The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid plows new ground with a focus on eco-friendliness and efficiency.

The Hyundai is an updated version of the current Tucson, now in its fourth generation and latest model year. Hyundai has refreshed its interior and implemented subtle exterior updates.

The 2022 model has refined its innovative hybrid technology, resulting in a mere fraction of enhanced performance. Notably, it now offers a Blue variant alongside the standard Hybrid, both equipped with. A plug-in hybrid variant is set to arrive later this year, though we weren’t able to test it out prior to our assessment. 

Hybrid vehicles have become an increasingly popular choice in Tucson’s market, accounting for nearly a quarter of all Tucson models sold over the past year. As governments implement increasingly strict emissions standards for vehicles from model year 2026 to 2035, automakers must adopt innovative strategies to comply with these regulations, with hybrid solutions emerging as a cost-effective approach to meet these ambitious targets. Hyundai is set to expand its electric-vehicle offerings by introducing additional plug-in hybrid models over the coming years, with production taking place at its newly built Metaplant facility in Georgia, near Savannah.

As we navigated the brand-new vehicle through the picturesque rolling hills and canyons surrounding Santa Barbara in late August. As consumers increasingly seek fuel-efficient options, we’ve found that many models are exhausting to fault on various fronts, with hybrids poised to capture an growing share of the market, particularly in the compact SUV segment, which has become the largest single category in the US. market section. (Sure, greater than full-size pickups.)

While subtle exterior revisions may elude the naked eye, discerning observers will notice refined styling cues on the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, distinct from its 2024 counterpart. Hyundai’s designers tweaked the grille and headlight layout to imbue the vehicle with an air of dynamism and toughness, but the alterations become apparent only when the cars are side by side. A newly designed bumper cover with a skid plate offers a significant reduction in size, shrinking by less than half an inch while maintaining the same dimensions for all other features.

The sleek design of the automotive is meant to evoke the fluid motion of a racing horse in mid-gallop. While impressive initially, the Hyundai Tucson appears somewhat softened in comparison to the newer, boxier Hyundai Santa Fe, making it seem slightly dated alongside its three-row counterpart. 

What’s new for 2025 lies within every trim level of the Tucson, boasting a multitude of substantial updates. The latest Hyundai dashboard design prominently features a sleek, horizontal shelf stretching from door to door, elevating the overall driving experience. The left display features an instrument cluster that provides the motive force, while the middle unit is a touchscreen designed for each front-seat occupant’s individual use. The design aesthetic is unmistakable, echoing its predecessors, the Ioniq 5 and 6, as well as the latest Santa Fe – a harmonious blend of clarity, sophistication, and modern flair. 

At the entrance, a sleek, flat tray greets passengers, extending from the central console to approximately ankle height. This generous expanse features a sturdy rubber pad, perfectly suited for holding mobile devices. Below the armrest, nestled beside riders’ elbows, is a convenient storage compartment. Ahead of this lies a broader expanse, where two larger cup holders and a flat, touch-sensitive surface await, ideal for charging mobile devices. The gap provides ample space between the upper console and the sprint compartments, allowing riders to easily access or retrieve items from the lower-level trays without obstruction. 

Overall, this interior space is remarkably functional, offering ample storage capacity for various items, including water bottles, phones, notebooks, and handbags. Notably, Hyundai responded to customer feedback by reintroducing features enhancing airflow and audio control. The update also introduced a rotational lever for the drive selector on the console, mirroring the design found in the Ioniqs and Santa Fe.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: A Modest Boost in Effectiveness, and a ‘Child Mode’ Feature to Boot?

The hybrid powertrain in Hyundai’s Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) versions of the Tucson SUV features a efficient combination, mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. Between the engine and transmission lies a 47.7-kW (64 hp) electrical motor. The combined output of the mixed powertrain totals 231 horsepower, a 5-horsepower increase over last year’s model, thanks to a slightly elevated energy yield from the 1.5-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, according to Andre Ravinowich, senior supervisor of product planning. 

On the highway, the electric motor provides ample quiet power, allowing the 2025 Tucson Hybrid to effortlessly keep pace with traffic without a hint of strain. Energy supply is consistently reliable, regardless of whether an engine, battery, or both power the wheels. Rarely did the engine’s startup draw attention to itself, its quiet rumble a subtle indication of life. Despite this, the sensation of the transmission shifting several times while the car operates solely on battery power – synchronizing motor speed with road speed – remains a crucial trade-off for Hyundai’s single-motor hybrid system. 

