You Can Choose Traditional Gas or Efficient Hybrid Power With the Tucson

Difference Between 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs Tucson Hybrid

These days, it isn’t all that uncommon for some of the most popular SUV models to now come with hybrid variants. The Hyundai Tucson is no different. That said, seeing these hybrid variants may leave you wondering what exactly the difference is. 

Of course, we can’t speak for all makes and models, but we can speak for Hyundai and the Hyundai Tucson. So, if you want to know exactly what you’re getting if you opt for the hybrid version of this popular SUV, then let’s dive right in.

2023 Tucson Hybrid Performance Specs

You can think of the Tucson (the one powered by gasoline) and the Tucson Hybrid as identical twins. On the outside, they look exactly the same. Even on the surface inside, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. But as much as they are alike on the surface, underneath they have unique personalities.

Of course, in this case, when we say “personalities” we mean “powertrains.” The Tucson in its original form is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that manages to deliver 187 horsepower. Though not as efficient as the hybrid, it does manage to achieve up to 28 mpg highway.

The hybrid, on the other hand, is powered by a combined system that includes a gasoline engine and electric motor. The gasoline engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit on the hybrid’s standard trim level. When combined with the electric battery, it can achieve up to 38 mpg highway. You can upgrade to a more powerful option that reduces the efficiency just slightly but increases horsepower from 226 to 261 hp.

The other key difference is that the Tucson Hybrid is technically a plug-in vehicle. This means that it can operate like a typical hybrid, but it can also operate like a purely electric vehicle. It won’t have the range of a fully electric car, but it does offer up a fully electric range of 33 miles. For some, that’s enough for their daily commute. Once it runs out of electric charge, you’ll just want to charge it up at a charging station or at home if you have an at-home charging station. 

[Read more: All-New Hyundai Kona Revealed at New York Auto Show]

When it comes to deciding between the 2023 Hyundai Tucson of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, you really can’t go wrong either way. It all comes down to whether you prefer the efficiency of hybrid driving that includes an electric battery or whether you prefer the more traditional gasoline engine. The choice is yours, but whatever you choose, you can contact us at Hyundai of Bellingham to get behind the wheel.