Now in its fourth generation, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is better than ever.
“The refreshed 2025 Tucson SUV expands the appeal of our full-spectrum eco-powertrain approach, offering internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models in a popular compact SUV design,” said José Muñoz, president and global COO, Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “With all-wheel drive offered on gas and hybrid models, customers can enjoy all-road, all-weather capability coupled with outstanding efficiency and an attractive variety of trims, including outdoor-focused XRT and sporty N Line models.”
Overall, Hyundai has been on a sales roll, and is now third in global sales worldwide, with 3.62 million sales last year. Hyundai trails Toyota (5.16 million), and the VW Group (4.35 million).
U.S. sales were also impressive (801,000), trailing Toyota (1.9 million), Ford (1.899 million), Chevrolet (1.699 million), Honda (1.16 million), and Nissan (834,000).
With so much momentum for model upgrades, Pursuitist was invited to drive the 2025 Tucson Hybrid.
There are four available trim levels for the Tucson Hybrid: Blue, SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited.
Our test model was a fully loaded Limited trim.
Tucson Hybrid Exterior
The 2025 Tucson series, including the Hybrid, features a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumper fascia, and an updated daytime running light signature. New alloy wheels and anodized aluminum badging are additional key upgrades.
Up front, Tucson features stronger vertical grille elements for a more rugged appearance. Tucson’s daytime running light signature has been simplified from ten lighting areas to eight larger units for an even bolder presence, day or night.
Tucson Hybrid Interior
The 2025 Tucson lineup, including the Tucson Hybrid, features a variety of interior upgrades over the outgoing model, including an easier-to-use infotainment interface. Key upgrades include a redesigned panoramic curved display that integrates an available 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and an enlarged 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with both enclosed in the panoramic housing.
A personal favorite feature is a redesigned center stack with hard knobs for audio volume and tuning, along with revamped HVAC controls with improved ergonomics. A new dashboard tray located above the glovebox creates additional storage space for front-seat passengers.
Front passengers now have access to USB-C data and charging ports with improved 27-watt charging capability. Rear passengers also receive standard USB-C charging ports. For 2025, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are now standard on all Tucson models. A new 12-inch color Head-Up Display with premium graphics is also available (standard on my test Limited trim). An available (standard on Limited) fingerprint authentication sensor on the instrument cluster provides security and convenience. Its biometric authentication allows for starts without a smart key.
Tucson Hybrid Powertrain and Drive Experience
The Hybrid powertrain’s 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine outputs 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with 231 total hybrid system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Tucson Hybrid’s reliable six-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifting.
All Hybrid models include Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system. The system gives drivers the choice between Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, and a new-for-2025 “My Drive” mode that delivers enhanced driver control across a wide range of conditions.
All Tucson models also offer “Baby Mode,” a unique feature within the new My Drive sub-menu. When engaged via the center screen, Baby Mode smooths out initial acceleration to minimize head movement from aggressive acceleration in normal power modes. Baby Mode is also useful for pet lovers, as they won’t be tossed around either.
Roadways surrounding Los Olivos, California were the perfect test bed to explore the driving dynamics of the Santa Fe Hybrid.
My first impression was how quiet the Tucson Hybrid’s interior is. Even at speeds around 70 mph, there was very little noise intrusion anywhere in the vehicle. With the panoramic sunroof shade open, my drive partner and I had conversations at normal speaking levels. Our Limited test model comes with acoustic laminated front side windows – no doubt a feature that helps reduce interior noise.
Acceleration, handling, and seat comfort were all very good. I fit pretty well in the vehicle, no small feat considering my nearly seven-foot height. With my seat fully rearward, there was enough room in the second row for passengers up to about six feet tall.
Tucson Hybrid models feature Hyundai’s “e-Motion” technology, which applies electric motor torque control according to dynamic inputs and road conditions to improve cornering.
Fuel economy for Blue trim is 38 mpg City/38 Highway and 38 combined with nearly 500 miles of range. All other trims offer 35/35/35 fuel economy.
Tucson Safety
Hyundai is also a leader in safety, with nine models rated at Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2024 Tucson is rated a Top Safety Pick+. Expect the 2025 model to also receive the highest IIHS rating – Top Safety Pick+.
For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning, which utilizes an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver’s eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped. Rear-outboard passenger seatbelts now feature standard pretensioners and load limiters.
Additional Hyundai “SmartSense Safety” gear includes Safe Exit Warning, which monitors approaching objects and will keep doors locked until they pass; Forward Collision-Avoidance-Assist; Driver Attention Warning; Lane Keep Assist; Rear-Cross-Traffic w/Collision-Avoidance Assist; and Blind-Spot Collision Warning; among other key safety systems.
Tucson’s proximity-key entry with push-button start is now standard, while available Digital Key 2 Premium provides convenient, key-fob-free vehicle access. With Bluelink+ key safety and maintenance features, over-the-air software updates and vehicle remote features are available for the life of the supporting technology and the 4G LTE network.
Tucson Hybrid Pricing
- Blue – $33,115T
- SEL Convenience – $36,115
- N Line – $37,865
- Limited – $40,945
All listed prices are exclusive of a $1,395 destination charge.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid punches well above its mid-size, non-luxury SUV class. It combines great style, abundant standard and available comfort and convenience features, a terrific warranty, and impressive safety, all at a very affordable price.
This vehicle should be on your consideration list when shopping for an excellent mid-sized Sport Utility Vehicle.
