Quickies: 2026 Hyundai Tucson
We had not worked with the internal combustion version of the Hyundai Tucson since 2021. We figured we should rectify that.
Several months ago, we tested a 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited…
OK…let us be more transparent. George drove the Tucson Hybrid while I was healing from another set of surgeries. He added a video for you to watch, just in case you missed it.
I heard good things about the updates that were made for 2025. However, we had not worked with the internal combustion version of the Tucson since 2021. We figured we should rectify that.
This is why you’re seeing this 2026 Tucson SEL Premium. It is a new name for the upgraded trim that was once called SEL Convenience. Actually, that trim level still exists in name only for the Hybrid model.
The SEL Premium trim is one a few relabeling of trim levels seen for 2026. Everything else remains the same as in 2025.
This brief time in the 2026 Tucson confirmed a lot of things about the updated 2025 model. The front clip has been soften with more squared off edges for the grille. I think it’s handsome now. The profile and rear end are distinctive. You know it is a Tucson by just looking at it. That is what attracts consumers to Hyundai showrooms.
By choosing the SEL Premium, we also wanted to show you – our dedicated readers – that not everything has to be fully equipped and top-of-the-line for us to work with. It is refreshing to work with a trim level that consumers will most likely buy. This is a point we make whenever we encounter other trim levels of vehicles in our work.
With that said, the 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finish up the SEL Premium’s exterior design. Plus, that Ultimate Red paint job was absolutely lovely.
The curved panel housing the dual 12.3-inch screens truly help the Tucson’s cause. I really do appreciate this key piece of Hyundai’s interior design, as it includes both comprehensive readouts and interactivity between the two screens. The information on the center portion between the two dials can be switched.
The infotainment touchscreen can mirror smartphones without a USB cord. There is a wireless charging pad tucked beneath the center stack. A standard set of six speakers pump sound throughout the cabin.
What I also appreciate in a vehicle is tactile controls. There is a real shifter – the same T-bar found on the Santa Cruz. Plus, there are plenty of buttons and switches. However, the climate control is more touch capacitive. It all works great.
The seats in the SEL Premium are upholstered in H-Tex simulated leather. The front seats offered plenty of support and comfort. I noticed that the plastic piece located just below the head restraint on the backrest has been replaced with actual upholstery. That makes it even more comfortable than before.
The rear seating area is spacious. There is excellent leg and head room, along with solid comfort. The cargo hold is also very spacious, starting with a maximum of 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold down the rear seats, and that space expands to a maximum of 80.0 cubic feet.
Powering this 2026 Tucson test vehicle is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the HTrac all-wheel-drive system.
Thinking back to the Hybrid we reviewed, while the benefit of an electrified driveline is to reduce tailpipe emissions and enjoy increased fuel economy, sometimes it is always heartwarming to drive an internal combustion engine. There is a direct feel when it comes to acceleration and highway cruising. I noticed it in this 2026 Tucson. And, it felt good!
Another upshot of a good ICE driveline is that you can earn a livable and honest fuel consumption figure. In the case of this 2026 Tucson, we observed an average of 31.3 MPG.
There are also a host of qualities that provide a signal boost to the 2026 Tucson’s cause. It has a solid ride that will not offend or upset your passengers – including you. Handling and cornering is very competent and inoffensive with nominal lean and roll. You can say that it is a pleasant place to drive around in.
The 2026 Tucson also provides a tight turning radius. Although, I was hoping for more road feel. It does keep within the lane quite well with an assuring on-center feel. I also felt that the brakes were good, delivering on solid stops every time. Pedal feel is equally solid and responsive.
There are eleven trim levels available on the 2026 Hyundai Tucson available in ICE, Hybrid, and PHEV drivelines. Pricing for the entire lineup starts at $29,200. This SEL Premium AWD test vehicle came in with a sticker price of $38,270.
After my short stint in the 2026 Tucson SEL Premium, I feigned making comparisons it to its competitors. Simply because it has its own qualities that make it stand out in that segment. It has a stand-out design, a wide variety of choices for propulsion systems and trim levels, a very spacious cabin area, and offers great value. You can say that about all other compact SUVs, but the Tucson truly stand outs in that crowd.
The truth is that I really liked this specific 2026 Tucson. It does everything you want it to do with great value and ther right amount of equipment on board.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Walser Hyundai Coon Rapids, Coon Rapids, MN – our opinions of our own
All photos by Randy Stern