balance of comfort and agility.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid gets 33 miles of all-electric range with a full charge, and then returns 35 mpg in gas-electric hybrid operation. Those numbers are good, but the Toyota RAV4 Prime is rated for 42 miles and 38 mpg.

According to EPA estimates, the monthly fuel costs of the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid are $20 less than the conventional hybrid version of the Tucson and about $83 less than the non-hybrid Tucson with AWD.

Hyundai says the battery in the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can achieve a full charge in less than two hours with Level 2 charging. It can also be charged with a regular household outlet, but charging will take longer.

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has a pleasant and comfortable interior. The materials are excellent, and the controls are easy to use. It took us a little time to get used to the gearshift buttons, but they free up space and contribute to a clean interior design compared to a traditional shift lever.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is less spacious than the non-hybrid and conventional hybrid versions of the Tucson but still pretty roomy. We were comfortable in the rear seats with 39.5 inches of legroom, but the other Tucson variants have an extra 1.8 inches of rear legroom, which is enough of a difference to be noticeable.

The cargo room is a similar story. The PHEV has 31.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. If you fold down the back seats, the maximum cargo volume increases to 66.3 cubic feet. Again, that’s less than the non-hybrid Tucson, which boasts 38.7 cubic feet behind the back seats and 74.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.

While the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid isn’t as roomy as its less efficient stablemates, it has more rear legroom than the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

The bold styling of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid makes it a stand-out in a crowded field of compact SUVs. We love the sharp body lines and unique light signature that make it recognizable as a Tucson from any angle.

33-mile all-electric range
When fully charged, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 33 miles on electricity alone. If you drive less than 30 miles per day, you may forget the way to your nearest gas station.

Highway Driving Assist
This system makes highway driving safer and more relaxed by combining driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

10.25-inch touchscreen
A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard in every Tucson PHEV. This infotainment system has features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and more.

Standard AWD
The standard all-wheel-drive system in the Tucson PHEV makes this SUV excellent for snowy climates and gives it better handling on dry pavement.

Hyundai SmartSense
This SUV’s standard Hyundai SmartSense safety tech suite includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and more.

Limited trim
We love the upscale Limited trim and its long list of premium features over the base SEL model. It has leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Bose audio system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and much more.

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. The total output of this plug-in hybrid powertrain is a stout 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is the most powerful and efficient version of the Tucson, but it’s also the most expensive, of course. The non-hybrid and conventional hybrid variants are reviewed separately.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is tied with the PHEV variant of the Kia Sportage for the best warranty in its class. It’s covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, it has a 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan covering routine service.

Safety

The Hyundai Tucson has received the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It’s earned this designation because of its good crash-test ratings and many standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams.