Hyundai boosts the Tucson’s performance with a new PHEV variant that nearly hits 300 hp and directly threatens its best-selling rivals.

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson arrives with renewed firepower to become the new benchmark in the SUV market. After months of leaked details, special editions like the Black Line and its petrol and diesel engines, the Korean brand now makes a bold move with a 288 hp plug-in hybrid that places it a step above the rest. A strategy that not only strengthens the range, but reshuffles the segment against heavyweights such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Austral 2026 and Toyota Corolla Cross 2026.
A 288 hp PHEV that comes dangerously close to the 300 hp mark
The big surprise of this facelift is the PHEV variant, which combines a 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine with 180 hp with a 92 kW (125 hp) electric motor. Together, they deliver 288 hp, sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reach 206 km/h, with power sent to the front wheels in standard form. It can drive 71 km in full-electric mode, a figure that rises to 91 km in urban conditions, while keeping fuel consumption to a homologated 2.64 l/100 km. For those who need extra capability, Hyundai also offers an optional all-wheel-drive system.
This performance leap is even more striking when compared with its predecessor, which paired a 160 hp engine with a 72 kW electric motor for a total of 253 hp, 7.9 seconds in the 0-100 km/h sprint and a 186 km/h top speed. Electric range remains similar, but the new setup pushes the Tucson into a higher league, where it can now take on PHEV rivals like the Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan, CUPRA Terramar, MG HS, Citroën C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and the upcoming Toyota RAV4 2026.
Hyundai is not only betting on power, but also on efficiency and environmental credentials. With this PHEV variant, the 2026 Tucson proudly carries the Zero-Emissions (Etiqueta 0) label, a decisive advantage for urban drivers seeking tax perks, access to restricted zones and a far lower running cost than a conventional SUV. Combined with its updated design and higher cabin quality, it positions itself as one of the most complete SUVs in the segment.
While we await the official pricing for the 288 hp plug-in hybrid Tucson, the brand is still offering the outgoing 253 hp PHEV version, priced from €43,475, a figure that can drop to €31,065 with all applicable discounts. A considerable difference that will likely spark debate at dealerships: is the extra power worth it, or is the outgoing model’s reduced price the smarter buy?
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Kia EV3 Named Green Car of the Year
The all-electric Kia EV3 won Green Car of the Year, while the Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year by Green Car Journal.
Kia has collected two major environmental honors from Green Car Journal.
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid received the Green Minivan of the Year award.
EV3 Wins Green Car of the Year
The Kia EV3 is the brand’s most attainable fully electric vehicle and is designed to make EV ownership more accessible.
The compact SUV combines styling inspired by the EV9 with a focus on technology, practicality, and range.

The 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
The EV3 uses Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and can deliver up to 321 miles of range on select versions.
It can also charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, with NACS compatibility available without an adapter.
Kia says the EV3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships nationwide in late 2026.
Carnival Hybrid Wins Green Minivan Award
The 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year, giving Kia recognition in both electric and hybrid segments.
The turbocharged hybrid system produces 242 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid combines 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The Carnival Hybrid can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
That makes it a practical option for families looking to improve efficiency without giving up interior space.
Kia Highlights Its Electrified Lineup
Kia says the two awards demonstrate the breadth of its electrified vehicle strategy.
The EV3 targets customers looking for an affordable all-electric SUV, while the Carnival Hybrid provides another path to improved efficiency for larger families.

Kia says the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid demonstrate the breadth of its electrified lineup.
The Green Car Awards are presented annually by Green Car Journal, which has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992.
For Kia EV3, winning the overall Green Car of the Year award adds another major recognition ahead of its U.S. launch.
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Toyota Donates Final GR Supra MkV to Disaster Relief
Toyota has donated the final fifth-generation GR Supra to Reach Out WorldWide, with the one-off sports car set to support disaster relief efforts.
Toyota is giving the GR Supra MkV a meaningful final chapter.
The automaker has donated the very last fifth-generation GR Supra produced to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), with the one-of-one sports car intended to help support the organization’s disaster relief mission.
The Last MkV Supra
The donated Supra is a highly collectible Final Edition featuring a six-speed manual transmission and 382 horsepower.
It also includes commemorative details and factory-exclusive specifications that distinguish it from other fifth-generation Supras.

Toyota donated the final GR Supra MkV ever produced to Reach Out WorldWide.
The vehicle represents the end of the MkV Supra’s production story and gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause.
Turning a Collector Car Into Relief
ROWW will use the historic vehicle to support its disaster relief efforts.
Toyota and the organization described the donation as a full-circle moment that connects the Supra’s legacy with efforts to help communities affected by disasters.

The one-of-one GR Supra MkV Final Edition combines Toyota’s sports-car heritage with a charitable mission.
The car’s rarity and special specifications are expected to make it particularly attractive to collectors, potentially helping generate significant support for ROWW.
A Special Ending for the Supra
The fifth-generation GR Supra became one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance models, and its final example now has a purpose beyond simply ending production.

The final fifth-generation Supra features a six-speed manual transmission and commemorative Final Edition details.
For the Toyota GR Supra MkV, the donation provides a fitting conclusion to the generation’s production run while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to turn an important piece of Toyota history into meaningful support for disaster relief.
RACING
Aston Martin Scores Double Podium in Austin as Vantage Wins at COTA
The Heart of Racing Team delivered Aston Martin’s first 2026 WEC victory with the Vantage GT3, while the Valkyrie finished fourth in the Hypercar class.
Aston Martin enjoyed a huge weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Vantage GT3 claiming its first FIA World Endurance Championship victory of 2026 and the Valkyrie scoring its best Hypercar result of the season.
The Heart of Racing Team took the LMGT3 victory with Ian James, Mattia Drudi, and Zach Robichon, while its sister Vantage finished third.
Vantage Finally Takes Its First WEC Win
The #27 Vantage GT3 started second and remained near the front through the opening stages.
Robichon moved into the class lead during the second hour before handing the car to Drudi.

The sister #23 Vantage GT3, driven by Gray Newell, Dudu Barrichello, and Jonny Adam, completed the podium.
The car remained inside the top six for much of the race before Barrichello fought for third place after the final Safety Car period.

The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage GT3 finished third for Aston Martin’s first WEC double podium.
The result gives Heart of Racing its first WEC double podium.
It also moves both crews closer to the LMGT3 championship leaders with three rounds still remaining.
Valkyrie Comes Within Three Seconds of a Podium
Aston Martin’s Hypercar program also delivered a strong result.
The #007 Valkyrie, driven by Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, finished fourth at COTA, less than three seconds behind the final podium position.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie finished fourth at COTA, its best WEC result of the 2026 season.
The result extended Valkyrie’s points-scoring streak to eight consecutive WEC races.
The car has now scored points in every WEC round of 2026, showing significant progress only 18 months into the program.
Aston Martin remains in a close battle with Alpine for fifth in the Hypercar manufacturers’ championship, with Fuji, Barcelona, and Monza still to come.
More Success for Vantage in British GT4
The Vantage also secured another championship elsewhere.
Grange Racing by FSR’s Daniel Lavery and Darren Turner clinched the British GT4 Pro-Am title with one race remaining after taking their fifth consecutive class victory.
Turner collected his third GT4 Pro-Am championship, while Lavery completed an impressive debut season.
For Aston Martin Vantage WEC, the COTA weekend represented a major breakthrough: the Vantage finally delivered its first 2026 WEC victory, the sister car joined it on the podium, and the Valkyrie came within seconds of another top-three finish.
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