Key Points:
- Cars.com editors liked the 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s hybrid powertrain, refined ride, interior and tech improvements, and value.
- However, editors didn’t like the 2025 Tucson Hybrid’s fuel economy and limited off-road capability.
Introduced for the 2022 model year, the current-generation Hyundai Tucson is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. A refresh for 2025 brings a variety of subtle but significant improvements aimed at keeping things that way, including styling tweaks and added tech and safety features. It all adds up to an appealing, family-friendly package with few faults.
Related: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Review: Smart, Subtle Changes
The update also includes a more powerful electric motor for hybrid models for quicker response and increased range on electric power. In addition, the interior gets an available dramatic dash and infotainment system, all of which should help keep Hyundai’s bestselling model competitive with the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
Cars.com West Coast Editor Conner Golden headed to the scenic roads of California wine country to attend a media event introducing the updated Tucson, and he liked most of what he found. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own travel and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above for his expert review; for a quicker rundown, read on for five things we like about the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and two things we don’t.
What Do We Like About the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?
1. Juicier Hybrid
Hybrid models still use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as before, but it is now paired with a more powerful 47.7-kilowatt motor that brings the total system output to 231 horsepower. While that’s only 5 more ponies than before, the added boost provides a bit more oomph while also allowing a bit more driving range on electric power.
2. Smooth Mover
With no significant mechanical updates beyond the new motor, the 2025 Tucson Hybrid feels much the same as before from behind the wheel. Quiet, refined and easygoing, the compact SUV is not the sportiest entry in the category, but it rides comfortably with decent body control. The steering is light, and the regenerative brakes are smooth and easy to modulate. Transitions between electric and gasoline power are seamless, and we prefer the Tucson Hybrid’s smooth six-speed automatic transmission to the noisier continuously variable automatics used by most competitors.
3. New Dash
The biggest change inside is an available new dash featuring a sleek curved panel that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Similar to the setups in other recent Hyundai offerings, the displays are vivid, easy to use, and bring a welcome return to physical knobs for climate and audio functions. Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay are standard, as well, taking care of what was a puzzling omission from upper trims in the past.
4. Other Improvements
The update brings other noteworthy improvements, including a new steering-column-mounted shift lever that helps free up console space, added cabin storage, a wireless charging pad that’s easier to access and a new Baby Mode that softens responses for a more relaxed journey with kids.
5. Decent Value
All upgrades come at a cost, but the $775 increase for a base SE trim level is relatively modest and brings the starting price to a reasonable $29,750 (all prices include destination). Hybrid models start at $34,510 for the base Blue trim, which is very competitive for the category and includes an impressive list of standard safety and convenience features.
Read More About the Hyundai Tucson:
- What’s the Best Compact SUV for 2025?
- Improved 2025 Hyundai Tucson Pricing Starts at $29,750
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid?
- Which Hybrid Vehicles Have All-Wheel Drive?
- Study: These Small SUVs Do Great Job of Keeping You From Backing Into Stuff
What Do We Dislike About the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?
1. Hybrid MPG
Added power is almost always a good thing, and the Tucson Hybrid’s more powerful electric motor is no exception. We appreciate any added range, but we’d also expect an increase in fuel economy. That is not the case here, as the 2025 Tucson Hybrid actually gets worse mileage than the previous model, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. That’s 2 mpg less than before.
2. Limited Off-Road Capability
For those who want a more aggressive look, the XRT trim gets a more off-road-ready appearance, though the package is more cosmetic than functional. It gets unique wheels, raised roof rails and added cladding for a tougher look. Several drive modes let drivers customize response to conditions and hill descent control helps in the dirt, but the XRT is no real off-roader.
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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
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