Thoughts on my 2026 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED FWD
My actual rating is 4.5 stars. The 2026 Limited has way more to it than my 2022 (not a Limited). OK so I have MORE than I did with the 2022 but what's missing and/or what wasn't thought through properly is a bit of a let down. First, what it has. The 2026 Limited has a panoramic sunroof, Bose speakers, bigger, comfier seats, dual climate control (wonderful!), heated steering wheel, seats that warm up or cool down. It has bigger wheels and a push button to pop the rear and close it. More room in the back seats (heated as well). It has cameras all over the place - I can see the sides, the back and a birds eye view of above. The cameras are not capable of recording so you'll still need a dash cam if you prefer that. It has a self adjusting driver's seat (you push and hold one of 2 buttons to program, kinda like your radio). So when there are two drivers (me and hubs) you're not fussing every time you get in the car having to readjust everything. Just push #1 or #2 and it positions the driver's seat just the way you like it. It looks identical to the 2022. They're basically twins. The pickup... both are 4 cyl. I get it, they're not racing cars. But I like to know that if I need to pass someone, when I hit the gas, it's going to GO. Nope. It lags. It's almost like it has to back up to get a head start. Same for when your red light turns green. You won't be the first car off the line anymore. It will (and does) catch up, but personally I like to know that when I hit the gas that car is going to MOVE. The panoramic sunroof is touchy. Push the button too hard and the whole thing opens up. Sometimes you just want the sunroof to let in some sun, not the noise and hot/cold air. The lane assist is a PIA if you live in the country. It is always yanking me into the wrong lane. I know my roads and I love to drive. If you don't stay exactly where it thinks you should be not only will it yank you in that direction but it will also cut your music volume down to nothing until you're back where it thinks you belong. Don't get me started on the hissy fit it takes when you pull in too close to any signage in front of you - or if someone or something appears behind you. The idea is good - the execution is not. Also, there should be some kind of clips for the matt in the cargo area. That matt slides all over and has impeded closing the door on occasion. We were on vacation, had a full cooler in the back and the weight wasn't enough to hold the matt in place. It slid all over, back and forth, then got hung up right where the closing mechanism is located. The matt wasn't blocking the space but it was close enough to make the car think it was. The door started to lower to close, encountered an object and opened back up. Nothing like having to unpack the whole cargo area to move the matt just so the door will close. I guess we'll be buying some velcro strips to help keep the matt in place. The middle console is smaller, and there is space under the console, however there is no way to access it unless you contort your arm to reach under. (The console will not release up so you can access the area underneath). Again, good idea, poor execution. Cup holders could be a bit wider, especially the ones located on the doors. So do I miss my 2022? Yes. Do I dislike my 2026? Absolutely not. It just needs tweaking. Maybe Hyundai should have real world Tucson owners test drive the new models before mass producing and releasing so they can understand where the weak/annoying parts are. Parts I love (Limited version): The speedometer shows up in the windshield - you can see the speed limit, your speed and upcoming road signs. The windshield shows a red overlay where there is a vehicle in your blind spot as well as the side mirrors having their own lights. The cameras cover all portions of the car. I like knowing what's around me, especially seeing how I'm parked. The Bose speakers and the sound system are a blast! The car is very comfortable, easy and a joy to drive (as long as you're not a professional race car driver I guess). The windshield highlights everything you need to know without having to take your eyes off the road - including GPS directions. It's a great looking ride and I'm happy with my purchase.
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