2025 Hyundai Tucson Review

All in all, the Tucson represents the best of today’s tech even before the 2025 upgrades. The 2024 model year added a higher level of safety through more airbags, better seatbelts, and more driver assistance. Even better, Hyundai made a large touchscreen standard even at entry level. 

For the 2025 model year, there are style and tech updates.  Curb appeal comes from larger lighting features to complement a new grille.  The new skid plates give it a wider stance.

Even more significant changes are made to the cabin with a completely revised cockpit. Every element has been examined for ergonomics and style. Desktop-like is how Car and Driver describes the new dashboard style. Critics are also noting similarities between this cabin and Hyundai electric vehicles.

To ensure ease of use, there are more physical buttons and switchgear for the things that drivers need most.  Plus a small screen under the infotainment display is dedicated to the air conditioning system, an essential in our Phoenix climate. When you choose the Tucson HEV or PHEV, you gain the Hyundai multi-mode system which is designed to maintain even heating and cooling throughout the cabin.

Highly capable, the base engine is a 2.5-liter Smartstream turbo. An 8-speed automatic transmission manages 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.  The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbo as part of its hybrid powertrain. A new higher kW electric motor allows Tucson Hybrid drivers to command a combined output of 231 horses and 258 lb-ft.

If you want an even speedier SUV, the 2025 Tucson Plug in Hybrid maximizes output at 268 horsepower. The Hyundai PHEV uses a larger hybrid battery and more powerful motor to achieve higher combined output.  To keep its full charge, it only needs a few hours with a Level 2 AC Charger.

To improve hybrid handling, Hyundai has developed a special e-Motion technology. This regulates electric torque to improve cornering.  While this is a boon for safety and driver confidence, it has the additional effect of making driving even more fun.

For many drivers, front-wheel drive Tucsons are all they need. This is especially true for those who live in our flat, desert landscape. Phoenix drivers are simply less likely to need a snow mode, for instance, unless they spend part of their time up north.  

On the other hand, all-wheel drive is always a welcome upgrade for the regular engine models. Phoenix drivers like how Tucson AWD allows for greater traction on sand and other natural surfaces.

It allows these SUVs to have more traction when dealing with While the Tucson offers all-wheel drive, HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard on the 2025 Tucson Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid.  This system has normal, sport and My Drive modes as well as a smart Green Zone drive mode and the new Baby Mode.  While Sport Mode lets the driver maximize power for speedy travel, the Green Zone mode utilizes pure EV energy in slow settings.

Hyundai hybrid SUVs are made with parents in mind. There are important assets such as the easy-clean upholstery that resists spills and stains. Baby mode is a new tool that the Tucson Hybrid driver can use to keep peace in the cabin.

When the driver uses baby mode, the engine changes its acceleration pattern for smoother take-offs. This alteration helps cushion the ride for a sleeping child or baby. It’s a smart idea that isn’t on the menu at other brands.

Other smart devices include a rear occupant alert for busy caregivers. There’s also a safe exit assist that reduces the chances that a child or teen will step out at the same time a car pulls alongside the Tucson.

Trim levels for the 2.5-L turbo four start with the well-equipped SE.  Known as the Blue, the 1.6-L Hybrid entry level trim is even better equipped. Meanwhile, the 2025 Tucson Plug In Hybrid starts with the SEL, the second-tier trim for both the regular and hybrid models.

SEL, XRT, N Line and Limited trim levels are offered with your choice of powertrain. This means you can go for the Hybrid N Line or the Regular Limited. One thing’s for sure, you can find the just-right mix of amenities and performance with a lineup this accommodating.

You can get competitive loans and leases from our expert financing team at your Scottsdale Hyundai dealer.

Slotted between the SEL and N Line, the 2025 Tucson XRT has the most personality in the lineup. It adds a sporty, more rugged vibe to the exterior. This new model year it adds beefy all-terrain tires for off-road use.  You can get this tougher trim with the regular, HEV or PHEV powertrain.

Inside it has the dual-screen cockpit and special 64-color ambient lighting.  Seats are covered in a soft synthetic leather. That softness carries over to the door panels and leather-clad steering wheel. 

For those who want the luxuries of the Tucson Limited but want to keep costs down, the XRT is a logical choice. In fact, it’s the trim that Motor Trend recommends in its 2024 review.

Now universal, push button start corresponds to the standard proximity key.  This device doesn’t have to be removed from a pocket or purse. Tucson will recognize its presence. A digital key is an even more sophisticated device but it can perform the same functions.

The new Digital Key 2 Premium lets you use a dedicated phone app to access and drive your Tucson without the physical key.  This device utilizes Advanced NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy as well as Ultra-Wideband technologies. 

These digital keys have a new biometric authentication requirement. It is a fingerprint sensor which the driver can activate and use for greater security. 

It’s easy to connect with your Phoenix Hyundai dealer. Get pre-approved and start your Tucson shopping journey with confidence.

Any new Hyundai Tucson will have a whole suite of driver assistance features. New for 2025, an infrared camera is positioned to track the driver’s gaze. This is part of the driver attention monitor, it is important when the driver is using the new Smart Cruise Control 2.

In the unlikely event that the Tucson ever finds the driver unresponsive, it can turn on the hazard lights and slow it to a stop.

Smart Cruise Control is standard on all models. This regulates travel according to the set speed and road traffic conditions. Smart Cruise Control 2 goes further, utilizing navigation to help it do more of the work. A lane following assist strengthens what this semi-automatic system can do.

Other standards include a forward collision system with an emergency autobrake to help avoid hitting a leader car, pedestrian or cyclist.  An avoidance assist allows this system to work during junction turning. 

An avoidance assist also works with the blind spot monitor and the lane keeper. A rear autobrake will assist during slow maneuvers thanks to an active rear cross traffic alert.

Even the least expensive Tucson comes with a generous 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Shoppers can upgrade the dash to dual 12.3-inch screens under a single curved glass, an exciting change for 2025. Both screens are about two inches bigger than the previous standard screen.

Hyundai is focused on connectivity, and it has added over the air updates that can help the dash tech stay as contemporary as possible.  Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now wireless on all 2025 Tucson models. Charging points and the wireless charger have all been upgraded to work faster.

Bluelink services are offered with purchase as a complimentary three-year subscription. This allows new owners to enjoy SOS Assistance and much more. It also covers the vehicle remote features. This does require the WiFi Hotspot subscription. 

With so  many tech tools and toys, the Tucson is fun, safe and smart.  Check it out at your Phoenix Hyundai dealership. Schedule a test drive  at our North Scottsdale location.