2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD Review

This week I bring you Hyundai's best-selling model, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson, available as a gas-only, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Sales this year are up 3% over 2025 as of the end of May, with the tally so far this year 98,031 vehicles. The Elantra is next in line. What this tells me is that drivers are highly focused on affordable options giving the challenges in today's market.  (Hyundai doesn't break down sales by powertrain type, sadly.) 

As the Tucson lineup received some updates last year, my review model, the XRT, is a carry-over model this year with the exception of a new Terrain mode.  It slots fourth in a six-trim lineup.

Exterior

The XRT is about rugged looks not off-road capability. My test vehicle wears a great-looking Rockwood green hue set against black accents and exclusive 18-inch XRT wheels.

The XRT's stylish exterior is distinguished by exclusive front and rear black facias, black side body cladding and gloss black upper door window molding. On the front end, a dark chrome grille is flanked by automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights.

The tail end sports LED tail lights, a rear spoiler, rear tow hitch and single tip exhaust. On top, black roof trim and roof side rails.

Powertrain   

There is no sugar coating it. The Tucson standard gas-powered model needs more power, and it's the only option for the XRT. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 187 ponies (178 pound-feet of torque), which is always going to be a problem for me. On the plus side, the powertrain is at least mated to an 8-speed automatic, which is more than I can say for the all-new Mazda CX-5 as Mazda can't seem to ditch its 6-speed.  In the case of the Tucson, I would opt for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Tucson model for a substantial power bump to 231 and up.

Interior     

The Tucson's roomy-for-a-compact-crossover cabin is well designed and laid out, with a mix of soft-touch and plastic materials.

My XRT test vehicle is outfitted with black H-Tex-trimmed front seats with XRT logos in the headrests.  The comfortable front seats feature three-level heating but you'll have to spring for the Limited for ventilated seats as well as a power passenger seat. The XRT's driver seat is 8-way power with lumbar support and the leather-wrapped, non-heated, steering wheel features haptic feedback.

The XRT is equipped with a 4.2-inch digital display - flanked by additional digital dials. (A 12.3-inch fully digital driver display is available on the SEL Premium and Limited.) The multimedia system runs through a 12.3- inch touchscreen new to lineup last year.  It's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has HD Radio. But the XRT misses out of a lot of other multimedia features - including onboard navigation, Hyundai integrated dynamic voice recognition (available only through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) Hyundai Pay and Bose premium audio.  A 6-speaker sound system is standard.

Below the dual-zone climate controls, the glossy-black trimmed center console features a large leather-wrapped gear shift knob, larger and taller than a lot of newer ones I'm seeing these days, like in the new Toyota RAV4 Limited with its new shift-by-wire gearbox. The console also sports two large cupholders and nice silver switchgear controls for the electronic parking brake, brake auto hold and more. But don't make the mistake in thinking the large tray is a wireless charger. The XRT isn't so lucky, it's reserved for the two top trims.

Back seat passengers will be comfortable in the 60/40 split rear seat. A center drop-down armrest nets two cupholders. There are A/C vents, USB ports and soft-touch seat backs are nice to see.

Other standard features include expanded ambient interior lighting, a 12-volt, always welcome assist grips, and USB ports in both rows.

Misses for the XRT in my book: no power sunroof, wireless charging, navigation or voice command. Of those, wireless charging at the very least should be available in every vehicle sold today - especially at this near $40K price point.

Utility 

The XRT is equipped with a power hands-free tailgate. A roomy cargo area features a dual level cargo floor, LED cargo light and it's also where you'll find a remote folding release for the rear seats.

Safety       

Advanced Driver Assistance Features include Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist,  Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert.

Highway Driving Assist is reserved for the top two trims, and a Head-Up Display for the Limited only.

Options   

The only option on my test vehicle: carpeted floor mats for $240. That brings the MSRP including destination to roughly $37,000.

Ride and Drive

The Tucson isn't exciting to drive but its smooth ride gets you there in an easy-going manner. Acceleration isn't its strong suit due to the 187-horsepower gas-only engine. Since the XRT is about looks, not off-road equipment, it doesn't add any rugged factor to the ride and drive. It does though, as I mentioned earlier, get a new Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow and Sand settings. The Tucson is also going to be a compact SUV that's easy to park and maneuver due to its size.

Verdict

Overall I think the Hyundai Tucson gas-only model will work for a lot of people who aren't focused on horsepower, because while I may be, I know not everyone is. But I don't think the XRT is the best value play in the lineup.  I'd opt for the SEL Premium which adds a bunch of features I think are missing from the XRT, and for just a few hundred bucks more to start. That said, the Tucson XRT will appeal to drivers looking for a exclusive rugged looks in a roomy compact SUV under $40K.