2023 Hyundai Tucsonbr Starting at $28.035br br Highs Future-forward styling, top models’ near-luxury cabins, hybrid powertrains are worth the upcharge.br Lows Base four-cylinder is pokey, push-button shifter takes getting used to, hybrid-SUV competitors deliver even better mpg.br Verdict The Tucson’s broad lineup provides compact SUV buyers with an abundance of choices, including some that elevate it with surprisingly luxurious touches.br br Overviewbr The 2023 Hyundai Tucson struts a cutting-edge style that stands out among its more sober- looking compact SUV competitors. That doesn’t mean that the Tucson sacrifices practicality or affordability. It boasts both. Hyundai has taken the blanket approach with the Tucson, offering a wide variety of trims and powertrains—including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid—giving it broad appeal. The entry-level powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four that’s buttressed by an electric motor—a combination that provides more pep. Entry-level models of the Tucson are nicely equipped while higher-end trims cross the line from mainstream to premium, giving it an edge over rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.br br What's New for 2023?br Following a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, the Tucson sees only a few packaging changes for 2023. The Premium package has been eliminated from the SEL model and its contents have been distributed as standard features to other trim levels. For example, the panoramic sunroof is now standard on the N-Line trim and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen can be found on all XRT trims and up. Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a speed limit assist feature are now standard on all Tucson trims. Serenity White Pearl replaces Quartz White on the Tucson’s exterior color palette.br Pricing and Which One to Buybr SE: $28,035br SEL: $29,635br SEL Convenience: $31,595br Blue Hybrid: $32,485br XRT: $34,860br N-Line: $34,910br SEL Convenience Hybrid: $35,445br Limited: $37,295br SEL PHEV: $38,635br Limited Hybrid: $40,245br Limited PHEV: $45,895br br After sampling the Tucson’s various powertrains, we think the hybrid represents the sweet spot between performance, features, and price. We suggest the SEL Convenience Hybrid trim as it comes standard with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, among other niceties.br br Engine, Transmission, and Performancebr A 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be standard and comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which is good for a combined 226-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission.