Anthony FongaroA few years ago, Hyundai released the updated 2025 Hyundai Tucson. This compact SUV features sleek styling, a tech-focused cabin, and an available hybrid powertrain. The front end seemed a little controversial, but the rest of the Tucson was handsome and proportionate. Now, the 2025 model has been updated with this mid-cycle refresh. Hyundai has changed various exterior elements, but the most significant changes are in the interior for the Limited trim. Is the Tucson still a competitive compact SUV?
At the front, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson retains its large grille with integrated LED headlights and a large Hyundai logo. It retains its angular body with blacked-out wheel wheels and various chrome trim. This Tucson came with Atlantis Blue paint and 19-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the Tucson utilizes claw-like LED taillights with an integrated lightbar. Limited vehicles come with a hands-free smart power tailgate with auto opening. Badges for Hyundai and Tucson are scattered on the tailgate. I appreciate the slight grille refresh. There are many angles that might not appeal to everyone, but I think it’s still a handsome SUV.
Inside The 2025 Hyundai Tucson:
Inside, Hyundai has made some changes to make the cabin more airy. An updated steering wheel has controls for the digital gauge cluster, media, and safety systems. A 12.3-inch gauge cluster is clear and gives plenty of information. For even more information, this vehicle came with a head-up display. Hyundai has moved the shifter on the Limited trim to behind the steering wheel, clearing up a lot of space. They also changed the climate controls where there are now knobs for the temperature. Limited trim vehicles come with either black or gray leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Since the shifter has been moved, there is space for a large wireless charger and various buttons for locking the differential, 360-degree camera, and the auto-hold feature. All seats are comfortable enough, and the rear passengers get heated seats. The Bose sound system is good enough, and Limited trim vehicles come with a large panoramic roof. Hyundai includes Sounds of Nature to give you a calm driving experience. There is plenty of space, but some interior changes are for the top-trim Limited version of the gasoline model. This is an excellent update to the interior with a much more airy feeling cabin.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Under The Hood:
Powering this Tucson is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 187 horsepower and 178-pound feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Tucson accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 8.8 seconds. If that sounds slow, that’s because it feels sluggish. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines are more powerful and more efficient. A few drive modes include normal, sport, my drive, and snow. It may not make the most power, but I kept the Tucson in normal. Fuel economy came in at around 26 MPG, which isn’t terrible, but the hybrid gets at least 10 MPG more. Handling is decent and the Tuscon has a comfortable ride.
Safety comes in the form of lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance. All of these systems work quite well and are easy to use with steering-wheel controls. Pricing for the 2025 Tucson starts at $28,000 for the front-wheel-drive gas-only SE. This all-wheel-drive Limited trim came in at $41,000. My pick would be the hybrid SEL at $38,000. It comes with an upgraded 240-horsepower hybrid engine, an updated interior, and over 35 MPG. With the 2025 refresh, the Hyundai Tucson continues to be a compelling SUV.
Photos Courtesy of Hyundai
