A Smoother, More Powerful Hybrid Powertrain
The Tucson Hybrid received a mid-cycle update for 2025, which included mild design tweaks — because you can’t mess with a winning formula — plus a revised dashboard and a smoother iteration of Hyundai’s hybrid powertrain. Already a standout in the compact crossover segment, the updated Tucson Hybrid is now more pleasant to drive thanks to improved functionality and a touch more power.
Hyundai kept the Tucson Hybrid’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated with a 64-horsepower electric motor sandwiched in the six-speed automatic transmission. Total system output climbs to 231 horsepower, up 5 from last year’s model, courtesy of increased output from the 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Combined torque checks in at a healthy 271 pound-feet.
The Tucson Hybrid is quick enough to get out of its own way, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, and feels competitive in terms of power. The electric motor provides plenty of pep until the gas-fired inline-four spins up. The six-speed automatic transmission has been refined, making the transition from gas to electric (or vice versa) less abrupt than before.
Like other contemporary Hyundai hybrid models, the Tucson Hybrid features regenerative braking controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Increasing the level of regenerative braking induces jerky motions, making it difficult to drive smoothly. This isn't surprising, as this is a hybrid, not an EV. Gas vehicles with their engines running aren’t designed for one-pedal driving.
Find Your Ideal EV: EV Matchmaker Tool
A new Baby Mode remaps the throttle and smooths out the acceleration to help keep kids asleep in car seats from waking. Like in the Santa Fe three-row crossover, the Tucson Hybrid has a revised dashboard with low-set screens that improve forward visibility.
Hulk-Like Exterior, Easier-To-Use Interior
It will take a keen eye to spot the Tucson's exterior updates. The LED daytime running lights are still embedded into the wide grille, with the headlights bookending a more upright front end. A more pronounced front splitter mimics a skid plate shield but isn't functional. The sides are still punched out, giving a bodybuilder in a tight T-shirt kind of vibe, and the fang-like LED taillights carry over. The turned alloy wheel designs were lightly updated, though most won't notice the difference.
Inside, the changes are more dramatic. All but the base Blue model now feature a wall of screens under a single pane of glass: a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on the left and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the right. Blue trims feature a 4.2-inch driver information display situated between two analog gauges. The touchscreen in all Tucsons continues to use a simple panel-based interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a similar setup to what’s found in the latest Santa Fe.
The largest and most meaningful change is the return of physical buttons and knobs on the center console for essential climate and infotainment system controls. Touch-based controls are now limited to secondary climate functions only. Hyundai swapped the center console-mounted push-button gear selector unit with a rotating column-mounted gear selector. A redesigned wireless charger has a raised induction pad to provide more consistent charging.
Every Tucson Hybrid features advanced safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera system and a blind-spot camera system are also available.
The Tallest Passengers Should Ride Up Front
Tucson Hybrids still seat five passengers in two rows. The front seats offer the most comfort, with plenty of thigh support. The rear seats are mounted stadium-style above the battery pack. Legroom is fine for six-footers thanks to sculpted front-seat backs for extra space, but headroom is tight for taller passengers. Notably, the rear-seat backs recline, a boon for road trips.
Cargo capacity is 38.7 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.
Spend Less, Drive More: Tucson Hybrid’s Fuel Efficiency & Pricing
The Tucson Hybrid Blue, the range’s most fuel-efficient trim level, has EPA fuel economy ratings of 38 mpg across the board for city, highway, and combined. Upper-end Tucson Hybrid trims, which trade some efficiency for better equipment, are rated at 35 mpg in all driving situations.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is on sale now. Prices start from $34,915, including a $1,450 destination charge.
🚀 Charge Up Your EV Knowledge!
🚗 EV Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Get clear, concise insights into electric vehicles with our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
🔍 Find Your EV Match Made in Heaven
Use our interactive EV Matchmaker to find an electric vehicle tailored precisely to your lifestyle.
Read More ➜
