Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

2.5L Smartstream GDI 4-Cylinder and 8-Speed Automatic

The heart of the gas-powered Tucson is a 2.5L Smartstream GDI 4-cylinder paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Tuned for quietness and composure, this combination delivers confident city merging and relaxed highway cruising. Front-wheel drive is standard across the gas lineup, with HTRAC All Wheel Drive available if you prefer enhanced traction. What stands out is the calibration: throttle response is predictable and easy to modulate, steering is precise enough for relaxed lane placement, and the transmission keeps the engine in its optimal range without hunting for gears. The result is an SUV that feels settled and refined, the kind of demeanor that reduces fatigue on longer drives and gives the Tucson an upscale personality from behind the wheel. If you want a bit more response, the HEV and PHEV powertrains add electrified torque for peppier around-town acceleration while maintaining Tucson’s calm ride and handling balance.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive with Terrain Mode

For drivers who routinely face gravel farm roads, slush, or unplowed neighborhood streets, the available HTRAC All Wheel Drive enhances traction by actively distributing torque. New for 2026, the XRT trim adds Terrain Mode selections for Mud, Snow, and Sand—each mode tailors throttle, shift mapping, and torque split to maintain grip when surfaces get unpredictable. It’s an intelligent layer of confidence for winter commutes near Hastings, NE, and weekend trailheads alike. On dry pavement, HTRAC prioritizes stability and smoothness; on loose surfaces, it can shunt power to the wheel with the most purchase to keep you moving. Pair it with all-season or dedicated snow tires, and the Tucson becomes a highly composed partner in all kinds of Nebraska weather.

2,750-lb Towing Capacity (ICE)

Hyundai increased the gas Tucson’s maximum towing capacity with trailer brakes to 2,750 lbs. for 2026, a meaningful improvement for owners who tow occasionally. That opens the door to more small campers, a wider variety of fishing boats, and weekend toys like ATVs or a pair of snowmobiles. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models remain rated up to 2,000 lbs., ideal for lightweight utility trailers or smaller gear. No matter which powertrain you choose, equip the Tucson with an appropriate hitch and wiring, confirm your trailer’s tongue weight is properly balanced, and follow your owner’s manual guidance. The Tucson’s grounded ride and composed steering translate into a stable towing experience, and with a properly set up trailer, highway tracking feels reassuring—exactly what you want on cross-state trips to visit family in St. Paul and Central City.

Dual 12.3-inch Panoramic Displays

The Tucson’s dash integrates digital gauges and an infotainment display into a sleek, near-seamless glass panel for an upscale, cohesive look. The interface prioritizes clarity with crisp graphics and an intuitive menu structure, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with wireless connectivity. Available built-in navigation can provide turn-by-turn directions directly in your line of sight, and an upgraded audio system is available for drivers who want richer sound across all seating rows. Hyundai’s Digital Key smartphone app functionality can enable remote lock/unlock and available remote start, plus shareable access for family members. It’s a connected experience designed to remove friction—quickly queue a playlist, glance at navigation, and manage climate with tactile controls, all within an environment that looks and feels far above the class average.

HEV/PHEV Lineup and Charging Cable Updates

If efficiency or at-home charging matters to you, the Tucson’s electrified models make it simple. For 2026, the HEV lineup adds a new Blue SE trim below last year’s Blue, while the former HEV Blue is renamed SEL. The HEV N-Line is discontinued, which streamlines build and selection. On the PHEV side, Hyundai now includes a Level 1/Level 2 combo charging cable, expanding where and how you top off—plug into a standard household outlet for overnight convenience or use a 240V Level 2 source for quicker turnaround. HEV/PHEV shoppers also get a fresh paint option: Ecotronic Gray. Together, these updates make choosing and living with an electrified Tucson easier than ever, whether you prefer to maximize efficiency on daily errands or use electric-only driving for short weekday commutes.