Except for a few features moving to standard status, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (HEV) is basically a carryover from 2022, with one significant change: Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is now standard on all trims, along with forward collision warning with Junction Turning Assist.
The Blue Hybrid, SEL Convenience Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid are the three trim levels. Hyundai offers the standard internal combustion engine (ICE) gasoline-fueled Tucson and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in addition to the HEV. We detail the ICE and PHEV elsewhere. The Tucson Hybrid competes with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and others, including the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
Consisting of a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 44.2-kW electric motor, the hybrid powertrain generates a combined 226 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. Consequently, a 6-speed automatic transmission hustles power to all four wheels. Maximum towing is 2,000 pounds. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control are standard.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Blue Hybrid delivers 38 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg in combined driving. With the other 2023 Tucson Hybrid models, those numbers drop to 37 mpg city/36 mpg highway/37 mpg combined.
The Tucson Hybrid’s high points are its relatively spacious cabin, solid fuel economy, a comprehensive array of safety and driver-aid technologies, and impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Blue Hybrid (starting at $30,900)
If you were to compare the Blue Hybrid content with the standard Tucson, you would find that Hyundai equips it similarly to the SEL. This similarity means that the Blue Hybrid is the best value among the Tucson Hybrid trims for our money.
Standard are 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights), and high-beam assist. Also included are remote keyless entry, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat, four USB ports, and a 4.2-inch driver-info display are standard, too.
Hyundai treats the driver to an 8-way power-adjustable seat, heated front seats, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. Adding to the convenience is a hands-free power rear liftgate. A wireless phone charger, Hyundai Digital Key, and Blue Link Connected Car also make the cut.
Overseeing the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen. Other system features are a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite-radio capability, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Hyundai loads up the Tucson with an amazing bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies. Leading the list are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, junction-turning assist, and lane-following assist. The list also includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe-exit warning. Adaptive cruise control, speed-limit assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-seat occupant alert wrap up the package.
There are no factory-installed options for any trim level.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the Blue Hybrid base price brings the total to $32,195. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $579 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Blue Hybrid models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson Blue Hybrid includes:
Digital Smart Key – This system allows drivers to control certain vehicle functions through their smartphones. For example, locking and unlocking the doors is an enabled function.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Blue Link Connected Car – This feature is exactly what it sounds like: It’s a system to keep you connected with your Hyundai. It rolls technologies like navigation, accident first-responder notification, and so forth into one app on your smart device.
2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL Convenience Hybrid (starting at $33,860)
To the Blue Hybrid, the SEL Convenience Hybrid adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster and driver-information display. Other gains are 10-color ambient cabin lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
To the technology, the SEL Convenience Hybrid boosts things with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and adaptive cruise control with Curve Control.
Adding the destination fee to the SEL Convenience Hybrid base price totals $35,155. Financing for 60 months at 3% with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $632. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL Convenience Hybrid models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL Convenience Hybrid includes:
Curve control – Using route information from the navigation system, curve control anticipates upcoming curves, automatically slowing the vehicle if the set speed of adaptive cruise control is too fast.
Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind, automatically dimming their reflection.
10.25-inch touchscreen – As the command center for the infotainment system, this large screen enables the driver to find controls much quicker.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid (starting at $38,660)
As the top grade of the Tucson Hybrid, the Limited Hybrid is well stocked with comfort, safety, and convenience goodies.
To the SEL Convenience Hybrid, the Limited Hybrid adds more chrome accents, a skid plate, upgraded projector LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included are paddle shifters, leather seating, an 8-way passenger power-adjustable seat, and driver’s memory. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a HomeLink transceiver are standard, too.
Bolstering the safety and driver-aid technologies are front/rear park assist, a surround-view camera, a blind-spot-view monitor, and reverse automatic braking. Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist are standard, as well.
Adding the destination fee to the Limited Hybrid base price equals $39,955. Using our financing scenario, the monthly payment works out to about $718. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid models for sale near you
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid includes:
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Remote Smart Parking Assist – Using the Digital Key, the driver can park in a tight spot while standing outside the vehicle.
Highway Driving Assist – Capable of steering, accelerating, and braking the vehicle without driver input in certain situations, this is a semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology.
Does the 2023 Tucson Limited hybrid come with the HomeLink transceiver? I’ve seen conflicting reports on this.
Yes, but only with the Limited trim level.
Too bad Hyundai Tucson does not have heads up display.