Hyundai’s Tucson is one of the best, if the not best, Small/Compact SUV in the marketplace today. Our opinion of course and we freely admit we have not driven all of them, but we think most of them will have to stand pretty tall to match up to Tucson.
We have drive tested Tucson and Tucson Hybrid over the last couple of model years and now, recently completed a test week with a Tucson PHEV (plug-in-hybrid) in Hill Country, Texas.
AS TESTED
Our 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD test vehicle arrived handsomely in their very dark and rich Deep Sea Blue with a Black-on-Black interior.
Hyundai loads up their top-of-line trims with all the package goodies, leaving only a few accessory items to add – if a buyer so desires. The MSRP on ours was $44,560.
Adding just some carpet accessories and delivery – our Tucson PHEV listed at $46,150.
Let’s take a look starting under the hood.
POWERTRAIN / PERFORMANCE
The 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD is powered by the Hyundai Smartstream Turbocharged 1.6L GDI engine producing 180 horsepower with 195 lb.-ft. of torque.It is integrated with a13.8 kWh (88 kW) electric motor driving the rear axle. Together they produce 261 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
The hybrid power unit is coupled to a ‘vehicle tuned’ Shiftronic Six-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire controller and Paddle Shifters.
Our test Limited was further equipped with their HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive System using an electronic variable-torque-split clutch for active torque control between front and rear axles.
The driver-selectable HTRAC Drive Control System features a well-crafted array of Drive Modes for optimizing vehicle efficiency, economy and performance on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV AWD.
- Normal or Comfort Mode: Default setting for everyday driving with up 80% torque to the front axle.
- Smart Mode: An adaptive feature operating in background, that learns your driving patterns. Using that learning, it will intelligently switch between Normal and Sport modes as necessary (driving up to 100% of torque to front axle) based on the driving situation (ie: Shifting to Sport for boosted power to pass that annoying 18-wheeler in front of you).
- Sport Mode: When engaged – enhances horsepower (up to 50% of torque to rear axle), acceleration, and steering precision for a more spirited drive experience.
- Eco Mode: Best choice for extended journeys, with focus on maximizing fuel efficiency through moderating acceleration and monitoring/adjusting energy consuming features (ie: air conditioning) to save energy.
- Snow Mode: Snow mode moderates the Tucson Hybrid’s RPM and torque between the axles to optimize traction for better control on snow-covered roads.
We did not get time in the snow (or other) with the 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD. Knowing the capability of HTRAC – with the additional Drive Modes – and factoring the 8.3-inch ground clearance, we expect it would handle moderate back country exploration with little difficulty.
Oh yes, And, if you have a few extra toys to bring along, the 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD also tows – up to 2,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes.
EXTERIOR
The 2023Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD is impressive with its ‘profile in motion’ look on a wider and longer platform. The Deep Sea Blue of our test vehicle subtly displayed the crisp geometric angles and edge lines of that styling – front, rear and profile.
Other features to note include the bold Chrome accent of the upper door windows wrapping nicely at the rear pillar, the half-mirror Daytime Running Lamps integrated into the Dark Chrome Grille, Body Color Bumpers, Fascias and Skid Plates (front and rear), Black Side Sills, 19-inch Alloy Wheels and Full Width Tail Lamp plus full LED lighting front and rear, Roof Side Rails, Rear Spoiler and Hands-Free Smart Power Liftgate.
INTERIOR
When reviewing the new Tucson Limited in 2022, we used one word to describe its cabin space design, features and functionality – ‘WOW’.
Our 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD delivered equally well if not better.
Even as a PHEV, it is one of the best uses of space in a compact SUV we have seen. The 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD effectively blends comfort, technology and convenience for an excellent driver and passenger experience around town, on the highway and in the outback.
Three areas that Hyundai is rightfully proud of include the 10.25-inch full-touch screen (without hard buttons) the hoodless digital gauge cluster, and multi-air ventilation, a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers.
Other features on our Tucson Limited included a Panoramic Sunroof, Power Leather-Trimmed Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats with AC Vents, Hands-Free Power Liftgate, the Ambient Lighting that subtly enhanced the excellent use of materials and textures in the cabin and more.
MULTIMEDIA / CONNECTED SERVICES
Our 2023 Tucson PHEV Limited AWD had plenty of the latest technology and infotainment available.
Included are a Bose 8-speaker Premium Sound managed through 10.25 color touchscreen with onboard Navigation and Split-screen functionality, SiriusXM, HD Radio, dual front and rear USB outlets, dual 12-volt outlets, Wireless Qi smartphone charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Digital Key w/Remote Engine Start and Climate Control, Dynamic Voice Recognition for cabin feature operation and more.
Advanced connectivity is provided through Blue Link Connected Car that enables vehicle feature control via smartphone, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.
SAFETY / ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson has been rated aTop Safety Pick + for collision protection.
Our 2023 Hyundai Tucson was equipped withtheir SMARTSENSE Advanced Safety andConvenience system with the following features: Surround View Monitor, Navigation based Smart Cruise Control w/Stop and Go and Curve Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Highway Driving Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor (instrument cluster), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse, Safe Exit Warning, Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, Parking Distance Warning (F/R) and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Other features included Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control /Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring.
WARRANTY
Warranty coverage for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson:
- New Car 5-yrs./60,000 Miles
- Drivetrain 10-yrs./100,000 Miles
- Hybrid/Electric Components 10-yrs./100,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance 5-yrs. No mileage limit.
- Complimentary Maintenance 3-yrs/36,000 Miles
TUCSON – So many choices
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is available with three powertrain options – Gasoline (ICE), Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).
There are seven trim levels. Gasoline powers five of the trim levels (SE, SEL, XRT, N-Line and Limited). Hybrid offers three trims – Blue Hybrid, SEL Convenience and Limited and the Plug-in-Hybrid (PHEV) is available in two trims, SEL and the Limited.
Pricing ranges from MSRP $26,900 to MSRP $44,760 with lots of choices in between.
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KEY DATA: 2024 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD
- Model: Tucson
- Trim: Limited
- Class: Small Crossover SUV
- Seating: 5
- MSRP: $44,560
- As Tested: $46,105
- Powertrain: Hybrid
- Gas Engine: Smartstream 1.6L Turbo-GDI
- Electric Motor: 66.9 kW
- Horsepower: Total System 261 hp
- Torque: Total System 258 lb.-ft.
- Battery Lithium Ion 88kW
- Charging Time Level 1 / 120V – not available Level 2 / 240V – 1.7 hours
- On Board Charger 7.2kW (@240V)
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Drive System: HTRAC AWD
- Drive Modes: Normal/Smart/Sport/ECO/Snow
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph – estimated 7-8 seconds
- Ground Clearance: 8.3-inches
- Towing 2,000 lbs. w/Trailer Brake and Sway Control
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link (F/R)
- Steering: Motor Driven Rack & Pinion
- Brakes: Vented Disc / Solid Disc (F/R)
- Wheels: 19-inch Alloy
- Tires: Michelin
- Tire Size: 235/55R19
- Fuel Economy: Electric only – 33 miles Gas only – 35 mpg Combined – 80 MPGe
- Fuel Tank: 11.1 gallons
- Range: Gas only – 388 milesCombined – 420 miles
Source: Media Test Drive and Press Release Materials
