This week I'm back behind the wheel of the always enjoyable Hyundai Tucson - but in a twist, it's a plug-in hybrid. I'm reviewing the top-of-the-line Limited model which means it's not short on comfort and convenience features.
I'm absolutely in love with my test vehicle's gorgeous Deep Sea blue hue. Strong lines along the profile give this mid-sized crossover a chiseled look. It rides on 19-inch statement-making wheels and is equipped with a dark chrome accent grille and silver plated front and rear skid plates. Chrome-accented side mirrors are heated.
The Limited is equipped with automatic bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights. In the back there's a rear spoiler, trailer pre-wiring and single tip exhaust.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine with a battery-powered electric motor. You'll get 33 miles of range on EV mode. Total system power is 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the most powerful model of the Tucson lineup. (For comparison, the Tucson hybrid model delivers 226-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.) A 6-speed automatic transmission features paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is standard and there is regenerative braking.
The Tucson Limited's 5-passenger well-designed interior is roomy with a mix of hard and soft-touch materials that include fabric on the door panels. The Limited is the only grade with leather-trimmed front seats. The side-bolstered 8-way power driver's seat is very comfortable. The passenger's seat is 8-way power as well and both front seats are heated and ventilated.
A high center console houses a Shift-By-Wire gear select and controls for auto brake hold and the electric parking brake. I like the look and feel of the switchgear. You'll also find the seat climate controls among the center console's command center hub.
Standard Limited features include dual zone climate with rear air vents, rain sensing wipers, wireless charging, 64-color interior ambient lighting and a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. There are dual and rear USB ports, but no USB-C ports. For me, what steals the show in the interior is the amazing panoramic sunroof. It's glorious if you like natural light.
Technology shines in the Tucson and the Limited is equipped with two terrific 10.25 inch screens - one for the driver's display and one for the multimedia touchscreen with navigation. The responsive touchscreen, which uses capacitive-touch controls, is compatible with non-wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio and SiriusXM. Dynamic Voice Recognition works great and you can ask the system things about the weather. It also features Hyundai's Sounds of Nature, Quiet Mode and Valet Mode. The Bose premium audio system sounds terrific too.
When it comes to the driver's display I'd prefer to be integrated into the dash as opposed to the tablet style set up, but that's personal preference. The display is one of the brightest, easiest to read digital clusters out there and I've always liked the cool animations when you change drive modes.
The Tucson has a roomy back seat with plenty of leg- and head-room. It features 60/40 folding, heated, split rear seats that recline and passengers can utilize their own A/C vents and a center armrest with small cup holders. There's a bit more plastic back here than I expected for the Limited trim, but overall passengers should enjoy the ride back there.
A hands-free power lift gate opens to very impressive cargo area with 2nd-row remote release levers, a dual cargo floor and a 12-volt.
The Hyundai Tucson is an easy and enjoyable crossover to drive both in the city and on the highway. The plug-in hybrid's 261-horsepower gives you nice acceleration. For the most responsive steering choose Sport mode. A nice suspension gives it a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride. Visibility is excellent as well thanks to 8.3 inches of ground clearance afforded by the all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Tucson offers Hyundai’s great SmartSense Safety Feature suite. Standard equipment across the lineup includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Pedestrian and Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear-Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Safe Exit Assist. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC) is also standard across the lineup. The Limited is also equipped with Parking Collision Avoidance Assist - Reverse, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, Surround View Monitor, and Blind Spot Monitor.
The Limited is also treated to two of my favorite tech features: Remote Smart Parking Assist is by far my favorite remote parking assist system - you can also find it in the Genesis models I've reviewed. It also has Highway Driving Assist, and although it's not the Hyundai's most updated version, it's still a great semi-autonomous system and very intuitive.
Carpeted floor mats ($210) are my test vehicle's only options. Price as equipped is just north of $46,000.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid would make a great choice for families not quite ready to make the leap into a full-fledged all-electric vehicle. It's packed full of tech, comfort and terrific safety features though I would like to see Hyundai's latest Highway Driving Assist system.