When Hyundai came out with the newest generation of Tucson back in 2021, it marked a huge step up for the compact crossover and put it right there within striking distance of the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape. Now, for 2025, they’ve made meaningful improvements to the car. In my informed opinion, this is the best compact crossover on the market and one of the best cars you can buy at the end of 2024 and the start of 2025.
Hybrid vs. Gasoline Model: Which One to Choose?
I’ve been spending the last week with the Hybrid Limited model. You can also get a standard gasoline version, but I would not recommend it. The hybrid is nicer to drive, more powerful, quieter, and offers better fuel savings if you do a lot of city driving.
While cheaper models are available, the Limited trim offers the best value. Hyundai has packed it with nearly every feature you could want in a compact crossover.
Pros and Cons Overview
Over the last week, I’ve collected my pros and cons with the Hyundai Tucson. Right off the bat, I can tell you there’s really only one major con. Everything else is just an observation on potential improvements for future models. Spoiler alert: I think this is one of the best cars you can buy.
Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson
1. The Seating Position
The first and only major con I’ve found is the seating position. There’s something about Hyundai and Genesis vehicles over the last few years where the seat doesn’t go low enough. I’m 5’10”, with a fairly average inseam and torso, and I still can’t get the seat to go as low as I’d like.
There’s limited headroom, and taller individuals (6’2″ or above) may find it uncomfortable. This issue wasn’t as noticeable in the previous Tucson.
2. Touchscreen Distance
Another con is the distance from the driver’s seat to the touchscreen. Hyundai has opted for a sleek, unbroken piece of glass with a slight curve.
While it looks great, it places the touchscreen far from the driver. Interacting with it requires leaning forward. Fortunately, there’s a ledge to rest your finger while using the screen, which helps while driving.
3. Lack of Proximity Key for Rear Doors
A subtle yet notable inconvenience is the lack of a proximity key for the rear doors. If the car is locked and you approach with a child’s car seat or a backpack, you must unlock the front door first before accessing the rear. It’s a minor feature that could be added to future Limited trims.
4. Missing Luxury Features
While the Limited trim is well-equipped, a few features are missing:
- Dimming Outside Mirrors: These would enhance nighttime driving visibility.
- Camera Rearview Mirror: This feature, available in lower-priced vehicles like the Chevy Bolt EUV, could be a great addition to the Tucson.
5. Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring
The adaptive cruise control is a bit slow to accelerate after lane changes. Ideally, the car should start speeding up as you change lanes, but it waits until you are fully in the new lane.
The blind spot monitoring system is too sensitive, often beeping even when a car is almost out of your blind spot. More refined systems provide visual-only alerts unless there’s a real danger.
6. Pricing Close to the Santa Fe
The Tucson’s pricing is surprisingly close to the larger Hyundai Santa Fe. For just a little more per month, you can get the Santa Fe, which offers more space and features. If you have a growing family, the Santa Fe might be a better long-term option.
Pros of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson
1. Interior Thoughtfulness
The interior of the Tucson is incredibly well thought out. The steering wheel features physical rollers for volume control, a customizable multi-function button, and a thin, comfortable design. There’s a wireless device charger with NFC pairing and ample storage space throughout the cabin.
Highlights of the interior include:
- Large storage compartments
- Wireless device charging
- Physical climate controls
- Adjustable sliding sunshade
- Reclining rear seats with ample legroom
It’s evident that Hyundai spent time considering the practical needs of drivers and passengers.
2. Family-Friendly Design
Even basic Tucson models offer core elements that make it family-friendly. There’s enough room for two rear-facing car seats, plenty of trunk space, and easy access to the rear seats. Rear air vents and USB-C ports add to passenger comfort, making it a practical choice for families.
3. Driving Experience
The Tucson Hybrid is a joy to drive. It features a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The result is a powerful, smooth, and refined driving experience. The hybrid system transitions seamlessly between electric and gasoline modes, unlike some competitors.
4. Quiet and Comfortable Ride
The Tucson offers a quiet, comfortable ride, even on broken concrete highways. The active lane-keeping system is one of the best on the market, providing a near hands-free driving experience. The hybrid version delivers impressive power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
5. Hyundai’s Warranty
Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind for buyers. The 5-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty also ensures you’re covered for a significant period. This extended warranty is particularly appealing for families looking to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a standout in the compact crossover segment. While it’s not perfect, the cons are minor compared to the numerous pros. From its thoughtful interior to its refined driving experience and excellent warranty, it’s a car that delivers tremendous value. If you’re considering a compact crossover, the Tucson Hybrid Limited should be at the top of your list.
