Hyundai’s top-selling Tucson has been refreshed for 2025, offering a smarter, more capable SUV to consumers.
My tester, the XRT AWD, was powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. The combination delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Tucson now comes with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well.
The compact crossover SUV is available in five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, XRT and Limited. Tucson seats up to five adults and is rated at 30 miles per gallon fuel economy by the EPA.
Acceleration is leisurely, yet the Tucson XRT provides a comfortable on-road ride in all weather conditions.
“With all-wheel drive offered on gas and hybrid models, customers can enjoy all-road, all-weather capability coupled with outstanding efficiency and an attractive variety of trims, including outdoor-focused XRT and sporty N Line models,” Joe Munoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company said.
XRT exterior highlights include exclusive body side cladding, roof side rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear tow hitch, and LED head and taillights. It includes a new grille and redesigned front and rear bumper fascias, and an updated daytime running light signature.
Tucson’s interior may feature the biggest upgrades of all, thanks to a more open-feeling design and a higher-tech, yet easier-to-use infotainment interface. The cabin incorporates a redesigned panoramic curved display that integrates an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enlarged 12.3-inch infotainment display.
A redesigned center stack includes the addition of supplementary knobs and switchgear for frequent-use driver controls including audio volume and tuning, along with select HVAC controls for greatly improved ergonomics. The center console, steering wheel and door panel accents have also been redesigned for both fresh appeal and enhanced usability. A new dashboard tray located above the glovebox adds even more storage space for front-seat passengers.
Creature comforts include H-Tex heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control, hands-free power lift gate, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and device charging, ambient interior lighting, two front and two rear USB ports, along with AM/FM/XM radio.
The Smart Cruise Control feature came in handy on lengthy trips on I-5. The system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. The heads up display even displays turn-by-turn directions from your phone, making navigation a breeze. In addition, XRT delivered a quiet, smooth ride that made the road trips more enjoyable for all.
Completing the XRT’s long list of attributes is an impressive safety suite.
Highlights include forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, drive attention warning, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and a safe exit warning that alerts occupants when debarking.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive company, but Tucson is assembled in Montgomery, Alabama with 33 per cent US and Canadian parts.
Tucson comes with a five-year, 60,000 mile basic warrant and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Base Price: $35,580
Price As Driven: $36,240
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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