VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
268hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
271lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
29 mpg est.
35 MPG Combined / 33 Range
Towing
2750lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
1.6 L/98ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid produces 268hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Tucson returns 29 mpg est. while the Tucson Plug In Hybrid uses 35 MPG Combined / 33 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,175 for the Tucson and $40,675 for the Tucson Plug In Hybrid. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai TucsonLimited FWD 2026 - From $39,175
Hyundai Tucson Plug In HybridSEL AWD 2026 - From $40,675
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
268hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
271lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
1.6 L/98ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
35 MPG Combined / 33 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
11.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.7in
182.7in
Width (in)
73.4in
73.4in
Height (in)
65.6in
66.3in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3657lbs
4121lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2750lbs
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Value
Tucson
Practicality
Tucson
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Lower starting price ($39,175)
Higher towing capacity (2750lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Tucson gets 29 mpg est. and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid gets 35 MPG Combined / 33 Range on the combined cycle. The Tucson Plug In Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tucson or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Tucson produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Tucson Plug In Hybrid delivers 268hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tucson Plug In Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Tucson starts from $39,175 and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid from $40,675. The Tucson is cheaper by $1,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 2750lbs and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tucson or the Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.