Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai Tucson for Newton, KS Drivers?

Nov 14, 2025

Hatchett Hyundai West – Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai Tucson for Newton, KS Drivers?

Choosing between Front-Wheel Drive and HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Tucson comes down to traction confidence, travel plans, and where your weeks actually take you. Around Newton, KS, we see everything from sudden snow bursts to slick gravel and rutted county roads, and that is exactly where HTRAC’s smart torque distribution shines.

HTRAC continuously monitors wheel slip and driver inputs, routing power where it helps most. On the 2026 Tucson XRT, you also get Terrain Mode—Mud, Snow, and Sand—to fine-tune traction control and throttle mapping for the surface you are facing. Mud mode allows a touch of managed slip to keep momentum; Snow mode softens response to reduce spin and keep steering steady; Sand mode helps maintain propulsion over loose sections. The result is a crossover that feels settled when the road is anything but, without extra buttons to manage or guesswork about what is happening underneath.

For families who tow, there is another angle to consider: the gasoline Tucson is now rated up to 2,750 lbs. with trailer brakes. HTRAC’s added stability when you pull a small camper, pop-up, or pair of jet skis can make backing down a ramp or launching from a gravel turnoff notably less stressful. While HEV and PHEV models continue with a 2,000-lb rating, their smooth, responsive power delivery remains a strong match for lighter trailers and weekend cargo.

Inside, the Tucson complements capability with practical tech. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment display keeps menus simple, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate cable clutter. If you step up to the integrated dual-screen layout, the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen sit under one clean glass panel, making navigation, audio, and vehicle info easy to read at a glance. Add in the digital key smartphone app for remote lock/unlock and remote start, and you have a crossover that puts everyday convenience first.

Safety-wise, Hyundai SmartSense brings a confident roster of driver assists—Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and available Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and lane-centering—designed to work quietly in the background. That calm, reassuring tuning pairs well with HTRAC’s sure-footedness when side winds kick up on open stretches or when slush starts to glaze the morning commute.

When HTRAC is a must: If you routinely drive unpaved roads, encounter snow or ice, tow on mixed surfaces, or head to trailheads on weekends, HTRAC is a strong value add.
When FWD makes sense: If your driving is almost entirely urban and suburban on plowed, well-maintained pavement, FWD keeps things simple and efficient.

For PHEV shoppers, take note: the Tucson PHEV now includes a Level 1/Level 2 combo charging cable from the factory, making home charging more plug-and-go. And for HEV/PHEV style, Ecotronic Gray joins the palette. These details may not grab headlines like HTRAC, but they make ownership smoother day to day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does HTRAC All Wheel Drive work automatically, or do I need to select a mode?

HTRAC always works in the background—no action needed. On the XRT, Terrain Mode adds Mud, Snow, and Sand settings to further adapt the system, but the core AWD logic remains active either way.

Is HTRAC worth it if I do not tow?

If you encounter snow, gravel, or muddy construction detours, HTRAC’s extra traction and stability can still be worth it. The confidence it adds in surprise conditions is the value many owners appreciate most.

Will HTRAC help on boat ramps or grassy fields?

Yes. Low-speed traction on slick or uneven surfaces is where HTRAC’s torque routing helps you pull away smoothly and maintain momentum without excessive wheel spin.

What trims should I consider for traction and tech together?

Look closely at XRT for Terrain Mode and HTRAC. If you prioritize modern displays, also consider trims with the integrated dual-screen panel and available navigation for a polished, cohesive cockpit.

If you would like tailored guidance, our team—serving Pratt, Hutchinson, and Newton—can walk you through how HTRAC compares to FWD on your routes, and help you test Terrain Mode in a safe, controlled setting. You will quickly feel the difference from the driver’s seat. To schedule a focused comparison drive, connect with Hatchett Hyundai West and we will set up a route that includes neighborhood streets, a highway stretch, and, if conditions allow, a low-traction surface to demonstrate how the system responds in the real world.