2026 Hyundai Tucson: Which Trim Level and Powertrain Meets Your New Glasgow Needs?
October 31 2025,
Finding the right SUV means matching your driving habits with the features that matter most. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson lineup offers Nova Scotia drivers three distinct powertrains and four trim levels, each designed to address different priorities. Whether you value fuel efficiency, advanced technology, or performance, there's a Tucson configuration built for how you drive around New Glasgow and Pictou County.
From the accessible Preferred trim to the performance-focused N Line Hybrid and the tech-rich Ultimate Plug-In Hybrid, each model includes standard safety features, heated seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The key differences lie in powertrains, fuel economy, and available features. Here's how to choose the trim that fits your needs.
Preferred: Accessible Performance with Standard Features
The Preferred trim serves as the foundation of the Tucson lineup. Its 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. Fuel economy sits at 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.8 L/100 km combined.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, keyless entry, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hyundai SmartSense suite provides Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Key Highlights:
- 187 hp from a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine
- 8.8 L/100 km combined fuel economy
- Standard HTRAC all-wheel drive
- Comprehensive safety technology included
Best For: Drivers seeking reliable all-wheel-drive performance with essential features at a straightforward price point.
Preferred with Trend Package: Added Comfort and Technology
The Trend Package builds on the Preferred trim with a panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The package also adds advanced driver assistance features and additional convenience items.
This configuration maintains the same 2.5 L powertrain as the base Preferred, delivering 187 horsepower with fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km combined. The additions focus on comfort and convenience rather than performance changes.
Key Highlights:
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Enhanced driver assistance technology
- Same proven 2.5 L engine as Preferred
Best For: Buyers who want the Preferred's powertrain with upgraded comfort features and enhanced technology.
N Line Hybrid: Sport Performance with Fuel Efficiency
The N Line Hybrid shifts to a 1.6 L turbocharged hybrid powertrain that produces 231 horsepower combined, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration delivers 6.7 L/100 km in the city, 6.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 6.7 L/100 km combined—a notable improvement over the gasoline models.
Sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch N Line-exclusive alloy wheels, and a Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers distinguish this trim. The hybrid system uses a 1.49 kWh battery and combines the turbocharged engine with an electric motor for immediate throttle response and improved fuel economy.
Key Highlights:
- 231 hp combined from 1.6 L turbo hybrid
- 6.7 L/100 km combined fuel economy
- Sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels
- Bose premium audio system
Best For: Drivers who want responsive performance and lower fuel costs without compromising on driving engagement.
Ultimate Plug-In Hybrid: Maximum Range and Technology
The Ultimate trim offers the most powerful and efficient option with its 1.6 L turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. The system produces 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, using a 13.8 kWh battery that provides 51 kilometres of all-electric range. Once the battery depletes, the hybrid system continues with a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km combined.
Technology features include a surround-view monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, navigation, a head-up display, and ventilated front seats. The Ultimate also adds Parking Distance Warning with forward, side, and reverse sensors, Highway Driving Assist, and a Blind View Monitor.
Key Highlights:
- 268 hp from 1.6 L turbo plug-in hybrid
- 51 km all-electric range
- Surround-view monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Navigation and head-up display
Best For: Drivers with regular short commutes who can charge at home, seeking maximum efficiency and the most advanced technology features.
Tucson Trim Comparison
|
Feature |
Preferred |
Preferred w/ Trend |
N Line Hybrid |
Ultimate PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
2.5 L 4-cyl |
2.5 L 4-cyl |
1.6 L Turbo Hybrid |
1.6 L Turbo PHEV |
|
Horsepower |
187 hp |
187 hp |
231 hp |
268 hp |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
8.8 L/100 km |
8.8 L/100 km |
6.7 L/100 km |
6.7 L/100 km |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
51 km |
|
Wheels |
17-inch |
18-inch |
19-inch N Line |
19-inch |
|
Audio |
Standard |
Standard |
Bose 8-speaker |
Bose 8-speaker |
|
Digital Cluster |
4.2-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
|
Sunroof |
No |
Panoramic |
Panoramic |
Panoramic |
|
Navigation |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Surround-View Monitor |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Which Tucson Trim Fits Your Driving?
Choosing the right Tucson depends on how you use your vehicle daily. The Preferred provides straightforward capability with standard all-wheel drive and essential technology. The Preferred with Trend Package adds comfort features without changing the powertrain. The N Line Hybrid delivers sport performance with fuel economy that reduces trips to the pump. The Ultimate Plug-In Hybrid maximizes efficiency for drivers with predictable commutes and home charging access.
Each trim includes the same comprehensive safety suite and core technology features. The decision comes down to your priorities: accessible pricing, enhanced comfort, sport performance, or plug-in efficiency.
Test Drive the 2026 Tucson at Central Nova Hyundai
The best way to determine which Tucson trim suits your needs is to experience them yourself. Visit Central Nova Hyundai in New Glasgow to compare the Preferred, N Line Hybrid, and Ultimate Plug-In Hybrid configurations. Our team can help you evaluate each powertrain and feature set based on your typical driving patterns around Nova Scotia.
