If you're wondering what Hyundai's best-selling SUV is - wonder no more. It's the Hyundai Tucson. Refreshed for 2025, it gains style tweaks, a new cabin design and enhanced safety. My test vehicle is the 2025 Tucson Limited Hybrid variant with standard all-wheel drive.
The 2025 Tucson evolves its style with a sharper, bolder exterior look that includes a redesigned front grille and an updated, simplified, daytime running light signature. Both the front and rear bumpers are redesigned as well and in back, a new longer wiper blade is hidden under the spoiler.
Powertrain
The Tucson hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid engine that's mated to a six-speed, yes a six-speed, automatic shift-by-wire transmission. The powertrain delivers a respectable 231 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid model definitely gets my vote over the 178-horsepower gas-only variant when it comes to acceleration and overall power. Keep in mind there is also a plug-in hybrid due out this fall that amps things up to 268 horsepower. (Now we're talking!)
Hyundai designers get my thumbs up for the substantial cabin upgrade. It's overall design is more modern and open - mirroring the design philosophy you see in other Hyundai models. The dash is pushed forward to create a roomier feel and a new dashboard tray on the passenger side adds storage space, though I do see how that could look cluttered if not careful. Redesigned door panels are a mix of soft touch material, glossy black and silver trim, though I have to say they scuffed easily.
The Limited features leather-trimmed, power front seats that are heated and ventilated. I took the Tucson on a short road trip and found the seats to be very comfortable.
Technology also gets a big update thanks to a new available dual screen set up with a 12.3 inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. It creates a great, streamlined look across the dash. Both feature excellent graphics. The multimedia system with navigation is responsive and supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (now standard on all models).. An 8-speaker premium Bose sound system sounds great.
Hyundai keeps the changes coming on the center stack, where there are new infotainment and dual-zone climate controls with physical knobs, something Hyundai says was on people's wish list.
The floating center console loses its shift-by-wire gear shifter which moves to the steering column. A new flat wireless charger takes its place and I love the green light that shows you're charging. And yay for new USB-C ports in both rows!
The roomy 60/40 split second row features heated seats that slide and recline. They also have nice headrests. A drop-down center console is no frills with two cup holders. The seat back pockets are hard surfaces.
The Limited enjoys a hands-free smart lift gate that opens up to 38.7 cubic feet of space as well as a dual level cargo floor. A release lever in the cargo area easily folds down the second row if you need even more space.
The top-of-the-line Limited is also equipped with a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, 64-color interior lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Tucson is an easy-going vehicle with a comfortable ride and drive. It doesn't deliver what I'd call exciting driving dynamics, but they're pleasant. Its size makes it quite easy to maneuver and park, and it's also on the quieter side.
In addition to Normal, Sport, Snow drive modes for the AWD models there are now My Drive modes like a new driver-selectable Baby Mode. It's designed to produce gentler initial acceleration as to not upset babies or pets in the car. A new Green Zone drive mode optimizes pure EV mode.
Another great update for 2025: drivers can now adjust the level of regenerative braking on the hybrid models.
As you'd imagine, fuel economy gets a big boost in the hybrid model - you get 35 mpg combined as opposed to 25 in the non-hybrid trim. Overall though, it must be said that Hyundai's hybrid system isn't the most fuel efficient in the segment.
Safety
For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning (FAW) to its list of fantastic, standard, advanced driver assistance systems. The lengthy list also includes: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning.
The Limited's other safety tech includes Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/Curve Control, Smart Cruise Control 2, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist as well as Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Limited's 12-inch color head-up display is fantastic. I also love Hyundai's Remote Smart Park Assist technology.
The only two options are the special red paint hue ($470) and carpeted floor mats for $210. That brings the total MSRP to roughly $43,000 with destination.
Hyundai keeps its best-selling Tucson relevant with fantastic design, tech and safety updates. A hybrid is definitely the way to go over the standard gas-only Tucson.