If you're not a fan of the CVT-like feel you get in a Honda CR-V hybrid, or the eAWD system's lack of capability in the RAV4 Hybrid, you might want to check out Hyundai's high MPG option, the Tucson Hybrid. Or, if you feel like plugging in, the Tucson PHEV. Both got a recent refresh with more refinement, more EV-mode power, and less controversial styling. The big win is the "traditional feel," if you're into that, and the mechanical AWD system combined with one of the roomiest interiors in this segment. The downside? The RAV4's economy is better and long term maintenance costs are likely to be lower as well.
IMFO
Powertrain & Performance
• Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged I4 Hybrid
• Combined Power: 231 horsepower / 258 lb-ft torque
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
• Drivetrain: HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
• Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined
Dimensions & Capacity
• Seating: 5 passengers
• Cargo Space: 38.7 cu ft (behind rear seats), 74.5 cu ft (with seats folded)
• Curb Weight: Approximately 3,906 lbs
Interior & Technology
• 12.3-inch Touchscreen Display with Navigation
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Bose Premium Audio System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless Device Charging and USB-C Ports
Safety & Driver Assistance
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
Exterior Features
• 19-inch Alloy Wheels
• LED Headlights and Daytime Running Lights
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open
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Comments
- Fantastic In-depth review. I owned a 2022 Hybrid Tucson and now Own a 2025 Tucon top trim PHEV. Love it!! Especially They changed the shifter and with the rebate was cheaper than the top trim hybrid. Didn't like the push button in the old one. All the upgrades are an improvement. First of all you have to know how to drive a hybrid system to save on fuel. If you have any bit of a lead foot. The turbo will eat up any fuel savings. It is such a smooth snd quiet vehicle. Even though i have a PHEV i run the engine every day for a couple of minutes. I can get almost 2 months between fills with a smaller tank. Thats because my daily usage is around 36miles. I only use a level 1 charger. Not worth it for me to upgrade to a level 2. I'm pretty sure you will be happy with whatever model you choose. They are nicely equipped. The warranty is fantastic. One more note with a hybrid it will also save you on maintenance. Brakes last so much longer.
- Drove new Sonata recently, the interior looks the same. Really liked it: the large (curved) CarPlay screen, and the well thought through set of physical buttons and displays for things like climate control, parking camera etc. Glad they kept the massive panoramic roof - I drive a 2023 Tucson Hybrid and it was one of the reasons I bought it. Beautiful on a bright day.
- Hands down the best and most informative video I've seen. Great job!! Heading over to my local Hyundai dealer today to check this out. LOVE the power output, the auto trans (NO CVT!!) and the mechanical AWD system. Great interior, looks great, very good warranty. What's not to like? Oh, and a very decent price as well... 😃 One relatively minor gripe...WHY put the turn signal down so low? Cars close behind (at a stop light etc.) can't even see this if they're up close. Better to have it up high in the line of sight of those behind you!
- Thank you for the review. Would you consider a video on the value and advantages of luxury vs mainstream brands? It seems like the value proposition for the Tucson Hybrid Limited seems to be off the charts…I recognize that the 2025 Tucson Hybrid Limited is a main stream SUV from a standard brand. That being said, if you take the badges and marketing away, it sure seems like this SUV approaches luxury status in most elements (except price). It seems to have more safety tech, features and cargo space than the Lexus NX 350h and at times even the RX 350h almost as much horsepower for $20-$30k less. It seems to have most of the tech and features one finds in the Genesis GV70 at its highest trim. What am I missing other than the “status” that comes with names like Lexus or BMW? Maybe the suspension is better? There may be reliability or resale questions- but that’s quite a premium for macro degrees of confidence that won’t be confirmed either way until 10 years after purchase (after warranty). Does the tech which appears to be the same as a Genesis work faster? The CR ratings suggest the mainstream models are just as good. I’m really struggling to figure out what I’m missing…
- I've been in the market for this class and narrowed it down to the Honda CRV and Hyundai Tucson hybrids. I drove the non hybrid Tucson Limited first and even though the overall package was nice, the engine was seriously lacking. I liked the CRV hybrid but after some additional research I went back and drove the Tucson hybrid. Whoa! Huge difference and as a multi-Honda owner over the years I'm switching to the Tucson. I'm not overly concerned with exceptional fuel economy, but at ~35MPG I'm fine with that and with the much better acceleration, I'm going back to the dealer next month to get one. I'd consider a full electric version but living in Tx that's not really very practical at this point in my life. I don't hate EV's, they have their place, it just doesn't make sense for me specifically.
- Thanks for the in depth review. Great job. I recently purchased a 2025 Tucson Limited hybrid model and everything you stated played in to our decision, but the one thing that was not mentioned is the number of features that you get with Hyundai at lower price levels that its competitors. The CR-V only offers wireless Android Auto and CarPlay in its higher trim levels and the Tucson has them in all levels. The Limited has heated and cooled front seats, heated back seats, head-up display, 360 camera, panoramic sunroof and a few other options that many of its competitors don't offer at similar price points. So this "bang for the buck" factor was a huge incentive.
- As long as the temperatures are in the positives (Celsius) and I don’t drive harshly, I can easily get 40-45mpg on my drives with my 2025 Hyundai Tucson n line hybrid, with winter tires too ! Mpg does go down quite a bit if you go above 100km/hr significantly (110-130km/hr will drop to mid 30mpg at best).
- THE huge selling point for the Tucson Hybrid (and PHEV) is that, in the Limited trim, you get the Heads Up Display. Only this car (and the soon to be released Sportage Prestige) is the only choice in this class with that feature. I'm surprised that you didn't comment on the HUD during your test drive. It's really VERY well implemented and is able to integrate with Android Auto and Apple Car Play navigation. Being a somewhat "anxious" driver, my wife won't consider any car unless it has an HUD and she's thrilled with having "downsized" from her 2022 Santa Fe Calligraphy to the 2025 Tucson HEV. It's too bad that you didn't mention "Baby Mode" which is an option in "My Drive". It significantly smoothes out acceleration from a stop, great when transporting kids or pets. Also, were you aware that, other than in Sport mode, the paddle shifters are for changing the level of regenerative braking? Although it won't completely stop the car (like with iPedal driving), I find that braking in levels 2 or 3 feel extremely normal and have added to the amount of time that the car can stay in EV mode (especially in start and stop traffic).
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