2025 Hyundai Tucson Review: Comfort and Tech Take Center Stage

Just like a dependable appliance in your kitchen, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson aims to be a reliable and comfortable companion for your daily journeys. If you’re seeking a vehicle that consistently performs its duties without demanding much attention, the Tucson might be your ideal choice. It prioritizes functionality and ease of use, blending seamlessly into the background while efficiently handling its tasks. While it may not ignite excitement on winding roads, this crossover focuses on delivering a serene and predictable driving experience.

For the 2025 model year, the Hyundai Tucson receives a significant interior upgrade, adopting Hyundai’s latest design philosophy. This revamp elevates the cabin ambiance, lending it a more premium feel reminiscent of higher-end models like the Santa Fe. Furthermore, the Tucson incorporates advanced technology features previously found in more expensive vehicles. While remaining an accessible option in Hyundai’s crossover lineup, the 2025 Tucson transcends its budget-friendly positioning with enhanced ride quality and a sophisticated interior, making it a compelling contender in its competitive segment.

Diving into the 2025 Tucson: The Essentials

In a market dominated by established giants like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson needs to offer more than just basic transportation. While previous Tucson models were competent, they lacked a distinct edge. The 2025 iteration changes this narrative. Hyundai has equipped the new Tucson with a luxurious interior design, cutting-edge technology, and improved ride comfort, positioning it as a leader in its class.

Externally, the 2025 Tucson presents subtle refinements. A redesigned front grille, updated lower fascias, and new wheel designs are present, alongside a longer rear wiper (increased by 75mm). However, these changes are visually minor. The Tucson retains its signature large grille, stacked headlights, and a complex array of lines and angles across its bodywork, creating a distinctive, albeit polarizing, aesthetic. While the reviewer finds it less appealing compared to the more conventionally handsome CR-V and RAV4, its bold and unconventional styling may resonate with certain buyers.

The interior of the 2025 Tucson represents a significant departure from its exterior styling. Moving away from the edgy exterior, the cabin exudes a sense of maturity and sophistication. A sleek three-spoke steering wheel, a large, curved dual-screen display (12.3-inch for both instrument cluster and infotainment), and a cantilevered armrest contribute to an open and airy center console. Sharing design cues with the Santa Fe, the armrest includes a wireless charging pad with a rubberized surface, although this feature is exclusive to the top-tier Limited trim. Lower trims feature a standard armrest and a traditional mechanical shifter instead of the column-mounted shifter in the Limited, potentially offering more storage but sacrificing the streamlined feel.

The infotainment system is praised for its responsiveness and sharp graphics, and the climate controls offer a user-friendly combination of touch and physical buttons. The overall interior ambiance surpasses previous Tucson models, creating a more premium experience that belies its price point.

Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s budget-conscious nature becomes apparent when examining its powertrain. Unless opting for the hybrid variant, the standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. While producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for daily driving but lacks any spirited performance. Furthermore, its fuel economy, averaging around 26 mpg combined, is merely average for the segment. While comparable to rivals, the engine’s uninspiring character isn’t compensated by exceptional fuel efficiency. Despite its smoothness, the reviewer suggests this Tucson would be an excellent candidate for an electric powertrain.

However, the review acknowledges that most buyers in this segment prioritize comfort, technology, and a quiet cabin over exhilarating performance. The Tucson excels in these areas. Hyundai has addressed past criticisms regarding ride quality, making the 2025 Tucson notably softer and more cushioned, bordering on floaty. While this prioritizes passenger comfort and smooth rides, it compromises handling during spirited driving, with noticeable body roll in corners. The Tucson shines in relaxed, everyday driving scenarios, offering a pillowy ride and a quiet cabin, even at highway speeds. This results in a near-luxury driving experience in typical driving conditions, despite its budget-car origins.

However, the soft suspension exhibits drawbacks at highway speeds. The ride can become floaty and ponderous, and maintaining a straight line requires constant minor steering adjustments. While not severely problematic, the Tucson is best suited for city and suburban driving. It serves as a comfortable and technologically advanced appliance for daily commutes and errands, provided it’s not pushed beyond its comfort zone.

High Points and Drawbacks of the 2025 Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s strengths predominantly lie within its cabin. Hyundai’s new interior design elements are commendable, particularly the wireless charging pad placement and the user-friendly climate controls, featuring physical knobs and sensibly arranged touch buttons, avoiding excessive touchscreen reliance. The seats are comfortable, and the overall build quality is perceived as above average for its price range.

However, the interior isn’t flawless. Rear passenger space is not exceptional, and the digital instrument cluster’s design is described as cartoonish and potentially cheap-looking (although subjective). The most significant drawback remains the uninspiring engine, which also fails to deliver impressive fuel economy.

Features, Trim Options, and Competition for the Hyundai Tucson

Starting at a competitive price of $30,000, the base 2025 Hyundai Tucson offers a surprisingly generous list of standard equipment. This includes the large 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights. Even in its base configuration, the Tucson is well-equipped.

Opting for higher trims, like the tested Limited model, unlocks further premium features. The Limited includes a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a hands-free power tailgate, Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and the upgraded center console. At an as-tested price of $41,870, the Tucson Limited presents a strong value proposition.

While competitors like the CR-V and RAV4 offer comparable interiors at similar price points, the Tucson’s interior design is perceived as more mature and premium. While material quality might be comparable, the Tucson’s design language gives it an upscale edge, along with unique tech features. Examples include Hyundai’s blind-spot view monitor, displaying a live camera feed of blind spots in the instrument cluster when signaling, and a forward vehicle departure alert, notifying drivers when the car ahead moves in stop-and-go traffic. These subtle yet thoughtful features enhance the Tucson’s premium and tech-forward appeal compared to its rivals.

Fuel Efficiency of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson’s fuel economy is average for its class. With EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, it mirrors the Honda CR-V and slightly trails the Toyota RAV4. Considering the engine’s lack of driving excitement, improved fuel efficiency would be a welcome trade-off. However, for buyers prioritizing fuel savings, Hyundai offers a Tucson Hybrid variant.

The Tucson Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, boosting power to 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while significantly improving fuel economy to 35 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving.

Value and Final Verdict on the 2025 Hyundai Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is competitively priced within its segment. However, its value proposition becomes apparent when considering its features and overall package. The Tucson Limited offers a wealth of technology and a comfortable, quiet driving experience that leans towards a budget luxury feel rather than a basic economy car. Considering its extensive features and refined interior, the as-tested price of $41,870 represents good value.

In a crowded compact crossover market, the Hyundai Tucson distinguishes itself with its bold styling, surprisingly upscale interior, and comfortable ride. For buyers prioritizing comfort, technology, and a refined cabin experience, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson stands out as a compelling option. Like a dependable appliance, it may not be thrilling, but it consistently delivers on its core functions, making it a reliable and satisfying choice for everyday needs.