Compare the2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In HybridVS 2026 Toyota bZ

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Toyota bZ has not been tested.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid. But it costs extra on the bZ.

Both the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the bZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The bZ’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Toyota covers the bZ. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the bZ ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the bZ’s (7 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 14 points higher than the bZ.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has more powerful engines than the bZ:

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 421 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The bZ’s range is only 236 to 314 miles, after which

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The bZ doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better maneuverability, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the bZ’s (38.6 feet vs. 40 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the bZ (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The bZ doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 11.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the bZ (105.9 vs. 94.4).

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front hip room, 2.4 inches more rear headroom, 4.2 inches more rear legroom, 9.1 inches more rear hip room and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the bZ.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the bZ with its rear seat up (31.9 vs. 27.7 cubic feet). The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the bZ with its rear seat folded (66.3 vs. 56.9 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The bZ doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The bZ has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The bZ doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The bZ doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The bZ’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a standard rear wiper. The bZ doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The bZ Limited’s automatic parking system does not offer parking by remote control.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Hyundai Tucson outsold the Toyota bZ by almost 11 to one during 2024.