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2023 Hyundai Tucson
Starting at $28.035
Highs Future-forward styling, top models’ near-luxury cabins, hybrid powertrains are worth the upcharge.
Lows Base four-cylinder is pokey, push-button shifter takes getting used to, hybrid-SUV competitors deliver even better mpg.
Verdict The Tucson’s broad lineup provides compact SUV buyers with an abundance of choices, including some that elevate it with surprisingly luxurious touches.
Overview
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson struts a cutting-edge style that stands out among its more sober- looking compact SUV competitors. That doesn’t mean that the Tucson sacrifices practicality or affordability. It boasts both. Hyundai has taken the blanket approach with the Tucson, offering a wide variety of trims and powertrains-including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid-giving it broad appeal. The entry-level powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four that’s buttressed by an electric motor-a combination that provides more pep. Entry-level models of the Tucson are nicely equipped while higher-end trims cross the line from mainstream to premium, giving it an edge over rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
What's New for 2023?
Following a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, the Tucson sees only a few packaging changes for 2023. The Premium package has been eliminated from the SEL model and its contents have been distributed as standard features to other trim levels. For example, the panoramic sunroof is now standard on the N-Line trim and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen can be found on all XRT trims and up. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a speed limit assist feature are now standard on all Tucson trims. Serenity White Pearl replaces Quartz White on the Tucson’s exterior color palette.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SE: $28,035
SEL: $29,635
SEL Convenience: $31,595
Blue Hybrid: $32,485
XRT: $34,860
N-Line: $34,910
SEL Convenience Hybrid: $35,445
Limited: $37,295
SEL PHEV: $38,635
Limited Hybrid: $40,245
Limited PHEV: $45,895
After sampling the Tucson’s various powertrains, we think the hybrid represents the sweet spot between performance, features, and price. We suggest the SEL Convenience Hybrid trim as it comes standard with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, among other niceties.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be standard and comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which is good for a combined 226-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The non-hybrid Tucson’s performance is adequate at best, so lead-footed drivers will yearn for more power. At our test track, our all-wheel-drive Limited test vehicle loped to 60 mph in an unimpressive 8.8 seconds, which is nonetheless close to average for this not-very-swift class of SUVs. The more powerful Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both quicker, but don't expect the sportscar-like acceleration of Toyota’s RAV4 Prime from them. At our test track, our loaded Limited hybrid test vehicle managed a reasonable 7.1-second run to 60 mph. While the Tucson is no sports car, its handling is confident, its steering is reasonably crisp, and its ride is agreeable. What's most striking about the Tucson's driving demeanor is how quiet and refined it feels when cruising; it's these traits that give the SUV a sense of luxury that is rare to find in this class.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The plug-in hybrid model sports a 13.8-kWh battery pack that is said to offer up to 33 miles of electric-only driving, according to the EPA. A 7.2-kW onboard charger allows the battery to be fully recharged in about two hours when connected to a level 2 charging station.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that nonhybrid versions of the Tucson should deliver as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency ratings for the hybrid are as high as 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway; the plug-in hybrid model earned a rating of 80 MPGe combined and delivered 33 miles of electric-only driving in the EPA's test.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/...
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