Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs. Gas: Which One Is Worth It?

Trying to settle the Tucson Hybrid vs. gas question? You are in good company. Both versions of the Hyundai Tucson seat five, offer HTRAC all-wheel drive and give you the same cargo space behind the rear seat. The difference is what happens under the hood. The gas Tucson keeps things simple, while the Tucson Hybrid adds more power and much better city mileage. At Libertyville Happy Hyundai, we help drivers compare the two side by side. Here is a plain look at the numbers and who each one fits best.

The Tucson Hybrid pairs a 1.6L turbo engine with an electric motor for 231 total horsepower. Image: Hyundai

Tucson Hybrid vs. Gas at a Glance

Here is the quick version. These are Hyundai’s published specs for the current Tucson and Tucson Hybrid.

All mileage figures are EPA estimates. Your real numbers will vary with options, driving conditions and driving habits.

Fuel Economy: Where the Tucson Hybrid Pulls Ahead

The biggest gap shows up in town. The gas Tucson with front-wheel drive is rated at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. The Tucson Hybrid SE and SEL with front-wheel drive are rated at 40 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined. That is 15 more miles per gallon in city driving.

Why such a big city edge? The hybrid’s electric motor does its best work at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, which is where a gas engine is least efficient. If your weekday drive is a slow crawl down Milwaukee Avenue, a loop of errands in Vernon Hills or a rush-hour stretch of I-94, the hybrid is built for that kind of driving. On a long, steady highway run, the gap gets much smaller.

What About All-Wheel Drive?

With HTRAC all-wheel drive, the gas Tucson is rated at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. The Tucson Hybrid SE with AWD is rated at 38 mpg across the board, and the SEL, SEL Convenience and Limited with AWD are rated at 36 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined. So if you want all-wheel drive, the hybrid gives you 10 to 12 more combined miles per gallon.

The gas Tucson uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and tows up to 2,750 lbs with trailer brakes. Image: Hyundai

Power, Towing and Winter Driving

The Tucson Hybrid is the stronger of the two. Its 1.6L turbo engine teams with a 64-hp electric motor for 231 total horsepower and 271 lb-ft of total torque. The gas Tucson’s 2.5L engine makes 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. That extra power helps when you merge onto the tollway or pass on a two-lane road with a full load of passengers.

Towing

Towing is where the gas model wins. The gas Tucson is rated to tow up to 2,750 lbs with trailer brakes, while the Tucson Hybrid is rated for 2,000 lbs. If you pull a small trailer often, the gas Tucson gives you more room to work with.

Snow and Ice

Chicago-area winters are a real test for any SUV. Both versions offer HTRAC all-wheel drive, and every Tucson Hybrid has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The gas Tucson has 8.3 inches with AWD and 7.1 inches with front-wheel drive. If you face unplowed side streets on a snowy morning in Mundelein, AWD on either model is worth a close look. For more on drivetrains in the snow, read our AWD vs. FWD guide for winter driving.

Which Tucson Should You Choose?

Choose the gas Tucson if you:

• Drive mostly highway miles, where the mileage gap narrows
• Want the higher 2,750-lb towing rating
• Want the widest trim choice, including the XRT, which adds Terrain Mode when equipped with AWD
• Prefer a simple, familiar gas powertrain

Choose the Tucson Hybrid if you:

• Spend most of your time in town or in stop-and-go traffic
• Want more power, with 231 total horsepower
• Want all-wheel drive and 36 to 38 mpg combined in the same SUV
• Want better mileage without having to plug in

Whichever one you pick, our Hyundai service department can handle routine maintenance on both gas and hybrid Tucson models.

What About the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid?

Hyundai also offers a third choice. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid makes 268 total horsepower, comes with standard HTRAC AWD and has an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. It makes the most sense if you can charge at home and your daily drive, say a round trip from Grayslake, fits within that range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tucson Hybrid worth it over the gas Tucson?

For most drivers who spend a lot of time in town, yes. The Tucson Hybrid is rated at up to 38 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the gas model with front-wheel drive, and it makes more power. The gas Tucson still makes sense if you tow often or drive mostly on the highway.

What is the gas mileage of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid?

The Tucson Hybrid SE and SEL with front-wheel drive are EPA-rated at 40 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined. With HTRAC AWD, the SE is rated at 38 mpg combined and the SEL, SEL Convenience and Limited are rated at 36 mpg combined. Actual mileage will vary.

Does the Tucson Hybrid have all-wheel drive?

Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is optional on the Tucson Hybrid SE and SEL and standard on the SEL Convenience and Limited. Every Tucson Hybrid has 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

How much can a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid tow?

The Tucson Hybrid is rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes. The gas Tucson is rated for up to 2,750 lbs with trailer brakes, so it is the better pick if towing matters most to you.

Can I test drive a Tucson Hybrid and a gas Tucson at Libertyville Happy Hyundai?

Yes. Visit us at 901 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048, or call 224-207-7201 to set up a time. Call ahead so we can check which models are on hand and have them ready to drive back to back. You can also learn more about our dealership before you stop in.

Drive Both Before You Decide

Numbers tell part of the story, but the best way to settle the Tucson Hybrid vs. gas question is to drive them back to back on roads you know. Pay attention to how each one pulls away from a stop, how quiet it feels in traffic and how the cargo area fits your gear. Browse our new Hyundai inventory to see what is available, and explore financing options before you visit. We are glad to answer questions and help you find the Tucson that fits your drive.