I drove Hyundai's best-selling SUV and found it's a perfect hybrid for people who don't like hybrids

Benjamin ZhangMay 29, 2024, 09:55 IST

A 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV in Limited trim.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a compact crossover SUV that rivals competitors from Toyota and Honda.
I enjoyed the Tucson Hybrid's stylish looks, new tech, solid performance, and fuel efficiency.

Compact crossover SUVs are now the most popular form of automobile on American roads, accounting for roughly 1 in 5 new vehicles sold during the first quarter of this year, according to data from Cox Automotive.

For the last 20 years, Hyundai's offering in this crucial segment has been the Tucson.

During that time, the strikingly stylish Tucson has not only evolved into the brand's best-selling model, with nearly 210,000 units sold in 2023. It's also one of the most popular models in the segment, in its fourth generation that launched in 2021.

I recently spent a week with a 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD around the roads of suburban Atlanta to see why it's so popular with buyers.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited has a quiet cabin.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tucson Hybrid competes with a handful of HEV rivals in the segment.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE is a top rival.Toyota

What immediately stands out about the Tucson are its striking looks.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has a striking front grille.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Here's a closer look at Hyundai's Parametric Jewel Hidden Lights.

The Tucson Hybrid's distinctive Parametric Jewel Hiddle Lights and headlights.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The geometric shapes continue beyond the front grille.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid in Limited trim.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

I'm a fan of the Tucson's optional 19-inch alloys.

The Tucson Hybrid's optional 19-inch alloy wheels.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The rear of the Tucson features vertical LED taillights protruding from a light bar that runs across the tailgate.

The tailgate of our Tucson Hybrid SUV.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tucson is about an inch longer than the Toyota RAV4, but 2.5 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V.

The Tucson Hybrid's side profile.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The interior is comfortable and relaxing.

The Tucson Hybrid's cabin.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The leather-trimmed front seats are heated and ventilated.

The Tucson Hybrid's front seats.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

I also liked the push-button shifter that frees up space above the center console.

The Hyundai Tucson's push-button shifter.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

And the novel footwell map pockets that provide additional cabin storage.

The Tucson Hybrid has a map pocket built into the center console.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The optional panoramic sunroof helps support the relaxing feel of the cabin.

The Tucson Hybrid's panoramic sunroof.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

In front of the driver is a nicely molded, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Tucson's steering wheel.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

In front of the steering wheel is an optional 10.25-inch configurable digital instrumental display.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited's digital instrument cluster.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The instrument display is home to a blind-spot monitor.

The driver's side blind spot monitor activated.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

It uses rear-view-mirror-mounted cameras to give drivers a view of their blind spots when changing lanes.

The passenger side blind spot view monitor activated.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Here's a closer look at the camera.

One of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV's rear-view mirror-mounted side cameras.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tucson Hybrid Limited also uses cameras to create a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle.

An overhead view of the Tucson Hybrid.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine working in unison with an electric drive motor.

The Tucson Hybrid's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

So, what's it like to drive?

The Tucson Hybrid's driver's seat.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The SUV had impressive fuel economy for a 3,800-pound, all-wheel-drive SUV.

The hybrid system in action.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited's optional 10.25 infotainment screen.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The rear seats are trimmed in soft leather and heated.

The Tucson Hybrid's back seats.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The rear seat passengers are also treated to dedicated air vents and USB-A plugs.

Rear seat USB plugs and air vents.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

The Tucson Hybrid Limited is equipped with a smart power liftgate.

The Tucson Hybrid from the back.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Open the liftgate and you'll find 38.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.

The Tucson Hybrid's cargo area.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

There's no spare tire. Instead, there's a tire repair kit in the underfloor storage area where the spare wheel would have been.

The Hyundai Tucson's tire repair kit.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

With the rear seats folded, the Tucson Hybrid boasts 74.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Tucson's cargo area with the rear seats folded down.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

It's not perfect: The drivetrain needs further refinement and improved interior material quality.

The Tucson Hybrid's prominent front grille.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

I flew in JetBlue's private 'apartment' for a 6-hour flight. The extra space made business-class travel even better.

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