2025 Hyundai Tucson: How To Start The Engine With Manual Key
The Hyundai Tucson continues to impress in the compact SUV segment with its bold design, innovative technology, and versatile performance options. This latest iteration maintains the striking exterior styling that has turned heads since its major redesign, while introducing refinements that enhance functionality and driving experience.
2025 Blue Hyundai Tucson
Exterior Design: A Bold Statement
The Tucson makes an immediate impression with its distinctive parametric jewel pattern grille that seamlessly integrates with the LED daytime running lights when illuminated. When the lights are off, they appear to be part of the grille design, a clever aesthetic trick that showcases an innovative approach to design.
The side profile features sharp, angular creases that create dynamic light reflections, giving the vehicle a sense of motion even when parked. At the rear, the LED light bar spans the width of the tailgate, connected by a striking geometric pattern that echoes the front grille design.
With 4,640 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,685 mm in height, the Tucson balances compact maneuverability and interior spaciousness. Ground clearance is sufficient for light off-road adventures, while the 17-inch wheels on base models grow to 19-inch alloys on higher trim levels.
Interior: Comfort Meets Technology
Step inside the Hyundai Tucson, and you’ll find a cabin prioritizing comfort and technology. The layout features a clean, uncluttered dashboard with an integrated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seems to float above the centre console. Physical climate controls remain for easier operation while driving—a thoughtful decision that balances innovation with practicality.
Materials throughout the cabin have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces in key touch points and available leather seating options. The panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims, bathes the interior in natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Storage solutions abound, with cleverly designed cubbies, a deep centre console, and door pockets sized to accommodate water bottles and other essentials. Cargo capacity stands impressive at 1,095 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,119 litres with the rear seats folded, providing ample space for adventure gear, shopping hauls, or home improvement supplies.
Passenger comfort remains a priority with generous legroom in both rows. The rear seats recline for added comfort on longer journeys, and available heated rear seats complement the standard heated front seats in colder climates.
Performance: Three Distinct Powertrains
The Hyundai Tucson offers three powertrain options, each with its own character and benefits.
The standard gasoline model features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and includes Idle Stop & Go technology to maximize fuel efficiency. Fuel economy ratings for this powertrain are 9.7 L/100 km in city driving, 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.8 L/100 km combined.
The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Unlike many competitors that use continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), the Tucson Hybrid employs a conventional 6-speed automatic, delivering a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy improves significantly to 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.6 L/100 km highway, and 6.4 L/100 km combined.
At the top of the range sits the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which builds on the hybrid’s powertrain to deliver 268 horsepower while maintaining the same 258 lb-ft of torque. The larger battery pack allows for an all-electric range of approximately 51 kilometres before reverting to hybrid operation. Overall fuel economy is rated at 6.7 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, and 6.7 L/100 km combined when operating in hybrid mode.
All models come standard with all-wheel drive, providing confident handling in various weather conditions and light off-road situations. Drive modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s responsiveness to conditions or preferences, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and terrain-specific settings.
Technology: Connected and Convenient
The Hyundai Tucson comes with the latest Hyundai infotainment and connectivity features. The standard 8-inch or available 10.25-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a digital instrument cluster provides customizable information displays.
Available Digital Key functionality allows compatible smartphones to serve as a vehicle key, enabling remote locking, unlocking, and even starting the vehicle from a distance—perfect for pre-heating or cooling the cabin before entry.
The Tucson also features multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, a wireless charging pad for compatible devices, and an available premium audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound throughout the cabin.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection
Safety features in the Hyundai Tucson include a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.
Higher trims add Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, which helps maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead while keeping the Tucson centred in its lane. Safe Exit Warning alerts passengers of approaching traffic when opening doors, helping prevent potential collisions.
How to Start the 2025 Tucson with a Manual Key
Modern vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson come with push-button start and smart key technology, which eliminates the need for traditional key ignition in normal circumstances. However, knowing how to start your Tucson with the manual key during emergencies is essential knowledge for every owner.
The Tucson includes a manual key hidden within the smart key fob. To access it, look for a small button or switch on the back of your key fob and press it to release the manual key blade.
If your key fob battery dies and you need to start the vehicle, follow these steps:
- First, use the manual key to unlock the driver’s door by inserting it into the small keyhole on the door handle (you may need to pop off a small cover to access this).
- Once inside, if your Tucson has a push-button start (as most models do), you won’t find a traditional key slot for ignition. Instead, you’ll need to use the key fob itself to press the start button.
- Place your foot on the brake pedal.
- Take your key fob (even with a dead battery) and use its back or end to push the start button while maintaining pressure on the brake pedal.
- The vehicle should recognize the integrated chip in the key fob and allow the engine to start.
If this method doesn’t work, some Hyundai models have a designated “emergency start” slot. In the Tucson, this may be located in one of several places: near the front of the centre console, behind a panel beneath the infotainment control knob, or on the left side of the open glove box. Insert the key fob with the buttons facing up into this slot, press the brake pedal, and push the start button to start the engine.
Practical Living with the Tucson
Daily life with the Hyundai Tucson proves convenient with its thoughtful features. The hands-free smart liftgate opens automatically when it detects the key fob nearby for several seconds, perfect for when your hands are full of groceries or gear.
Climate controls can be accessed via the touchscreen or through physical buttons and knobs, offering both technological advancement and practical usability. Dual-zone climate control ensures drivers and front passengers can set their preferred temperatures.
The heated steering wheel and front seats activate quickly for winter driving, while ventilated front seats on select models enhance summer comfort. Remote start functionality through the key fob or smartphone app allows climate pre-conditioning before entering the vehicle.
2025 Hyundai Tucson: Comfort, Capability and Efficiency
The Hyundai Tucson continues to evolve as a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. With its distinctive styling, versatile powertrain options, comprehensive technology suite, and thoughtful convenience features, it meets the needs of a wide range of drivers. Whether navigating urban environments, embarking on weekend adventures, or simply handling the daily commute, the Tucson delivers a balanced blend of comfort, capability, and efficiency that makes it worthy of serious consideration.