DecodedCarsHyundai Tucson vs Nissan ARIYA
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Nissan ARIYA — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,000 a year less in fuel for the Nissan ARIYA (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan ARIYA has had fewer recall campaigns (3 vs 29).
The two cars
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Nissan ARIYA is a small SUV powered by electricity and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 183 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,321 lb.
Buying used? The 2021 Tucson and the 2024 ARIYA have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Tucson and the 2023 ARIYA.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Nissan ARIYA on any measure we track.
Choose the Nissan ARIYA if…
- You want an EV with more range (289 miles)
- You put reliability history first (3 vs 29 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Nissan ARIYA
- AWD / 4WD available
Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Full 2026 Nissan ARIYA specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →