2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,700 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference is the fuel economy disparity: the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieves a 35 combined MPG, sharply contrasting with the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse's 23 combined MPG. Power metrics also heavily favor the Traverse, which boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Tucson's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. Despite the efficiency gap, the Traverse is substantially larger, measuring 204.5 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, translating into a greater cargo volume of 32.9 cubic feet versus the Traverse's 22.9 cubic feet. The MSRPs are closely matched at $40,700 for the Traverse and $40,075 for the Tucson. Furthermore, the Tucson offers 32 miles of electric range, an advantage the conventional Traverse lacks entirely, although the Traverse offers a slightly better highway efficiency rating of 27 MPG compared to the Tucson's uniform 35 MPG rating across city/highway cycles.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of zero-emission electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The larger Chevrolet Traverse provides superior interior volume with 32.9 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse delivers superior raw performance figures with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers substantially lower running costs via superior MPG for only $625 less MSRP while including AWD capability.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

Maximum interior and cargo space is required, evidenced by its 204.5-inch length and 32.9 cu ft capacity.
Higher outright engine performance (328 hp/326 lb-ft) is a primary purchasing criterion.
A traditional gasoline powertrain using an 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a hybrid system.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Lower fuel expenditures are critical, highlighted by the 35 combined MPG rating.
The benefit of daily zero-emission driving via the 32-mile electric range is desired.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is required right at the starting MSRP point.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.5"	182.7"
Width	79.6"	73.4"
Height	69.6"	66.3"
Wheelbase	121.0"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	53.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the total physical size difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is significantly larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is shorter at 182.7 inches. This difference of 18.8 inches in length directly impacts maneuverability and garage fit.

How much more powerful is the Traverse compared to the Tucson PHEV?

The Traverse produces 328 horsepower, which is 60 horsepower more than the Tucson's 268 horsepower output. The Traverse also holds a torque advantage with 326 lb-ft versus the Tucson's 271 lb-ft.

Does the Tucson offer any measurable electric-only driving capability?

Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is capable of traveling up to 32 miles solely on electric power before engaging the gasoline engine. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse does not offer any electric range.

Which vehicle offers better practical utility based on cargo specs?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson technically offers more maximum cargo space at 32.9 cubic feet compared to the Traverse's 22.9 cubic feet. However, this likely reflects the Tucson's smaller overall footprint but optimized packaging for its class.

How do the MSRPs compare for these two vehicles?

The pricing is highly competitive; the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at $40,075, while the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,700. The difference is minimal, amounting to just $625 at the base level.

What are the primary powertrain differences besides the hybrid aspect?

The Traverse utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission coupled with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard, while the Tucson PHEV uses a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).