Real driver reviews

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

 


First impressions

Model driven: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 1.6L T-GDi FWD (Base model)


Don’t be fooled by the entry-level positioning of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. I took the Tucson Hybrid base model for a test drive, but it’s anything but basic. It comes with a generous standard equipment list and a spacious, family-friendly interior. Add its impressively low fuel consumption and a cabin packed with thoughtful touches and you’ve got a compelling package.




Award-winning credentials

The Tucson Hybrid isn’t just turning heads, it’s collecting trophies. It’s just been awarded:

  • Drive’s Best Medium SUV Under $50K
  • Wheels’ Best Medium SUV

Why it won:

  • Spacious interior with quality finishes
  • Hybrid powertrain that delivers ample power while keeping fuel costs low
  • Impressive standard equipment across all grades


Hyundai Tuscon Inside


Features and tech

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comes loaded with equipment you’d expect in higher trims, including:

  • Wireless phone charger
  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Valent Mode function
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Remote start – via Smart Key
  • Safe Exit Warning
  • Rear Occupant Alert

Hyundai has also introduced clever hybrid-exclusive features like:

  • Smart regenerative braking
  • e-Motion Drive - smooths acceleration and optimises cornering traction
  • Baby Mode – reduces initial acceleration for a smoother drive and reduces shocks from the stopper when parking when little ones are on board


Inside, the Tucson Hybrid offers an airy, practical and thoughtfully designed cabin. There’s plenty of storage including a multi-level centre console with wireless charging pad, cupholders and an open space for bags or wallets. There’s also additional storage under the armrest and door bins.


The rear seats are spacious and there is excellent leg and knee room. Two adults won’t have a problem fitting back here. Unfortunately, someone draws the short straw on the high and hard middle seat. The rear seats include a fold-down armrest with dual cup holders, rear air vents with adjustable flow and direction and two USB-C ports.


The boot is also quite spacious. The hybrid offers 582 litres with the seats up, expanding to 1903 litres with seats folded – beating key rivals like the Toyota RAV4 (580 litres) and the Nissan X-Trail e-Power (575 litres).











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Hyundai Tucson 288 weekly

Hybrid Elite FWD

Hybrid N Line



Doggo in the car


Some of my favourite features


Baby Mode
Baby Mode is a driver-selectable setting in the Tucson Hybrid to make driving smoother and more comfortable for young passengers and even pets. It reduces the sharpness of initial acceleration to create gentler take-offs and is especially useful in stop-start traffic or even over speed bumps. Baby Mode made our trip more comfortable for my dog as it meant fewer sudden jolts when pulling away from traffic lights.


Advanced rear occupant alert
One feature I really value is the Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. It’s a smart safety system that monitors the rear seats after you’ve turned off the ignition and locked the car. It’s a thoughtful addition that gives peace of mind or want an extra layer of security when leaving the vehicle.


Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
This is one of those features you don’t think about until you need it. It uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles from behind and alerts you with both sound and visual warnings on the dashboard if it’s unsafe to open the door. It helps prevent those nerve-wracking near misses with cyclists or cars and adds an extra layer of confidence when exiting the vehicle.




Smart regenerative braking
I loved watching the range tick upward in stop-start traffic! It’s so satisfying to know every slowdown is working in my favour. It’s ideal for driving around the city, where frequent braking means you’re constantly recouping energy.


Practical dashboard
Hyundai has struck a good balance between touch and physical controls on the dashboard. There’s a row of physical buttons below the screen for quick access to key functions. There are also knobs for volume and tuning, making for quick and easy access. Clarity of the displays is also a strong point, with crisp graphics and bright colours.


On the road


Transitions between petrol and electric power are smooth and seamless – courtesy of the E-Motion Drive. While driving in the city, I enjoyed smooth take-offs when lights changed and minimised pitching over speed bumps. At freeway speeds, the petrol engine takes over, but the electric motor steps in when extra power is needed.


During my time behind the wheel, I averaged 5.3L/100km – a fantastic result for a medium SUV. Driving home from work, I loved that I started with 621km range but ended up with 625km at the end of my trip, thanks to regenerative braking! For anyone looking for a fuel efficient and versatile vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice on space or comfort, this is a big win.


Not ready to go all-electric?


Hybrid vehicles are booming in Australia. According to the FCAI, in the first half of 2025, hybrid sales climbed 15%. For anyone hesitant about going fully electric, a hybrid is the perfect stepping stone. I found the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid comfortable, quiet and very easy to drive. You get the benefits of electric driving without losing the convenience of petrol power.




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Important Information
SG Fleet Group is not the supplier or manufacturer of the vehicle and does not take any responsibility for the vehicle or the information about the vehicle contained in this article. You should make your own independent assessment of the vehicle and other sources of information (including the websites of the vehicle distributor/manufacturer).


Test drive vehicle supplied by Hyundai Australia. All opinions are entirely the driver's own.


Novated lease comparison
^Estimated income tax and GST savings over a 5-year novated lease term, compared to a non-packaged personal finance arrangement. Assumptions used to calculate potential savings available upon request. Comparison based on 2025-26 income tax rates. The examples are provided for your information and to illustrate scenarios. The results should not be taken as a substitute for independent professional taxation and financial advice. For the purposes of this example, we have not taken into account the impact of salary sacrificing gross salary for fringe benefits on the calculation of your superannuation guarantee contributions. This calculation also does not take into account the impact of any tax offset to which you may be entitled. All reasonable care has been taken in preparing these materials; however, SG Fleet Group provides no warranties and makes no representation that the information provided is appropriate for your particular circumstances or indicates you should follow a particular course of action.


Indicative weekly cost
~Indicative weekly cost is based on the following assumptions: 1) product is an SG Fleet Group Novated Lease; 2) someone living in Sydney, earning a salary of $100,000 p/a and travelling 15,000 kms p/a under a 5-year novated lease term; 3) the weekly cost includes finance and estimated costs for fuel, registration, insurance, servicing and repairs, tyres and roadside assist based on previous assumptions, which finance and estimated costs may have changed at the time a lease quotation is provided; 4) includes potential GST and PAYG savings over the term of the lease. The calculations include a provision for fringe benefits tax (FBT) calculated using the ECM method, unless the vehicle is eligible for the ATO electric cars exemption in which case calculations are based on the ZLEV Exempt method and NSW pricing, where stamp duty is exempt.


At the end of the lease a Residual Value obligation will apply, and GST will be payable on the Residual Value amount if you make an offer to purchase.


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Given all vehicle pricing provided is indicative only, for the purposes of assisting you with your vehicle selection process, all orders and delivery times will be subject to stock availability. Vehicle images are for illustration purposes only.


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