DecodedCars2026 Hyundai Tucson
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV AWD HEV, 4dr SUV AWD PHEV, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 178–187 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 38 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,340–4,187 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 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.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 42 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (38 city / 38 highway), 47% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Tucson — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Tucson →
Trims, performance & features
Engine178 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl hybrid
Engine187 hp2.5L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
Limited, NightSELSEL, SEL PlusSEL Convenience
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province · Montgomery, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2026 Tucson configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 64.2 in | 108.7 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,468 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV AWD HEV | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 64.2 in | 108.7 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,726 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV AWD PHEV | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 64.2 in | 108.7 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 4,187 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 64.2 in | 108.7 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,340 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson Hybrid Blue Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 38 / 38 / 38 | +47% | $1,750 | 234 |
| Tucson Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 37 / 36 | +39% | $1,850 | 243 |
| Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 35 / 35 | +35% | $1,900 | 103 |
| Tucson FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | -7% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Tucson AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 337 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.9 MPG2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson (this car) | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut · Oct 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V692000 · 24 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Tucson Hybrid and Elantra vehicles. The front strut assembly fasteners may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front strut assembly fasteners and perform a wheel alignment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 309. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 23, 2026.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jun 23, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V400000 · 96,310 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 22, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 304. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 25, 2026.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · May 18, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V316000 · 423,062 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- Risk
- Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the front camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 302. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 20, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Apr 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V254000 · 2,931 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 299. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 22, 2026.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 26, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Critical Fasteners · Aug 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V549000 · 29 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
Not every 2026 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
99Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
2,664 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Tucson years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 450 |
| 2024 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 152 |
| 2023 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 182 |
| 2022 Tucson | 38 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 506 |
| 2021 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 80 |
| 2020 Tucson | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 179 |
| 2019 Tucson | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 385 |
| 2018 Tucson | 27 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
| 2017 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,094 |
| 2016 Tucson | 28 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 1,626 |
| 2015 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 229 |
| 2014 Tucson | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →