An all-new model for 2022, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) returns virtually unchanged. Hyundai did shuffle a few features around, but the result isn’t significant.
Those shopping for the Tucson PHEV don’t have many decisions to make. Hyundai only offers this model as the SEL Plug-in Hybrid and the Limited Plug-in Hybrid. Both come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and neither provides any factory-installed options. Easy-peasy. The Tucson PHEV’s competitors include the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Kia Sportage PHEV, and Ford Escape PHEV.
Hyundai markets the standard Tucson with a gas-fueled engine and a hybrid (HEV) version. We detail those elsewhere.
The PHEV powertrain features the same 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the hybrid but complements it with a larger (66.9-kW) electric motor and a bigger lithium-ion battery. The combined total output is 261 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission hustles torque to all four wheels.
As of yet, the government hasn’t supplied any fuel-economy numbers for the 2023 Tucson PHEV, but last year the same powertrain posted an electric-only 80 MPGe and 35 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg in combined driving. Official estimates put the electric-only range at a maximum of 33 miles.
There is a lot to like about the Tucson PHEV. We appreciate its wealth of technology, roomy cabin, 33-mile purely electric range, and all-wheel drive (AWD).
2023 Hyundai SEL Plug-in Hybrid (starting at $37,050)
If you were cross-shopping the Tucson Blue Hybrid, its content is virtually identical to that of the SEL PHEV. Therefore, we believe the SEL is the better value of the two available Hyundai Tucson PHEV trim levels.
Exterior highlights are 19-inch alloy wheels and LED exterior lights (taillights, auto on-off headlights, and daytime running lights). Heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, remote keyless entry, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start are standard, too.
Passengers should feel at home in a cabin featuring dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, four USB ports, and a reclining 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Helping the driver to become situated is an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Hyundai also includes heated front seats, a 4.2-inch driver-information display, and a hands-free power rear liftgate.
The Hyundai Digital Key and Bluelink Connected Car are also in the mix.
An 8-inch touchscreen anchors the infotainment system, which controls a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and satellite-radio capability. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integrate your smartphone into the system.
Hyundai provides a comprehensive group of safety and driver-aid technologies. For example, forward collision warning (with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection), junction-turning assist, and lane-following assist are standard. Other technologies include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe-exit warning. Wrapping up the safety tech is adaptive cruise control, speed-limit assist, driver-attention warning, and rear-seat occupant alert.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SEL PHEV base price brings the total to $38,345. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $689 per month. See 2023 Tucson SEL Plug-in Hybrid models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL Plug-in Hybrid includes:
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – These apps allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
Bluelink Connected Car – This feature keeps you connected with your Hyundai. It rolls technologies like navigation, accident first-responder notification, and so forth into one app on your smart device.
Digital Smart Key – This system allows drivers to control certain functions of their Hyundai through their smartphones, like locking and unlocking the doors.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Plug-in Hybrid (starting at $44,310)
Hyundai crowns its upper-echelon PHEV trim with extra convenience, comfort, and technology features. For instance, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 10.25-inch digital gauge display, leather seating, a surround-view camera, and Highway Driving Assist are all standard.
Other welcome niceties include upgraded projector LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a skid plate, paddle shifters, and memory for the driver’s seat. Ventilated front seats, including the 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, come furnished also.
You can operate your garage door and home interior lights via the HomeLink transceiver. Also included are reverse automatic emergency braking, front/rear park assist, a blind-spot-view monitor, adaptive cruise control with curve control, and remote smart parking assist.
Adding the destination fee to the Limited PHEV base price equals $45,605. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $819. See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Plug-in Hybrid models for sale
2023 Hyundai Tucson Limited Plug-in Hybrid includes:
Highway Driving Assist – Capable of steering, accelerating, and braking the vehicle without driver input in certain situations, this is a semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Curve control – Using route information from the navigation system, curve control anticipates upcoming curves, automatically slowing the Tucson if the preset speed is too fast.
