2026 Hyundai Tucson: real cost in California
See the Tucson on Hyundai's US site ↗US prices read 2026-11-09
Cheapest trim, SE · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$29,700the advertised price
Drive away$34,261with fees and tax
Loan payment$499/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$1,123/moeverything, after resale
$34,261 to drive away + $60,420 to run it for 6 years − $13,860 back at resale = $80,821, or $1,123 a month.
Where the money goes
Drive away$34,261
Running it, 6 yrs+$60,420
Back at resale−$13,860
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$29,700Feesfreight $1,650 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,735Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$2,826Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$17,199Fuel13,500 mi a year at 28 MPG
+$16,622Maintenanceestimate
+$9,733Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$7,426Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$6,658Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$2,782Resale after 6 years47% of MSRP, you get this back
−$13,860True cost $80,821 ÷ 72 months$1,123 a month
The car
Size and space
BodySUV182.7 in long
Seats5
Cargo41.2 cu ftbehind row 2
Ground clearance7.1–8.3 in
Engine and fuel
Engine187 hp gas, FWD, AWD
0–60 mph8.5–8.9 sour estimate from power and weight
Fuel economy26–28 MPGEPA combined
TowingUp to 2,750 lb
Tires18"235/60R18
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
Resale at 6 years47% of MSRPthis model's own record
Every trim
All trims: 187 hp, 5 seats.| SE FWD | $29,700 | $34,261 | $80,821 | ✓ $1,123/mo | 28 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| SEL FWD | $31,050 | $35,732 | $82,322 | $1,143/mo | 28 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| SE AWD | $31,200 | $35,896 | $83,776 | $1,164/mo | 26 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Plus FWD | $31,550 | $36,277 | $82,879 | $1,151/mo | 28 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| SEL AWD | $32,550 | $37,367 | $85,277 | $1,184/mo | 26 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Plus AWD | $33,050 | $37,912 | $85,834 | $1,192/mo | 26 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| XRT FWD | $33,725 | $38,648 | $85,299 | $1,185/mo | 28 MPG | — No | — No |
| SEL Premium FWD | $34,050 | $39,002 | $85,660 | $1,190/mo | 28 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| XRT AWD | $35,225 | $40,283 | $88,254 | $1,226/mo | 26 MPG | — No | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Premium AWD | $35,550 | $40,637 | $88,615 | $1,231/mo | 26 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Limited FWD | $39,675 | $45,133 | $91,918 | $1,277/mo | 28 MPG | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Limited AWD | $41,175 | $46,768 | $94,873 | $1,318/mo | 26 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
SEFWD
✓ $1,123/mo
True cost
SELFWD
$1,143/mo
True cost
SEAWD
$1,164/mo
True cost
SEL PlusFWD
$1,151/mo
True cost
SELAWD
$1,184/mo
True cost
SEL PlusAWD
$1,192/mo
True cost
XRTFWD
$1,185/mo
True cost
SEL PremiumFWD
$1,190/mo
True cost
XRTAWD
$1,226/mo
True cost
SEL PremiumAWD
$1,231/mo
True cost
LimitedFWD
$1,277/mo
True cost
LimitedAWD
$1,318/mo
True cost
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
SE FWD$29,700
SEL FWD$31,050
SE AWD$31,200
SEL Plus FWD$31,550
SEL AWD$32,550
SEL Plus AWD$33,050
XRT FWD$33,725
SEL Premium FWD$34,050
XRT AWD$35,225
SEL Premium AWD$35,550
Limited FWD$39,675
Limited AWD$41,175
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
✓ from Limited FWD
Parking sensors
✓ from Limited FWD
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ Every trim
Cooled seats
✓ from Limited FWD
Heated steering wheel
✓ SE FWD to SEL Plus AWD
✓ from Limited FWD
Heated rear seats
✓ from Limited FWD
Dual-zone climate
✓ Every trim
Convenience
Push-button start
✓ Every trim
Remote start
✓ SE FWD to SEL Plus AWD
Power liftgate
✓ Every trim
Wireless phone charging
✓ SE FWD to SEL Plus AWD
✓
✓ from SEL Premium AWD
Power driver's seat
✓ Every trim
Memory seat
✓ from Limited FWD
Tech and audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✓ Every trim
Wireless CarPlay
✓ Every trim
Built-in navigation
✓
✓ from SEL Premium AWD
Premium sound system
✓ from Limited FWD
Head-up display
✓ from Limited FWD
Large touchscreen (12 in+)
✓ Every trim
Capability and looks
AWD or 4WD
✓
✓ SEL AWD to SEL Plus AWD
✓ XRT AWD to SEL Premium AWD
✓ from Limited AWD
Tow hitch included
+ $480
✓
+ $480
✓
+ $480
Sunroof
✓ SE FWD to SEL Plus AWD
✓
✓ from SEL Premium AWD
Panoramic roof
✓ SE FWD to SEL Plus AWD
✓ from Limited FWD
LED headlights
✓ Every trim
Not listed on any trimHands-free drivingMassaging seats
Full standard equipment on the SE SE FWD (20 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)
- Front & Rear USB Ports
- Proximity Key w/ Push Button Start
- SiriusXM Radio w/ 90-Day Trial Subscription (not available in AK & HI)
- Smart Cruise Control
- Wireless Android Auto(TM) & Apple CarPlay
- 17" Alloy Wheels; Temporary Spare Tire
- Automatic LED Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC
- Smartstream 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine w/ Idle Stop & Go
Recalls
12 NHTSA recalls for 2024 to 2026 Tucson models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.
Electrical system2025, 2026 · 96,310 vehicles
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."Recall 26V400000 at NHTSA ↗Forward collision avoidance2025, 2026 · 423,062 vehicles
Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.Recall 26V316000 at NHTSA ↗Air bags2026 · 2,931 vehicles
The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.Recall 26V254000 at NHTSA ↗Electrical system2026 · 41,651 vehicles
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."Recall 26V047000 at NHTSA ↗Trailer hitches2024 · 51,587 vehicles
The wiring harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water into the control module. Moisture accumulation may cause the trailer lighting to fail or an electrical short circuit.Recall 25V893000 at NHTSA ↗Air bags2025 · 258 vehicles
The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.Recall 25V809000 at NHTSA ↗Quick answers
- How much is a 2026 Tucson in California?
- $34,261 to drive away for the SE, from a $29,700 sticker.
- What does it cost a month?
- A $499 loan payment, about $1,142 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $1,123 a month all in, after resale.
- How much can it tow?
- 2,750 lb for every trim.
Colors
Ultimate Red+$500Phantom BlackRockwood GreenShimmering SilverAtlantis BlueSerenity White Pearl+$500Ecotronic GrayEcotronic Gray Matte+$1,000Hampton 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.