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The most efficient Tucson Hybrid should return 38 mpg, according to the EPA.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
All Tucson Hybrids come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and from the moment I pulled out of my driveway, I could really feel a difference. The Hybrid accelerates with a lot more authority than the normal Tucson, with a little electric shove off the line before a rush of turbocharged torque helps this SUV get up to speed. Gear-changes are smooth and imperceptible, and there are even steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, though I'm not really sure when or why you'd use them in a car like this.
Tucson Hybrids get Hyundai's e-handling tech, which uses power from the electric motor to essentially introduce torque vectoring, braking the front wheels when entering a corner and sending additional torque to the rear axle when you exit. It's something you can really feel on a winding road, not that it suddenly turns the Tucson into a sports car. Gas-only and electrified Tucsons have the same steering and suspension tunes, both of which are perfectly appropriate for a compact crossover. The steering is light but direct, and the MacPherson front strut and multilink rear suspension do a nice job of keeping the Tucson smooth and stable at all times. Even with the Limited's swanky 19-inch wheels, this Hyundai isn't the least bit crashy -- even over nasty blemishes.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is as efficient as it is stylish
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It's rare that a CUV's hybrid option is both more efficientandmore powerful than the standard gas model, but it only makes this Tucson more compelling. In fact, it makes me super stoked to drive the upcomingTucson plug-in hybrid, which offers a healthy 261 hp, not to mention an estimated 32 miles of all-electric driving range.
Hyundai offers the Tucson Hybrid in three trim levels. The base Blue comes in at $30,235, including $1,185 for destination, and has the same level of equipment as a non-hybrid Tucson SEL AWD. That means goodies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, full-speed adaptive cruise control, tinted windows, a proximity key and heated seats are all standard, in addition to technologies that come with the most basic Tucson -- LED headlights, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, of course, those freaking rad running lights.
The SEL Hybrid adds 19-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, Hyundai's Digital Key, wireless charging and a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster. At $32,835 delivered, this really seems like the way to go if you don't care about having every last creature comfort.