The early morning Californian sunlight dances across the angular surfaces of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson as it navigates the winding coastal highway. This latest iteration of Hyundai’s global bestseller marks a shift toward thoughtful refinement rather than radical reinvention.
While the previous generation introduced a bold new design language, the 2025 model builds upon that foundation, addressing owner feedback and refining an already successful formula.
Since its fourth-generation debut in 2021, the Tucson has remained one of the top-selling compact SUVs worldwide. Its striking “parametric dynamics” design helped it stand out in a crowded segment, and despite initial polarizing opinions, the styling has aged well.
Now, with a more sophisticated exterior, upgraded interior materials, and improved technology, the 2025 Tucson offers a more balanced and premium driving experience without unnecessary gimmicks.
After spending several days testing the new Tucson across city streets, highways, and off-road trails, it is clear that Hyundai has fine-tuned nearly every aspect of the vehicle. The result is a well-rounded SUV that feels modern, practical, and engaging to drive.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Tucson retains the “parametric dynamics” aesthetic but refines it with subtle yet meaningful updates. The signature grille-integrated daytime running lights remain, but their geometric pattern has been simplified for a cleaner look.
The main headlamps, positioned lower in the bumper, now feature advanced matrix LED technology in higher trims, enhancing visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic.
The sculpted side profile continues with prominent fender flares and sharp character lines, but the overall design has been subtly softened. Wheel options range from 17-inch alloys on base models to striking 20-inch diamond-cut alloys on the top trims, creating a more cohesive and less cluttered visual appeal.
At the rear, the connected light bar has been reworked for a more three-dimensional effect, while the bumper gains sportier skid plate elements on off-road-focused models. The hidden rear wiper, a signature feature from the previous generation, remains, maintaining a clean and modern look.
Buyers can choose from seven exterior colors, including two new shades: Volcanic Sand, a deep gray with brown undertones, and Emerald Lake, a rich teal that shifts under different lighting conditions. Certain trims also offer the option of a contrasting black roof for added customization.
Interior Upgrades
Inside, Hyundai has focused on premium materials and technology integration. The dashboard layout remains familiar, wrapping around the driver and passenger, but with noticeable refinements in material quality. Soft-touch surfaces now extend to more areas, and stitching on leather-equipped trims looks more upscale.
The biggest upgrade is the introduction of a curved display that seamlessly integrates the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single glass panel.
The anti-reflective screen improves visibility in different lighting conditions, and the software has been redesigned for faster response times and a more intuitive menu structure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and the voice recognition system understands natural language commands more accurately than before.
Seating comfort has also been improved. The front seats now feature revised cushioning for better long-distance support, while top trims introduce a massage function—a rare feature in this segment. Rear passengers benefit from reclining seatbacks and heated seats on higher trims.
Cargo space remains generous, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet when folded. The power tailgate now includes hands-free operation with adjustable height settings.
Powertrain Options
The 2025 Tucson offers a diverse range of powertrains, reflecting Hyundai’s approach to providing options for different markets.
The standard engine remains a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with continuously variable valve duration technology, producing 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smoother shifts and improved mid-range acceleration.
For those seeking better efficiency, the hybrid model pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 1.49 kWh battery pack, delivering a combined 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy improves slightly to an estimated 38 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in the compact SUV category.
The plug-in hybrid version features the same turbocharged 1.6-liter engine but adds a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack, producing 261 horsepower. Electric range increases to approximately 34 miles, and a new 7.2 kW onboard charger reduces charging times when connected to a Level 2 charger.
All-wheel drive is optional on gas models and standard on hybrids. The system has been fine-tuned for quicker torque distribution, improving traction on slippery surfaces. An off-road-focused X-Terrain package adds specialized drive modes for different terrains, but the Tucson remains more of an urban and light-adventure SUV than a serious off-roader.
Driving Dynamics
Hyundai has made key refinements to the Tucson’s suspension and steering, enhancing both comfort and engagement. The ride quality is more composed, absorbing road imperfections better while maintaining body control through corners.
The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension have been tuned to filter out road harshness without feeling overly soft. Steering feedback is sharper, with a quicker ratio and progressive weighting as speeds increase. Brake feel has also been improved, addressing previous complaints about inconsistent pedal response in hybrid models.
The cabin is noticeably quieter at highway speeds, thanks to additional sound-deadening materials and improved door seals. Hybrid models, in particular, operate more smoothly, with reduced noise when switching between electric and gas power.
Advanced Technology
The 2025 Tucson comes packed with smart features designed for convenience and safety. The new infotainment system supports augmented reality navigation, overlaying directional graphics on a live camera feed when approaching complex intersections. The system is more intuitive and reduces the distraction of switching between maps and the road.
Hyundai’s latest Highway Driving Assist II now includes semi-automated lane changes and better lane-centering capabilities. Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the driver to move the vehicle forward or backward using the key fob—ideal for tight parking spots.
Hyundai’s smartphone app has also been upgraded, allowing remote access to vehicle status, pre-conditioning the cabin, and scheduling charging times for plug-in hybrid models.
Safety Features
Hyundai has expanded its safety offerings with a focus on collision avoidance. The forward collision warning system now detects a broader range of hazards, including cyclists and crossing vehicles. Blind-spot monitoring has evolved into an active system that applies braking if an unsafe lane change is attempted.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist now actively brakes if an impact is imminent while reversing. A Safe Exit Warning alerts passengers if an approaching vehicle or cyclist could pose a danger when opening a door.
The Tucson’s body structure is reinforced with over 50% high-strength steel, improving crash protection. Seven airbags come standard, including a center airbag to prevent front occupants from colliding during a side impact.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson competes in a highly contested segment, going head-to-head with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. Hyundai has positioned it as a premium yet attainable option, with competitive pricing and generous standard features.
The lineup includes SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims. The base SE starts at around $29,000, while the top-tier Limited Plug-in Hybrid reaches approximately $44,000. These prices undercut many luxury brands while offering comparable features and better warranty coverage.
Hyundai’s industry-leading 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remain key selling points. The inclusion of three years of complimentary maintenance further adds to the Tucson’s value proposition.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a masterclass in smart evolution. Rather than chasing trends, Hyundai has refined an already successful formula, improving comfort, efficiency, and technology without sacrificing the practicality that made the Tucson a bestseller.
With its sophisticated design, upscale interior, fuel-efficient powertrains, and class-leading technology, the new Tucson remains one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market. Whether you’re looking for a stylish urban cruiser, a fuel-efficient hybrid, or a versatile family SUV, the Tucson offers something for everyone.
FAQs
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?
The hybrid model delivers 38 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid offers 34 miles of electric range.
Does the Tucson offer a hybrid version?
Yes, the 2025 Tucson comes in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
What is the price range of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?
Pricing starts at $29,000 for base models and goes up to $44,000 for top trims.