Despite this, the South Korean manufacturer has invested considerable resources in fine-tuning its drivetrain technology and sophisticated software algorithms that govern its performance. And it’s paid off. In late 2010, this reporter had the opportunity to test drive a 2011 Hyundai Hybrid Sonata with a powertrain that proved so unimpressive it never made it into our editorial queue. The corporation has made significant progress since that time. The distinction that lay between Mazda’s innovative plug-in hybrid technology and the underwhelming experience of driving the initial hybrid Sonata.

The Hyundai Tucson’s hybrid variant now boasts an enhanced powertrain management system. Using an electrical motor helps smooth out sudden accelerations and decelerations, ensuring a more comfortable ride for children seated safely in a rear-facing car seat. The system leverages minute functions of motor energy or regenerative braking in a similar manner to dynamically adjust lane changes, evasive maneuvers, and vehicle pitch. 

Winding mountain roads and rustic byways above Santa Barbara proved that the Tucson Hybrid is perfectly poised between comfort and driving finesse, its subtle nuances delighting on serpentine routes. While the ride is generally comfortable, traversing rough roads or navigating bumpy turns can induce a slightly jarring sensation, underscoring the value of a well-cushioned journey. Shouldn’t the significance of this issue resonate with potential buyers considering purchasing this product? It in all probability received’t. While the Tucson Hybrid handles confidently in most situations, it’s not designed to rival BMWs’ agility – and that’s okay.

Hyundai aims to achieve a top-notch High Safety Decision + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Last year’s model earned that designation, making the current one seem a relatively affordable aspiration.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: A Quiet Refuge, Trimmed to Perfection, and Rear Legroom at Its Finest?

While the front seats may be a bit cozy, it’s the spacious rear compartment that truly sets the Tucson apart. With its longer wheelbase compared to every other compact hybrid SUV on the market, this model’s rear passengers are treated to a generous dose of comfort courtesy of a larger door opening and a rear seat situated further back. The Sonata boasts an impressive 41.3 inches of rear legroom, outpacing its primary competitors and offering unparalleled space for passengers. Additionally, its 40.5 inches of headroom is on par with the industry’s highest standard. We sat together once more, and it’s time for us to agree. 

Supplies boast high-quality soft-touch surfaces and captivating plastics. While the addition of natural light and an open floor plan are significant factors in creating a bright and airy interior, especially when paired with an all-black design scheme? The colour palette features versatile options: black, gray, or a nuanced three-tone combination of green and grey, which proves surprisingly captivating. Two fresh paint colors – a richly hued Atlantis Blue and a muted, earthy Rockwood Green – add a welcome splash of personality to an otherwise standard palette of whites, blacks, and numerous shades of gray and silver. 

Noise suppression is outstandingly effective, minimizing cabin noise to an impressive extent for a vehicle in its class. One notable exception was the loud noise produced by the electrical parking brake during both engagement and disengagement. As soon as you step on the gas, it’s strikingly apparent that there’s virtually no engine roar to drown out the sound.

The revamped interior features Hyundai’s latest multimedia system, capable of receiving wireless updates. At all times, every Tucson model comes equipped with the highly-rated Hyundai BlueLink+ connectivity suite. Unlike many manufacturers, Hyundai is committed to keeping its connectivity features free for the original owner of the vehicle. Free over-the-air updates to the system are included for the initial three-year period. Gadget mirroring remains seamless through both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Surely, new fashions of Hyundai cars will now come equipped with Hyundai Pay, digital-key functionality, and other premium features.

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is offered in four distinct trim levels, each equipped with all-wheel drive capabilities. They begin with the . The SEL Comfort model offers a $3,000 upgrade, with an additional $1,750 for the N Line look package. Starting at $42,340, the Restricted trim elevates the range with its distinctive features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, an advanced infotainment system, a column-mounted shift-by-wire transmission controller, and a high-definition head-up display. All costs include a mandatory $1,395 supply fee.

The base price of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid model starts at approximately $40,775.

While street exams conducted by auto reporters may not accurately reflect everyday usage, this limitation does not preclude us from drawing meaningful conclusions about the real-world gas financial system. Compared to its traditional counterpart, the Tucson Hybrid SEL achieves a notable EPA fuel-economy boost, increasing the rating to 35 miles per gallon in combined driving when equipped with standard all-wheel drive. While not as fuel-efficient as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (41 mpg combined) or the Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD (37 mpg combined), this vehicle still manages to conserve a significant amount of gasoline over 100 miles, saving you a substantial sum of money in the process. The base-level Tucson Hybrid Blue model achieves an impressive 38 mpg combined, albeit at the cost of luxury features such as leather upholstery and a standard 12.3-inch display screen in front of the driver, which is optional.