The 2025 Hyundai Tucson: The Best Compact SUV Experience
The automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and the Hyundai Tucson is a testament to this progression. This latest iteration of the Hyundai compact SUV represents a significant leap forward in design, technology, and performance. With its striking exterior aesthetics, advanced interior amenities, and diverse powertrain options, the Tucson aims to cement its position as a frontrunner in the competitive compact SUV segment.
2025 Blue Hyundai Tucson
Bold Exterior Design Language
The Tucson exterior design immediately commands attention with its distinctive parametric jewel front light design. What makes this feature particularly noteworthy is the integration of hidden daytime running lights seamlessly embedded within the front grille. This clever design element creates a mesmerizing effect when illuminated while maintaining a clean, sophisticated look when the lights are off.
Sharp character lines flow along the side profile, enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic appearance. The latest model retains the bold styling cues that have become synonymous with the Tucson name, while subtly refining them for a more contemporary aesthetic. Standard rear privacy glass adds style and function, while the bridge-type roof rails enhance the SUVs versatility without compromising its sleek silhouette.
The Tucson offers wheel options starting with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with available upgrades to 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels for those seeking a more commanding presence on the road. Options for a power sunroof or panoramic sunroof allow owners to customize their experience, bringing more natural light into the cabin while enhancing the overall driving experience.
Thoughtful Interior Comfort
The Tucson continues to impress with an interior that balances functionality with modern design sensibilities. The cabin presents a clean, uncluttered layout with high-quality materials throughout. The attention to detail is evident in everything from the tactile feel of the controls to the supportive seating that makes long journeys more comfortable.
Practicality remains a strong suit for the Tucson, with impressive cargo capacity that adapts to various lifestyle needs. The vehicle offers 1095 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to a generous 2119 litres when the rear seats are down. This versatility makes the Tucson equally suitable for daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Convenience features abound, including a hands-free power tailgate allowing easy access to the cargo area even when your hands are full. The overall dimensions of 4640 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 1685 mm in height provide a spacious interior without making the vehicle unwieldy in urban environments.
Powertrain Diversity: Three Distinct Options
The Tucson distinguishes itself with three available powertrain options, each offering a different approach to performance and efficiency.
Standard Gasoline Engine and Transmission
The foundation of the Tucson lineup begins with a robust 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is designed to balance performance with efficiency, providing responsive acceleration for daily driving scenarios.
A key highlight of this powertrain is its sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission deserves special attention for its smooth operation and intelligent shift logic. Unlike continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in some competitors, the Tucson 8-speed automatic provides distinct gear changes that many drivers prefer for a more engaging driving experience.
The transmission’s wide ratio spread helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, improving fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The inclusion of Idle Stop & Go technology further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, seamlessly restarting when the brake pedal is released.
Fuel consumption figures for the gasoline model stand at 9.7 L/100 km for city driving, 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 8.8 L/100 km combined—respectable numbers for a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Powertrain and Transmission
Moving up the efficiency ladder, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant introduces a more sophisticated powertrain arrangement. The system pairs a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack to produce a combined output of 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque—a significant boost over the standard gasoline model.
What distinguishes the Tucson Hybrid transmission setup is its use of a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission rather than the e-CVT systems commonly found in hybrid vehicles. This deliberate engineering choice gives the Tucson Hybrid a more natural driving feel with distinct gear changes while still maximizing the efficiency benefits of the hybrid system.
The 6-speed transmission harnesses the electric motor’s instant torque delivery at low speeds, creating impressive off-the-line acceleration. As speed increases, the turbocharged engine takes on more of the workload, with the transmission providing seamless transitions between power sources. This arrangement eliminates the “rubber-band” effect often associated with CVT-equipped hybrids, where engine speed and vehicle acceleration can feel disconnected.
The hybrid powertrain delivers substantially improved fuel economy, achieving 6.3 L/100 km in city driving, 6.6 L/100 km on highways, and 6.4 L/100 km combined. These figures represent approximately a 27% improvement over the conventional gasoline model, particularly impressive in urban environments where the hybrid system can maximize regenerative braking opportunities.
Plug-In Hybrid: The Efficiency Leader
At the pinnacle of the Tucson powertrain hierarchy sits the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant. Building upon the hybrid system, the PHEV incorporates a larger battery pack and more powerful electric motor to deliver a combined system output of 268 horsepower while maintaining the same 258 lb-ft of torque as the regular hybrid.
Like its hybrid sibling, the PHEV utilizes the same 6-speed automatic transmission, maintaining the direct and engaging driving characteristics that distinguish the Tucson from competitors using CVTs. The transmission’s programming is specifically calibrated to accommodate the PHEV’s unique power delivery characteristics, ensuring smooth operation in electric-only and hybrid modes.
The most significant advantage of the PHEV comes in its ability to travel up to 51 kilometres on pure electric power when fully charged, allowing many daily commutes to be completed without using any gasoline. Once the electric range depletes, the vehicle automatically transitions to hybrid operation, functioning similarly to the standard hybrid model.
In hybrid mode, the PHEV achieves fuel consumption ratings of 6.7 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, and 6.7 L/100 km combined. While slightly higher than the standard hybrid due to the additional weight of the larger battery system, these figures still represent excellent efficiency for a compact SUV with all-wheel drive capability.
All-Wheel Drive Capability
Notably, all Tucson models come standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. This system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, providing improved grip on slippery surfaces while maintaining efficiency during normal driving by predominantly powering the front wheels.
Advanced Technology Features
The Tucson embraces modern technology with a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety. A standard touchscreen infotainment system offers intuitive control of various vehicle functions, while available upgrades include larger displays with enhanced graphics and functionality.
Smartphone integration comes standard via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless access to compatible apps, navigation, and media. Available features such as wireless device charging and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin ensure that devices remain powered during journeys.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety remains a priority for the Tucson, evidenced by its strong safety ratings and comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. The vehicle features multiple airbags, including front, side, and side curtain protection.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Available upgrades add features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.
Driving Dynamics
On the road, the Tucson delivers a driving experience that balances comfort with engagement. The suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. Steering provides adequate feedback, allowing drivers to place the vehicle confidently on winding roads.
The different powertrain options each impart their own character to the driving experience. The standard gasoline model offers traditional, predictable responses, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants benefit from the immediate torque delivery characteristic of electrified powertrains.
2025 Hyundai Tucson: A Capable SUV
The Hyundai Tucson represents a compelling option in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of striking design, practical versatility, and powertrain choices to suit different priorities. The thoughtful integration of its various transmission systems—from the responsive 8-speed automatic in the gasoline model to the uniquely engaging 6-speed in the hybrid variants—demonstrates the Hyundai commitment to delivering driving experiences that balance efficiency with engagement.
Whether prioritizing traditional gasoline power, the enhanced efficiency of a hybrid, or the plug-in capability that enables electric-only driving for shorter commutes, the Tucson provides options without compromise. Its style, substance, and technological sophistication make it a standout choice for discerning consumers seeking a modern compact SUV experience.