Stylish 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is well-equipped: First Look Review

Hyundai has updated the Tucson, its best-selling model in the U.S., for the 2024 model year. While it’s not a facelift, as before, the fourth-generation model of the compact SUV is available in a hybrid variant aimed at environmentally conscious customers. Delivering close to 40 MPG, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a top pick for customers who want to save on their fuel expenses, without compromising style or features.

Recently, I spent some time exploring the 2024 Tucson Hybrid’s exterior and checking out its features and interior in detail. Here are my impressions:

Design

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid features a sporty and sophisticated design that’s appealing to modern, tech-savvy customers. I like how Hyundai designers have integrated some modules of the DRLs into the “parametric grille” subtly, such that they are only visible when illuminated. In my opinion, the 2024 Tucson Hybrid has one of the finest executions of split headlamps among all the SUVs sold in America.

On the sides, I like the clearly defined geometric angles and edges that balance off the rugged and classic SUV impression created by the voluminous wheel arches. At the back, the full-width tail lamp with partially concealed triangular shapes that become clearly visible when illuminated reminds me of the DRLs in front. Something more interesting that I find at this angle is how Hyundai has concealed the wiper beneath the spoiler. Also contributing to the clean look is the integration of the brand logo into the glass.

For MY2024, the 2024 Tucson Hybrid has gained the N Line trim, meaning customers can have the frugal compact SUV with a sportier styling. This trim has a distinctive lower grille and bumper at the front, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black ORVMs, black window trim, an exclusive rear spoiler, and a twin-tip exhaust. This addition to the Tucson line-up makes the hybrid SUV more appealing in the eyes of young buyers.

Interior

As a six-foot-tall person, I felt that stepping into the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was easy. In the driver’s seat, I felt that forward visibility good. Headroom was sufficient. Under-thigh support for a tall person like me was comfortable. I touched the plastics on the lower part of the dashboard to get a good idea about their quality, and it felt like just good grade hard plastics. I was disappointed by the exclusion of knobs to adjust volume and cabin temperature and other basic physical controls.

I also found it inconvenient that I could not use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly in the now-standard-fit 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (previously optional in the Blue trim). The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster is placed conveniently and is easy to read. It also gets hybrid-specific details.

Moving to the back of the cabin, the comfort level was good. I think sitting three adults abreast in this SUV would be tight due to the small hump in the floor. Headroom was just about okay and knee room as sufficient for a six-foot-tall person like me with the driver’s seat placed at my position. I would have liked a bit more under-thigh support, and this is a job for the next-gen Tucson that’s expected in 2026.

Lastly, the 2024 Tucson Hybrid offers more safety. With the MY2024 update, Hyundai added seatbelt reminder for all the passengers (previously driver-only) and introduced rear side airbags, rear outboard seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard safety features in the entire Tucson line-up, including the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. The company has also updated the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist driver-assistance systems to give haptic feedback on the steering wheel.

Driving impressions

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid doesn’t have any mechanical changes from the previous two models (MY2022 and MY2023). Gauging from various driving impressions of the latter, I assume it’s just as comfortable and refined.

Hyundai uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a mechanical all-wheel drive system in the 2024 Tucson Hybrid. The engine, which produces 180 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, is assisted by an electric motor that generates 59 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque and gets its energy from a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination results in 226 hp of power and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2024 Tucson Hybrid is fun to drive and feels capable of making quick passes at highway speeds. The conventional automatic transmission changes gears smoothly and gives a normal driving experience, which is not the case with most other hybrid compact SUVs, which have e-CVTs. The gas model doesn’t stand a chance in front of the hybrid in terms of performance and refinement.

Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid is still among the best picks for fuel efficiency among AWD hybrid models, delivering 41 MPG (city)/38 MPG (hwy)/40 MPG (comb.). The 2024 Tucson Hybrid returns 38 MPG (city/hwy/comb.). However, it feels punchier, smoother, and firmer, offering more excitement and comfort, so it’s still a better value overall in my opinion.

Price

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid kicks off at USD 32,325 in the base Blue trim and go up to USD 39,465 in the range-topping Limited trim. A USD 1,335 freight charge is applicable over the MSRP across the range.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offers plenty of style, great comfort, good performance, and decent fuel economy. Save for a few inconveniences related to the in-cabin electronics, I think it’s one of the most sensible yet daring models in the hybrid compact SUV segment in the U.S.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid FAQs