Jones Bel Air Hyundai - 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Honda CR-V — Which Compact SUV Handles Winter Roads Better around Glen Burnie, MD?
Shoppers often ask a single question that unlocks the right choice for their daily life: which compact SUV feels more composed and capable in all-weather driving? When you look closely at the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Honda CR-V, the gap widens in winter-focused details that matter in Glen Burnie, MD and throughout Central Maryland’s four seasons.
Start with traction and modes. The Tucson offers available HTRAC AWD and, on the XRT trim, selectable Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand. That combination helps you tailor the vehicle’s behavior to the surface, not just the season, widening the margin of confidence on mixed or slushy roads. The CR-V’s available Real Time AWD delivers commendable automatic torque transfer for rain and light snow, and it pairs well with the hybrid trims’ responsive feel—but it does not add Tucson’s surface-specific terrain programming. If the question is which system you would rather have in your corner when the forecast turns, Tucson’s feature set speaks for itself.
Powertrain breadth enhances winter predictability, too. Tucson is available as a gasoline model, a Hybrid, and a Plug-in Hybrid, and all offer the option of HTRAC AWD. That means you can choose the efficiency or electric-first driving style you want without giving up traction, then add winter tires for a confident, well-rounded setup. CR-V counters with a 1.5L turbo gas engine and an available hybrid with standard AWD on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid—strong options in their own right—but not the plug-in flexibility Tucson brings to daily life.
Interior control and visibility matter when conditions are changing. Tucson’s modern cabin, with its large digital display architecture and clean control layout, makes it easy to adjust drive settings and climate quickly while keeping eyes up. The CR-V’s thoughtful cockpit includes a 9-inch color touch-screen on every trim and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, so both deliver tech that works. Where Tucson distinguishes itself is how the available dual-screen-style presentation reduces clutter, and how quiet the cabin remains at speed—both small advantages you notice on longer winter drives.
For drivers building a true four-season plan, consider these practical points:
- Terrain flexibility: Tucson XRT adds Mud, Snow, and Sand modes to fine-tune traction.
- Towing confidence: Tucson ICE models are rated up to 2,750 pounds with trailer brakes—useful for small utility trailers or gear.
- Charging convenience: Tucson Plug-in Hybrid includes a Level 1/Level 2 combo charging cable for flexible at-home setup.
- Warranty and maintenance: Hyundai’s lengthy powertrain coverage and complimentary maintenance reduce long-term hassle.
Frequently asked questions about winter and AWD often spiral into follow-ups about maintenance, features, and day-to-day comfort. Below, we address the most common layers of that search journey so you can choose with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Tucson’s Terrain Mode really make a difference in snow?
Yes—by adjusting throttle response and traction control behavior, Snow mode helps smooth wheel slip at launch and on low-traction surfaces, while Mud and Sand optimize power delivery for looser conditions.
Can I get AWD with any Tucson powertrain?
Yes—AWD is available across Tucson gasoline, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid models, letting you combine traction with the driving style you prefer.
How do the vehicles compare for cold-weather convenience?
Both offer heated front seats on popular trims and remote convenience features, but Tucson’s available Digital Key app and available hands-free liftgate add useful touches when you are juggling gloves, bags, and kids.
What about tech—does one feel easier to use with gloves?
Both cabins are user-friendly; Tucson’s clean physical climate controls and large, integrated display area make quick adjustments straightforward, a real benefit on frosty mornings.
Ultimately, the practical needs of winter driving point to Tucson. Feature-for-feature, its terrain programming, AWD availability across all powertrains, strong towing capability on ICE models, and smart cabin design create an all-weather toolkit that meets Maryland’s mix of ice, sleet, and sudden thaws. If you want a simple answer to a complex seasonal question, Tucson is the compact SUV that inspires calm when the sky turns gray. Visit Jones Bel Air Hyundai—serving Owings Mills, Clarksville, and Glen Burnie—to explore trims and features that match your routine, and take the time to test-drive on the kinds of roads you travel most.
