Driven: 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Is More Than You Bargained For

Inside, the design is a lot smoother - fewer angles and more curves - and the dashboard and door trims flow into each other in a way that creates a sense of wrap-around comfort. The simplistic, uncluttered design works and furthers the sense of relaxation as everything is where it needs to be; for the driver, the digital gauge cluster is clean and clear, and even the push-button shifter is easy to use.

Both front passengers get heated front seats in even the base model, and there's space in the back for a couple of full-sized adults. The rear seats gain heating on the top trim, which also imbues the front perches with ventilation as standard. There's also enough cargo space behind the rear seats for a week's worth of groceries for the whole family.

Hyundai understands what the average buyer wants when they get in a new car - screens are expected, but they just need to be big enough and have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto baked in. The Tucson ticks these boxes with the infotainment setup, which is an eight-inch unit on the base model and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with standard navigation. There's a touch-sensitive control panel for the climate-control system separate from the main screen. It's a lovely blend of simplicity and comfort with just the right mix of technology added.

On the Limited models, a Bose Premium Audio system is standard, but unfortunately, it's typical of Bose with loose, flabby bass that got us looking for the equalizer settings immediately.

Hyundai's Digital Key is now standard across the range and can be used via the smartphone app. Also standard now is adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed-limit assist, a motion-activated power liftgate, pedestrian and cyclist detection, wireless device charging, and junction turning detection.

Combined, the electric motor and turbocharged 1.6-liter engine make 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The good news is that the engine has some real pep to it, while the battery size and regeneration ability are well-matched. That means you don't have to drive timidly to get the most out of the Tucson Hybrid in terms of efficiency.

In the Blue trim, the EPA estimates are 38 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles, while the SEL Convenience and Limited trims drop to 37/36/37 mpg. Through our week in the Limited trim, we easily registered an indicated 36-38 mpg no matter what we threw at it. Even making a trip up and over the mountains, the battery didn't drain completely or effect our fuel economy in a meaningful way.

While acceleration isn't exactly thrilling in the Tucson Hybrid, it is brisk, and with its confident handling, it's a breeze to hustle through the city or on a commute not bogged down by heavy traffic. It's a car that's easy to forget you're driving because everything acts as it should, allowing you to remain relaxed on the drive. For a hybrid crossover that starts at just over $31k, it's quite remarkable that everything works so well together and you're not left wanting for much. That is underscored by a quiet cabin, agreeable ride quality, and freeway-friendly driver aids that put the Tucson on the border of the luxury segment in its Limited trim - which still comes in under $40,000 at the time of writing.

The Hyundai Hybrid is not an exciting car, but it is a beautifully rounded crossover that hits all the marks for a commuter or family vehicle. It's got style, it's easy and enjoyable to drive, the interior is beautifully thought out, and the powertrain doesn't feel like a handicap in the name of economy. You could complain that fuel economy isn't close enough to best in class when the RAV4 Hybrid is similar in price, and that's a fair point. Other criticisms we have of the Tucson Hybrid are that the brake regeneration isn't adjustable and the capacitive audio controls take a bit of getting used to.

But in a side-to-side comparison with the RAV4, though, we prefer the quieter ride, the comfier front seats, and the overall handling of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. It's also worth noting Hyundai includes blind-spot collision avoidance from its Tucson Hybrid base model, which is something Toyota doesn't currently offer at all on the RAV4 Hybrid. Our advice for those cross-shopping the two best-in-class hybrid compact crossovers is to go and test drive them both.