The Hyundai Tucson continues to be the best-selling vehicle in its lineup. The variety of choices available is among the widest in its class. As other compact SUVs try to diversify their lineup to meet specific lifestyles, Hyundai offers simple choices.
That has not stopped Hyundai from adding more choices for their 2026 Tucson. In fact, they renamed their SEL Convenience trim level to the SEL Premium in gas-powered models. That is exactly what we’ve just worked with – which is really more than just a trim level name change.
Before we get into the newly renamed trim level, we should tell you about the 2026 Tucson itself. It continues with last year’s reworked front clip. It is definitely a friendlier take on its bold design. The main grille is wide, augmented with a set of driving lamps forming “wings.” The headlamp units are tucked away off to each edge of the front clip. A large lower air intake and stain-finished frame round out the front clip’s design.
The lines from this front clip form into a sporty fastback-line roofline and a boldly sculpted profile. The satin chrome strip above the side window silhouette sets the roof off very nicely. The rear end sports a pair of split vertical taillamps that dictate the form of the liftgate.
Our SEL Premium tester wore five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels that make this Ultimate Red colored tester pop a lot more. We should note that our tester came with a set of crossbars for the roof rack.
Stepping inside, you are greeted with Hyundai’s flat panel dashboard design inside the 2026 Tucson. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster is fully digital and customizable. Next to it is the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. We love the fact that this SEL Premium still has an actual shifter in the center console. Most controls are tactile buttons, knobs and switches – something we also appreciate. 
Our SEL Premium tester wore HTex simulated leather seating offering some support and comfort. It is more comfortable in this trim than previous turns in the Tucson. The rear seats offer excellent leg and head room, along with solid comfort. The cargo hold is very spacious. It starts with a maximum of 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a maximum of 80.0 cubic feet with those seats folded down. 
Powering our 2026 Tucson is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to Hyundai’s HTrac all-wheel-drive system.
Even though we’ve worked with the Hybrid driveline earlier this year, we found that the internal combustion driveline’s performance felt better. It did very well around town, as well as on the highway. In terms of fuel economy, we observed a 31.3 MPG average in our driving loop.
The driving experience was entirely pleasant one, with a smooth ride that manages rougher road surfaces without sacrificing cabin quality. The 2026 Tucson also handled quite well with nominal lean and roll through evasive maneuvers and corners. 
We found the turning radius to be tight in the 2026 Tucson, despite some artificial feel from the steering system itself. On-center feel was solid. The braking system stopped very well in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel was solid and the response to the wheels were very good.
For 2026, there has been some renaming and reshuffling of trims. You still have a total of eleven trims to choose from, including Hybrid and PHEV models. Pricing starts at $29,200. Our SEL Premium AWD tester came in with a sticker price of $38,270.
The compact SUV segment has gotten real competitive over time. The Tucson competes against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50 and CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Subaru Forester.
No matter which driveline you choose, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a solid entry in this hotly contested segment. It offers more than you would ask for with the space you need for a family of four-to-five people. You should check one out soon!
