The Hyundai Tucson stands out by providing exceptional value, offering a comfortable ride paired with advanced technology features. Its interior exudes an upscale ambiance, complemented by generous cargo space. However, the engine tends to be sluggish, struggling to keep up with faster traffic. Despite this drawback, the Tucson remains a well-considered small SUV. Here are 10 essential insights to know before purchasing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson.
Exterior Styling Refresh
The Tucson gets a sleek makeover for its fourth year on the road. This SUV ditches the busy look and embraces a sharper, more sophisticated design. The most noticeable changes are up front; the grill gets a refresh and the headlights adopt a bolder design.
The daytime running lights also get an update, trading the previous 10 individual LEDs for a sleeker 8-element setup. This keeps the signature look while cleaning things up a bit. The transformation continues in the back with a revised lower fascia.
Both the front and rear bumper see an update, adding a touch of modern flair to the car’s overall look. Hyundai didn’t stop there; they’re outfitting all Tucsons with cool new anodized aluminum badges, giving the SUV a more premium feel. Plus, you can choose from a variety of new aluminum wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches to personalize your ride.
Engine and Performance
While the Tucson focuses on a stylish refresh, the engine options remain familiar. The standard offering is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine putting out 187 horsepower. This setup pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Reviews suggest this engine provides adequate pep for everyday driving, but it might not satisfy drivers seeking a more thrilling ride. So, if you crave more power for quick city getaways or highway passing maneuvers, this car might not be your ideal choice.
Thankfully, Hyundai offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for those seeking better fuel efficiency or a touch more power. The hybrid Tucson utilizes a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive comes standard with this setup. For the ultimate efficiency and a bit more oomph, the plug-in hybrid Tucson boasts a 268-horsepower output with the same 258 lb-ft of torque. This variant gets a larger battery pack and a more potent electric motor compared to the standard hybrid. Both hybrid options utilize a six-speed automatic transmission.
Driving Experience
The Tucson prioritizes comfort and refinement for a smooth and enjoyable ride. While it won’t win any drag races, the standard engine provides adequate pep for everyday driving.
Higher trims elevate the experience with plush materials and plenty of tech features to keep you entertained on long journeys. This car handles corners with confidence and offers crisp steering, but the real star of the show is its quiet and refined feel on the road.
This hushed cabin creates a luxurious atmosphere that sets Tucson apart in its class. So, if you prioritize a peaceful and comfortable driving experience, the Tucson is definitely worth a test drive.
Fuel Economy
While prioritizing comfort and a refined ride, the Tucson doesn’t skimp on fuel efficiency. The base engine with front-wheel drive is estimated by the EPA to deliver up to 25 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway.
Opting for the all-wheel drive might decrease those figures slightly, but the Tucson is expected to remain an efficient choice in its class. It’s important to note that if you crave both impressive fuel economy and strong acceleration, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions offer even more compelling options.
These electrified powertrains deliver superior gas mileage and a touch more power compared to the standard gasoline engine.
Cabin Design
Step inside the all-new Tucson and be greeted by a thoroughly upgraded cabin designed for comfort and functionality. The focus is on a clean, modern aesthetic. The dashboard features a digital gauge display for a sleek look, while a column-mounted shifter frees up space in the center console.
Thankfully, climate controls retain physical buttons for easy access and adjustment without diving into menus. Hyundai has put a strong emphasis on quality materials throughout the interior, creating a surprisingly luxurious feel for this class.
This focus on premium touches continues with the latest technology integration. The car boasts a panoramic display consisting of two 12.3-inch screens, one for your gauges and another for the infotainment system.
But unlike many car makers going fully digital, Hyundai offers a welcome touch: a row of physical buttons and knobs below the touchscreen for essential functions like climate control. This thoughtful layout keeps things convenient and minimizes distractions while driving.
Cabin Comfort
Settle in for a comfortable ride in the all-new Tucson. Its cabin prioritizes passenger comfort with ample space for everyone on board. This car boasts generous legroom with nearly identical measurements for both front and rear seats—41.4 inches in the front and 41.3 inches in the back.
This translates to spacious seating for all passengers, even on longer journeys. Hyundai is known for creating interiors that feel more luxurious than their price tag suggests, and the Tucson is no exception. High-quality materials throughout the cabin create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Cargo and Towing
The Tucson offers ample cargo space to handle your needs. With the rear seats folded down, you’ll have access to a generous 80.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for hauling luggage, sporting equipment, or even furniture.
Even with the seats upright, there’s still a useful 41.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity for everyday errands or grocery shopping. The car’s spacious cargo area makes it a versatile choice for active lifestyles.
While the official towing capacity for the 2025 model is still pending confirmation, it’s expected to remain around 2,000 lbs. This allows you to tow lightweight trailers, bikes, or small utility trailers for added functionality.
Infotainment and Tech
Step into the future of in-car technology with the Tucson. Higher trim levels (N-Line and Limited) boast a stunning new infotainment system featuring two panoramic digital screens. This wide display stretches across most of the dashboard, putting driving information and entertainment features at your fingertips.
The left screen serves as your digital gauge cluster, keeping vital stats clear and easy to read. On the right, you’ll find everything related to infotainment, from navigation and music to vehicle settings. But that’s not all—lower trims (SEL and below) still offer a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, perfect for staying connected and entertained on the road.
No matter which trim you choose, the car ensures seamless smartphone integration with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both featuring wireless connectivity for added convenience.
Hyundai goes beyond the basics, offering available features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a premium Bose sound system to further elevate your audio experience. Looking for an extra touch of tech sophistication? Explore the Hyundai Digital Key app. This innovative feature lets you lock, unlock, and even remotely start your Tucson using your smartphone, a perfect solution for those who forget their keys.
Safety
Building on its already impressive record, Hyundai is expected to equip all Tucson models with even more standard active safety features. This likely means systems like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor will be included across the lineup.
Previous model years offered features like parking sensors, a 360° surround-view camera, and a blind-spot monitor video feed as optional upgrades. We can expect these to be available again in 2025. With a continued focus on safety advancements, the 2025 Tucson aims to maintain or surpass its predecessor’s stellar safety ratings.
The 2024 Tucson achieved an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2024 Top Safety Pick designation, the institute’s second-highest honor. It also received a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson strikes a compelling balance between affordability and features. While the starting price is expected to nudge up slightly from the 2024 model, likely landing around $29,000, the Tucson continues to deliver exceptional value for your money. Look out for the 2025 Tucson arriving at dealerships in late fall.
