Hyundai Tucson Plug-In (PHEV) - The Car Of The Moment

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Tucson plug-in or Rav4 PRIME?

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The transition to EVcan be intimidating, especially considering the seeming complete unreliability from the public charging infrastructure. Enter the Plug-In hybrid. All The benefits of an EV drive for short distances with the dependability of a gas engine.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here.

In 2022, heading into 2023 we;re getting closer to EVs making more sense.

However, we’re not in a place yet where range anxiety isn’t justified

So for those concerned about range and road-trip-ability

The most logical stepping stone and the most sensible vehicle type would be a PHEV

And there are a few options if you’re looking for a plug-in, but many of them are only sold in certain states or are generally impossible to get. But if you did manage to get one, you’d probably want this one

This is the Hyundau Tucson Plug-In

The Tucson is a crossover that impressed us last summer, and now with the plug-in it’s even better

The Tucson PLugIn brings all the benefits of the normal Tucson we loved, but adds a hybrid component with the ability to drive in fully electric. It also has a battery rated for 33 miles of full EV range - which is probably enough to get most people at least to work and maybe back on electric alone

So what you have all together is a 1.6T 4 cylinder AND the 13.8kWh battery pack

Combined power figures for both the gas engine and electric motors systems working comes in at

261hp
258 lbft

Which is plenty powerful enough to make this thing feel athletic

The power for the gas engine is managed by a 6 speed automatic gearbox which is fine enough for a hybrid family suv. It manages the transition between gas and electric power distribution well, but not QUITE as well as the Toyota system. Having said that, you’re not going to notice a difference unless you drive the two systems back to back

So the interesting bit is how fuel economy is rated.

Yes, you have the 33 miles of EV range, but then the hybrid system is also good for a claimed 35 mpg combined according to the EPA

I’ve been plugging this thing in at my house whenever I’m not driving it and this week it’s showing me something more like 50 mpg due tothe fact that I’m driving on the battery most of the time

Alright that’s enough about the hybrid system, it’s time we chat about how this thing actually is to drive and what that experience is like

In a word, great!

It has more than enough power to do the things I ask of it

You get power back when using the brakes

The steering is light and easy

The ride is supple and comfortable

The cabin is quiet and refined, especially in electric mode without the noise ofd the gas engine

But more than all those things the bit that stands out to me the most is the visibility

I can see EVERYTHING

Low dash, great mirrors, headrests dont block much

It’s really relaxing

But with that let’s step outside and talk looks

Without me telling you this is the plugin there’s only one other way you could tell
Badge on the back
This only come sin SEL and Limited and it mirrors all the styling cues from the ICE and normal hybrid
grille/headlights
19 inch wheels
SO MUCH STYLING…RELAX
No exhaust
Towing max 2000lbs w/ trailer brake
Kick to open tailgate

Design is nice and easy
Materials I’m not bothered
The usability isn’t perfect - volume knob
Space is great
Big pano roof
Good headroom
Low dash
Tech
WIRED ACP & AA (wireless in SEL)
Digital cluster
10 inch head unit
HDAS is awesome
360 cameras are very good
Digital key (phone as key)
Wireless charger
Bose audio
Luxury
Heated and cooled seats
Heated rear seats
Heated steering wheel
64 color ambient light
Rear seats are nice and big and comfy
Trunk is a great size and has cubbies under floor