2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid: real cost in California

Cheapest trim, SEL · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$40,675the advertised price
Drive away$46,223with fees and tax
Loan payment$703/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$1,260/moeverything, after resale
Car, fees and tax $46,223Insurance $19,772Fuel and charging $12,101Interest and lost return $19,146Maintenance and plates $12,494

$46,223 to drive away + $63,513 to run it for 6 years − $18,982 back at resale = $90,753, or $1,260 a month.

Where the money goes

Drive away$46,223
Running it, 6 yrs+$63,513
Back at resale−$18,982
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$40,675
Feesfreight $1,650 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,735
Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$3,813
Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$19,772
Fuel and charging13,500 mi a year at 35 MPG
+$12,101
Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$9,767
Maintenanceestimate
+$9,404
Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$9,379
Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$3,090
Resale after 6 years47% of MSRP, you get this back
−$18,982
True cost $90,753 ÷ 72 months$1,260 a month

The car

Size and space
BodySUV182.7 in long
Seats5
Cargo31.9 cu ftbehind row 2
Ground clearance8.3 inhigh; good for snow and trails
Engine and fuel
Engine268 hp plug-in hybrid, AWD
0–60 mph6.5 sour estimate from power and weight
Fuel economy35 MPG · 77 MPGeEPA combined
TowingUp to 2,000 lb
Tires19"235/55R19
Safety and cover
Crash test✓ 5 of 5 starsNHTSA · see the test ↗
European crash test5 of 5 stars ↗Euro NCAP 2021, European version
Highway assistSteers and brakeshands on the wheel · every trim
Warranty5 yrspowertrain 5 yrs · battery 8 yrs
Resale at 6 years47% of MSRPthis model's own record

Every trim

All trims: AWD, 268 hp, 35 MPG, 5 seats.
SEL$40,675$46,223$90,753✓ $1,260/mo
Limited$48,900$55,187$99,904$1,388/mo
SEL
✓ $1,260/mo
True cost
Sticker $40,675Drive-away $46,2236 yrs $90,753
Limited
$1,388/mo
True cost
Sticker $48,900Drive-away $55,1876 yrs $99,904

Features, trim by trim

Cheapest on the left. Each bar starts at the trim that adds it. + $ is the cheapest factory option or package that adds it (hover for its name).
Feature
SEL$40,675
Limited$48,900
Safety and driver assist
Automatic braking
✓ Every trim
Blind-spot monitor
✓ Every trim
Rear cross-traffic alert
✓ Every trim
Adaptive cruise
✓ Every trim
Lane centering
✓ Every trim
360° camera
✓ Every trim
Parking sensors
✓ Every trim
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ Every trim
Cooled seats
✓ Every trim
Heated steering wheel
✓ Every trim
Heated rear seats
✓ Every trim
Dual-zone climate
✓ Every trim
Convenience
Push-button start
✓ Every trim
Remote start
✓
Power liftgate
✓ Every trim
Wireless phone charging
✓ Every trim
Power driver's seat
✓ Every trim
Memory seat
✓ Every trim
Tech and audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✓ Every trim
Wireless CarPlay
✓ Every trim
Built-in navigation
✓ Every trim
Premium sound system
✓ Every trim
Head-up display
✓ from Limited
Large touchscreen (12 in+)
✓ Every trim
Capability and looks
AWD or 4WD
✓ Every trim
Tow hitch included
+ $480 on every trim
Sunroof
✓ Every trim
Panoramic roof
✓ Every trim
LED headlights
✓ Every trim
Not listed on any trimHands-free drivingMassaging seats
Full standard equipment on the SEL (27 items)
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Front, Front Side, Side-Curtain, & Rear Side Airbags
  • Immobilizer
  • Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Rearview Camera
  • 12.3" Audio w/ AM/FM/HD Radio
  • Bluelink+ All-inclusive Connected Services (enrollment required)
  • Dual Automatic Temperature Control w/ Rear Air Vents
  • Front & Rear USB Ports
  • Hands-Free Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Open
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat w/ Lumbar Support
  • Proximity Key w/ Push Button Start
  • SiriusXM Radio w/ 90-Day Trial Subscription (not available in AK & HI)
  • Smart Cruise Control
  • Tire Mobility Kit (in lieu of spare tire)
  • Wireless Android Auto(TM) & Apple CarPlay
  • 18" Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic LED Headlights
  • LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Roof Side Rails
  • 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Paddle Shifters
  • Shift-by-Wire Gear Selector
  • Smartstream 1.6L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Hybrid Engine

Recalls

12 NHTSA recalls for 2024 to 2026 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.

All 12 at NHTSA

Quick answers
How much is a 2026 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid in California?
$46,223 to drive away for the SEL, from a $40,675 sticker.
What does it cost a month?
A $703 loan payment, about $1,319 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $1,260 a month all in, after resale.
How much can it tow?
2,000 lb for every trim.

Colors

Ultimate Red+$500Amazon GrayAsh BlackDeep SeaCashmere BronzeShimmering SilverCreamy White Pearl+$500Ecotronic Gray

Similar SUVs

US prices in US dollars from Hyundai's US website, read 2026-11-09; destination as the brand lists it. Taxes, registration and the dealer doc fee follow your state. Insurance and maintenance are estimates. How we count.