When I drove the 2026 Tucson XRT through Cuyahoga Falls and onto the Akron Expressway, I could tell immediately that this SUV was tuned for real-world conditions. The 2.5-liter engine delivered steady, confident acceleration, and the suspension handled dips and rough pavement without throwing the cabin around. Whether I was cruising on flat highway stretches or navigating tighter neighborhood roads, the XRT always felt composed and responsive.
What Makes the XRT’s Performance Stand Out
- Confident power delivery suited for accelerating onto local highways
- Smooth and predictable 8-speed transmission
- Available HTRAC AWD for snowy or rainy Northern Ohio days
- Suspension tuned for rugged style and stable everyday handling


