2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is updated inside and out

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Hyundai populates the Tucson compact SUV lineup with an array of models offering something for just about everyone. There’s a gasoline-powered version available in four different trim levels, a hybrid version also offered in four trims, and a plug-in hybrid model in two trims.

The Tucson is updated for 2025 with exterior and interior styling revisions, a new infotainment system, a mild power boost for the electric motors, and enhancements to comfort, convenience and safety technologies.

Pricing starts at $29,750 including destination charge for the gas-only Tucson SE with front-wheel drive.

I drove the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. It’s the top-level model among regular and hybrid Tucsons, transcended only by the two plug-in hybrid versions.

The hybrid powertrain has a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine paired with a 47.7-kW electric motor. Together they produce a rousing 231 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, matched with highly capable handling, generating joy for the fortunate driver on Snohomish County’s twisty backroads.

Even better, that enjoyment doesn’t come at the expense of a good time on the highway. Conditions inside the Tucson remain quiet and comfortable even at freeway speeds.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating for the Tucson hybrid model I drove is 35 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.

Tucson’s new 12.3-inch infotainment system is a praiseworthy improvement. Users are no longer at the mercy of the touchscreen for everything, because the redesigned center stack includes the addition of supplementary knobs and switchgear for frequent-use driver controls such as audio volume and tuning, along with select climate system controls.

Hyundai’s all-wheel-drive system combined with a hybrid powertain provides stability and confidence on winter roads in the Pacific Northwest without gouging fuel economy.

Tucson’s AWD includes the usual Normal, Sport, and Snow driver-selectable settings, and for 2025 there’s a new My Drive mode. Within that sub-menu there’s a Baby Mode that smooths out driver inputs for a gentler acceleration experience for passengers. For example, it helps reduce potential disturbances that may upset infants or pets.

I imagine there are many adult passengers who will surreptitiously engage Baby Mode when their lead-footed partner is at the helm.

2025 HYUNDAI TUCSON HYBRID LIMITED

Base price, including destination charge: $42,340

Price as driven: $42,550

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.