![\"2026](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787431464_312_0x0.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
2026 Hyundai Tuscon<\/p>\n
Hyundai<\/p>\n
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD got zero attention, whistles or commentary in its week\u2019s test in Los Angeles despite being a rugged-looking version of Hyundai\u2019s compact crossover. Yet it did everything asked of it, was roomy and reliable and comfortable, and it\u2019s easy to see why it\u2019s Hyundai\u2019s best-selling model globally and currently their hottest offering.<\/p>\n
2026 Hyundai Tucson<\/p>\n
Hyundai<\/p>\n
What\u2019s new for this year?<\/strong><\/p>\n The Tucson was substantially freshened for 2025 so 2026 is largely a carryover year. The important XRT change is a new Terrain Mode system with Mud, Snow and Sand settings. Gas-powered Tucsons also get a higher 2,750-pound towing rating with trailer brakes, up from 2,000 pounds, a significant increase.<\/p>\n The XRT AWD starts at $35,225 before Hyundai\u2019s $1,600 destination charge, putting it at $36,825 before options, taxes and fees.<\/p>\n Looks<\/strong><\/p>\n The XRT leans harder into the rugged theme – as rugged as Hyundai gets, mind you – with 18-inch alloy wheels, black lower front and rear fascias, extra side cladding, black mirrors, dark grille trim, bridge-style roof rails and an XRT badge on the liftgate. There\u2019s also a heavy-duty-looking tow hitch. With AWD, ground clearance is 8.3 inches. It looks ready for a dirt road. Not through deep water. Just dirt and rough terrain. They call it \u201csoft-roading\u201d as opposed to \u201coff-roading.\u201d <\/p>\n 2026 Hyundai Tucson<\/p>\n Hyundai<\/p>\n Inside, the Tucson\u2019s strongest asset may simply be the amount of space offered – making it great for families or musicians. There is 41.4 inches of front legroom and a generous 41.3 inches in back so adult rear passengers get to stretch out a little. <\/p>\n Cargo capacity is 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.8 with them folded. The XRT gets black H-Tex synthetic-leather seating with XRT embossing, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power driver\u2019s seat and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as do almost 100% of vehicles offered for sale nowadays do.<\/p>\n Engine<\/strong><\/p>\n Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy for the AWD version is 24 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 combined.<\/p>\n 2026 Hyundai Tucson<\/p>\n Hyundai<\/p>\n How\u2019s the drive?<\/strong><\/p>\n On the road, the Tucson XRT is \u201ceasy all around.\u201d The ride is reasonably comfortable, steering is light but not vague and the vehicle feels smaller from behind the wheel than its large interior dimensions suggest. The eight-speed automatic behaves naturally around town, and the AWD system adds confidence without making the Tucson feel heavy or cumbersome. Braking is predictable and therefore good, parking is straightforward and freeway cruising is relaxed. <\/p>\n 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT<\/p>\n Hyundai<\/p>\n Room for improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n The main complaint is its lack of real power. The 187-horsepower engine is perfectly adequate for ordinary driving, but the XRT\u2019s tougher appearance belies a lack of cojones. Passing and hard acceleration require some patience, especially with passengers aboard. <\/p>\n