2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid: First Look Review

The compact SUV segment offers the highest number of plug-in hybrid model options in the U.S. While some focus strongly on efficiency and electric range, others on performance, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid balances both and adds a superb styling to the mix, not to forget an attractive price, too. Does it have what it takes to carve a safe space for itself in the crowded plug-in hybrid compact SUV segment? I saw it in person recently to find that out first-hand:

Design

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid features a bold and high-tech exterior, and I think it’s one of the best-looking models in its segment. The plug-in hybrid compact SUV has a sporty character that communicates it’s up for challenges. Seeing it in person, I liked the Z-shape character line and other sharp creases on its side profile and its muscular stance. However, what truly stunned me was the unusually high emphasis on making the exterior clean and classy.

My favorite part of the 2024 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid’s exterior is the dark chrome grille, which gives it a grand and luxurious styling, and I particularly like how beautifully it conceals the half-mirror-type DRLs when turned off. At the back, the wide tail lamps have been designed to highlight the model’s high-tech nature, but in my opinion, even more worth noticing is the smooth Hyundai logo that sits flush with the back glass. Adding to the clean-slate look is the hidden rear wiper, which is a Hyundai-first feature.

Interior

The long wheelbase of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid had me expecting an inviting, spacious interior. When I sat in it, I felt that it was indeed the case. Ingress for a six-foot-tall person like me is comfortable in this model. On the 8-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated driver’s seat, I found the legroom and under-thigh support to be good. As for headroom, it was just adequate, with the seat set to my driving position.

The smooth transition between the dashboard and the door panels gave an elevated sense of spaciousness and the feel of sitting in a more premium vehicle. The steering wheel is a bit odd aesthetically, and I felt it was a bit tricky at first to grip with the buttons, multiple spokes, and paddles behind the wheel as well. I see this taking a while to get used to.

The buttons and toggle switches on the steering wheel were placed conveniently. I was able to see the hoodless 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster through it. The driver information display also shows the battery pack’s energy flow, a PHEV-specific function. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn’t the biggest in the segment, and it supports only wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

My only complaint while sitting in the front was the excessive use of touch controls. All the climate control system and infotainment system buttons were touch-operated, which I personally won’t have problems with, though others may find them distracting and inconvenient. The gloss black surface integrating them is prone to smudges and fingerprints.

The plastic quality in the cabin was good for a car of this segment, with Hyundai using a couple of different soft-touch materials on the door pads, center console, and dashboard. The quality of upholstery and trim materials felt good, but I would’ve liked a lighter color scheme in the cabin.

Entering the rear of the 2024 Tucson PHEV’s cabin was simple. The bench cushion felt the right level of firmness. I think three adults like me would not be comfortable in the back, though. I was able to settle in behind the driver’s seat comfortably and was in the position that I had adjusted to earlier. Under-thigh support felt okay, while headroom was ample.

Driving impressions

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid doesn’t have any mechanical changes from the previous model, which in turn was the same as the originally released, 2022 model. Based on no reported mechanical changes, the driving experience is expected to be consistent with previous models.

The Tucson PHEV employs a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine along with an electric motor, which gets its juice from a 13.8 kWh battery pack. The result of this combination is 261 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission works with a mechanical AWD system to direct drive to the wheels. With the traction battery pack fully charged, it’s possible to drive up to 33 miles (EPA-est.) in EV mode.

Owners and automotive reviewers would also concur that the Tucson PHEV is quick, packs sufficient power for highway driving, and offers great comfort. The transmission operates smoothly, something that can’t be said for some rival models that use an eCVT instead. The plug-in hybrid SUV feels quite dynamic, and handles well even when driven a bit enthusiastically.

The best aspect of the Tucson PHEV has to be its comfort, though, as it feels hushed and smooth, which makes it a great pick for long journeys. The only let-down is that the chassis feels a bit firm at slow speeds.

Price

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid has been priced at USD 38,725 in the SEL trim and USD 45,450 in the Limited trim. Both prices exclude a USD 1,375 freight charge.

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

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid offers great styling, comfort and convenience, performance, and ride quality, which makes it an almost perfect all-rounder. It may not match the performance and efficiency levels of Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, but with a significantly lower base price, it’s way more accessible. I think it’s certainly worth considering in the plug-in hybrid compact SUV segment.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid FAQs