Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya wins clearly, 100 to 62.6, on fuel & range, safety.
C
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Tuc…
vs
A2026 Nissan Ariya
The 2026 Nissan Ariya is sold in the U.S. as an electric compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the ARIYA FWD 87kWh, is EPA-rat…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Nissan Ariya
Clear winThe Nissan Ariya wins clearly, 100 to 62.6, on fuel & range, safety.
Fuel & range 2026 Nissan Ariya leads by 69.9
Safety 2026 Nissan Ariya leads by 13
| Category · weight | 2026 Nissan Ariyaoverall 100 | 2026 Hyundai Tucsonoverall 62.6 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 30.1 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 87 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 100 | 62.6 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 2 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available) · Hyundai Tucson: base trim SE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Nissan Ariya wins
- It is rated 101 combined against 28 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,650 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($750 against $2,400).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 74).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
43 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $29,700 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,497 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | — | 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | — | 187 hp |
| Torque | — | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 3.648 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | — | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 7.1 in |
| Overall height | — | 65.6 in |
| Overall length | — | 183 in |
| Overall width | — | 73.4 in |
| Wheelbase | — | 109 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 80.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 41.2 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 147 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 40.1 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 41.3 in |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | MacPherson strut with coil springs |
| Rear suspension type | — | Multi-link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), rack and pinion, column-mounted |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 38.6 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 325 mm |
| Front brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | Electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | — | 17 in |
| Wheel material | — | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 14.3 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Bluelink+ |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 57.6 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 56 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
110 features · differences first, then sharedSafety33 differ · 33 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection (sensor fusion-type) | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC) | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning Detection | — | std |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | — | std |
| Airbags (Front - Advanced): Driver (1) / Front passenger (1) | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger side-impact FR (Thorax) airbags (2) | — | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | — | std |
| Rearview camera with Parking Guidance | — | std |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | — | std |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) - Driver-selectable | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | — | std |
| Rear side airbags (2) | — | std |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | — | std |
| 5-position seatbelt reminder | — | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes | — | std |
| Anti-theft System integrated with remote keyless entry and panic alarm | — | std |
| Bodyside reinforcements | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) | — | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) and Brake Assist | — | std |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | — | std |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | — | std |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | — | std |
| LATCH Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors | — | std |
| Occupant Classification System (OCS) - Seat weight sensor and seat track sensor | — | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door logic-type) | — | std |
| Side air curtains with rollover sensors | — | std |
| Steering wheel haptic feedback (for LKA and BCA) | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management | — | std |
| Immobilizer | — | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) w/ Individual Tire Indicator | — | std |
Infotainment10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3" color touchscreen with AM/FM, HD Radio™, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio system with 6-speakers (ccNC Lite) | — | std |
| Bluetooth controls (Voice recognition, Accept call, Hang up) | — | std |
| Audio controls (Volume up/down, Mute, Seek up/down, Mode) | — | std |
| Bluelink+ Connected Car System | — | std |
| Controller OTA update capability | — | std |
| Front Dual USB Type-C ports (1 data/charge + 1 charge port (27W)) | — | std |
| HD Radio™ Technology | — | std |
| Second row Dual USB ports (27W charging power) | — | std |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (3-month trial subscription) | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity key entry with push button start | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake w/ Automatic Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Power door locks | — | std |
| Power Window Switches - Driver auto down/up | — | std |
| Proximity w/ detachable valet key (2) | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | — | std |
| Remote release Hood | — | std |
| Storage tray (below 12-volt outlet) | — | std |
| 12-volt outlet (2) - Front (1) / cargo (1) | — | std |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| After-Blow logic | — | std |
| Cabin air filter | — | std |
| Manual air conditioning | — | std |
| Rear seat heater ducts | — | std |
Seating5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 Split fold-down & reclining rear seatback with adjustable head restraint | — | std |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | — | std |
| Cloth-trimmed seats (stain- and odor-resistant) | — | std |
| Remote release folding rear seats (from cargo) | — | std |
| Rear center armrest with cupholders | — | std |
Interior22 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Multi-Information Display | — | std |
| 3-spoke steering wheel | — | std |
| Assist grips (4) | — | std |
| Bag hook - 2nd row seat back | — | std |
| Central dome light (with delay) and auto cut-off | — | std |
| Cruise control buttons | — | std |
| Cupholders, Dual - Front center console-mounted | — | std |
| Door handles - Metal paint | — | std |
| Front center console - Fixed armrest storage box | — | std |
| Glove compartment with Damper | — | std |
| I/P switch illumination (hazard) | — | std |
| Illuminated power window switches | — | std |
| Rear coat hanger (1) | — | std |
| Roof trim - Gray | — | std |
| Tilt & Telescoping steering wheel | — | std |
| Inside rearview mirror - Manual day/night | — | std |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | — | opt |
| Front and Rear LED overhead lighting | — | std |
| LED Cargo area light | — | std |
| Seatback map pocket(s) | — | std |
| Sunvisors - Dual vanity mirror with cover, w/ sliding function | — | std |
| Trip odometer | — | std |
Exterior18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | — | std |
| Automatic headlights | — | std |
| Bi-LED headlights (high/low beam) | — | std |
| Body color door handles | — | std |
| Bodycolor side mirror housing | — | std |
| Chrome upper door window molding | — | std |
| Front variable intermittent windshield wipers | — | std |
| Intermittent rear window wiper/washer (non-variable) | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | std |
| LED front turn signals | — | std |
| Shark-fin roof antenna | — | std |
| Side sills - Material Black | — | std |
| Rear window defroster with timer | — | std |
| Solar glass - Front Door, Windshield | — | std |
| Mud Guards - Front/Rear | — | opt |
| Rear spoiler - Integrated with CHMSL, bodycolor | — | std |
| Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | — | std |
| Spare Tire - Compact Temporary Tire | — | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type - FWD | — | std |
| AWD Lock | — | opt |
| Drive Mode - Center-console mounted | — | std |
| Idle Stop & Go | — | std |
Cargo5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Hitch | — | opt |
| Cargo cover - Retractable | — | opt |
| Cargo tie-down anchors (6) - 3 on each side, 2 floor & 1 upper per side | — | std |
| Dual level cargo floor (n/a on PHEV) | — | std |
| Trailer pre-wiring | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPNissan Ariya
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Hyundai Tucson
Safety Signal 74 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 5
Owner complaints 89 · 18 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (49), Unspecified (19), Electrical System (17)
Top recalls
- high Forward Collision Avoidance 26V316000 · 423,062 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V254000 · 2,931 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 25V549000 · 29 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
- minor Electrical System 26V400000 · 96,310 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Nissan Ariya | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $29,700 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — | $29,700 – $48,900 21 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV | PHEV, HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | ARIYA FWD 63kWh | Tucson FWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 101 | 28 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $750 | $2,400 |
| EV range | 216 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Nissan Ariya or the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
The Nissan Ariya wins clearly, 100 to 62.6, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Nissan Ariya scores 100 and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson 62.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Nissan Ariya or the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
2026 Nissan Ariya: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Hyundai Tucson: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 5 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Nissan Ariya and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
Where the 2026 Nissan Ariya wins: it is rated 101 combined against 28 (EPA mpg or MPGe), costs $1,650 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($750 against $2,400), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 74). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.