Hyundai Tucson prices reduced and range simplified to better rival Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5

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Hyundai will simplify its 2026 Tucson model range by axing the non-hybrid 132kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, in both front-drive and all-wheel-drive forms.

The news follows in the wake of changes to the MY26 Kona line-up announced last month, where the 1.6 turbo AWD was axed in favour of broader availability of the front-drive 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain. 

Prices for that model increased by between $200 (Kona Hybrid) and $2200 (Kona Hybrid Premium) before on-road costs.

In total, seven Tucson 1.6T variants have been cut for MY26, as well a base Hybrid N-Line, leaving nine variants. Of those, list prices have decreased by $1000 to $2500, meaning an entry-level Tucson 2.0 FWD now starts at $38,100 before on-road costs, down $1000 from MY25.

Buyers looking for the cheapest Tucson AWD will pay more, however, despite range-wide price reductions. The previous $48,600 Tucson Elite 1.6T AWD has been usurped by an Elite Hybrid AWD equivalent, which now starts at $50,600. Both prices are before on-road costs.

In contrast to Hyundai’s powertrain cull, sister brand Kia will continue to offer the 132kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol non-hybrid and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (axed from Tucson last year) in the closely related MY26 Sportage.

The Kia starts at $37,990 for the 2.0-litre front-drive Sportage S, or $43,390 for the Sportage S diesel AWD, each before on-road costs.

The starting price for a 1.6T all-wheel-drive Sportage model is $47,080 before on-road costs for the SX+.

Small MY26 tweaks will also come into effect across the entire Tucson line-up. All updated variants now feature a digital key, while new 17-inch alloy wheels will replace the outgoing 18-inch design on the base Tucson.

A new paint colour, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, will also be introduced for the Tucson. A sister colour, Ecotronic Grey Matte, will be offered exclusively on N-Line models.

Even before these changes the Hyundai Tucson was a strong seller in Australia, so sharper pricing could see its sales close in on big-selling rivals. Last month, Hyundai’s Tucson was Australia’s 10th most popular vehicle, beating mid-sized rivals Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, and Subaru Forester.

2026 Hyundai Tucson variants and pricing

2026 Tucson variant	Price before on-road costs
Tucson 2.0-litre FWD	$38,100 (reduced $1000)
Tucson 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid FWD	$42,600 (reduced $2500)
Tucson Elite 2.0-litre FWD	$43,100 (reduced $1000)
Tucson Elite 1.6-litre- turbo-hybrid FWD	$48,100 (reduced $2000)
Tucson Elite 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid AWD	$50,600 (reduced $2000)
Tucson Elite N-Line 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid FWD	$50,600 (reduced $2000)
Tucson Elite N-Line 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid AWD	$53,100 (reduced $2000)
Tucson Premium 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid AWD	$58,100 (reduced $1500)
Tucson Premium N-Line 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid AWD	$59,600 (reduced $1500)

Model range changes and NVES insight

Hyundai provided no comment as to why the 1.6 turbo-petrol was axed, although it did provide Chasing Cars with sales data revealing the powertrain was the weakest seller, making up just 17 percent of new Tucson sales between June 2024 and July 2025.

Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre variants made up 32 percent of sales, undoubtedly assisted by fleet purchases, while 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid variants dominated with 51 percent of the sales total. 

Tucson powertrain	Sales total (June ’24 – July ’25)	Sales share
1.6L turbo	3500	17%
2.0L naturally aspirated	6430	32%
1.6 turbo-hybrid	10,323	51%
	20,253	Total volume

Failing to meet 2026 NVES emission regulations (117g/km for Type 1 vehicles) could also play a role in the simplification of the MY26 Tucson range. 

Currently, no Tucson will meet the 2026 NVES targets. It comes closest with the 1.6 turbo-hybrid, which misses the mark by just 6g/km – posting 121g/km. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated variants miss the NVES benchmark significantly with a posting of 184g/km.

Rivals, predominantly Toyota, offer a wide diversity of hybrid vehicles, undoubtedly securing credits when stricter NVES rules come into effect next year.

The Tucson-rivalling RAV4, which has been exclusively hybrid since June 2024, emits between 107g/km and 159g/km, depending on the variant.

Hyundai provided no comment on plans to reform the 2026 Tucson range in accordance with 2026 NVES.

Based on sales data from the FCAI, it is unlikely that sales of Hyundai’s electric vehicles will gain enough credits to warrant the long-term viability of the 2.0 MPi Tucson. 

Hyundai sister brand Kia was Australia’s third most popular EV brand last quarter, providing more leeway to supply emission-heavy vehicles in volume. It will retain the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel drivetrains across multiple models in its line-up. 

Read more: Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid long term review