2024 Hyundai Tucson Prices Go Up, Hybrid Models Rule
The Hyundai Tucson offers another great example of rampant inflation across the auto industry.
For the 2024 model year, the popular Korean compact SUV loses its base Essential trim level and front-wheel drive models. All Tucsons now come standard with all-wheel drive starting with the Tucson Preferred at $34,199 (plus freight, PDI and other fees totalling $2,657), an increase of $1,300 versus the 2023 equivalent.
Remember, the cheapest Tucson used to cost $28,499, meaning customers now have to pay nearly $6,000 more to get their hands on a unit. This revised pricing structure will inevitably affect sales. As a silver lining, combined fuel consumption is improved from 9.3 L/100 km to 9.1 L/100 km according to official NRC ratings.
The desirable Trend Package is back, requiring an extra of $2,500. It includes a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats with 8-way power adjustments for the driver, dark chrome exterior accents and a power rear liftgate.
By the way, the 2024 Tucson Preferred is now the only one using the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. The rest of the lineup has gone hybrid only, including the slightly sportier Tucson N Line.
This model pairs a turbocharged 1.6-litre gasoline engine with an electric motor for a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4 L/100 km. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Well, you must know it retails from $40,599, up $2,100 compared to the non-hybrid 2023 N Line model.
The Tucson Luxury Hybrid will cost you the same thing, and you need to spend an additional $3,400 for the Ultimate Hybrid.
Towering above all the others is the Tucson Ultimate PHEV starting at $49,499, which represents a hike of $2,550 from a year ago (the cheaper Luxury PHEV has been eliminated). With a 13.8kWh battery enabling up to 53 km of zero-emission range, this model is eligible to a $5,000 rebate from the federal government in addition to provincial incentives where applicable. It remains the most potent Tucson you can buy with 261 horsepower.
In all cases, maximum towing capacity doesn’t exceed 2,000 lbs, which is a bit disappointing.
If you’re looking for a more affordable Hyundai SUV, the smaller Kona is completely redesigned and improved for 2024 and still offers a fully electric variant. Gas models start at $25,999, a sizable increase of $3,350 from 2023.