The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is one of the most competitive compact SUVs in today’s crowded market. With its bold new styling, high-quality interior, and a cabin that feels more spacious than many rivals, it’s clear that Hyundai has worked hard to make this SUV feel premium without the premium badge. After spending a week behind the wheel of the Tucson Limited AWD, it’s safe to say this SUV nails the formula for comfort, practicality, and value—but it’s still missing one thing that driving enthusiasts may crave.
Design and Cabin Quality
Hyundai gave the Tucson a subtle refresh for 2025, and the updates are enough to keep it fresh against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. The sharper bumpers, reworked grille, and futuristic LED daytime running lights give the SUV a modern, upscale look. The new wheels also help it stand out on the road, making it one of the most stylish options in its class.
Inside, Hyundai has stepped things up even further. The new infotainment system is intuitive and now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a welcome update that makes everyday driving much easier. Materials throughout the cabin feel upscale, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality finishes that rival more expensive brands. The Limited trim, in particular, feels like a luxury SUV without the inflated price tag.
Most importantly, the Tucson excels in practicality. The rear seats are among the most spacious in the segment, easily accommodating taller passengers, while the cargo area is generous enough for strollers, sports gear, or a weekend’s worth of family luggage. Ergonomics are spot on, and the ride comfort makes long trips effortless. Hyundai has mastered the balance between functionality and refinement.
Performance: Comfort Over Thrills
While the Tucson looks the part and feels premium, its performance tells a different story. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers smooth, reliable power for commuting and family use, but it doesn’t excite. Even with paddle shifters, the transmission prioritizes relaxed shifts over engagement, and passing on a single-lane highway requires patience and planning.
The available AWD system adds confidence in poor weather and on rougher roads, but the Tucson isn’t designed to be a driver’s SUV. Compared to the Mazda CX-5 Turbo—which makes up to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque—the Tucson feels underpowered. Still, when compared against the RAV4 (203 hp) and CR-V (190 hp), it sits right in the middle of the segment.
For buyers seeking more power, Hyundai offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Tucson Hybrid delivers 231 hp, while the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid produces 268 hp, giving the SUV the extra pep missing in the standard ICE model. The trade-off is price, but if performance matters, the hybrids are the smarter pick.
Family-Friendly Practicality
Where the Tucson shines brightest is in its ability to be a true family hauler. The spacious interior and impressive cargo space put it right at the top of the class. The cabin is quiet, the suspension soaks up bumps with ease, and even tall passengers can stretch out in comfort. With 2,000 lbs of towing capacity, it’s versatile enough for light trailers, bikes, or small camping gear.
For parents and daily drivers, these qualities often matter more than raw horsepower. The Tucson’s design makes life easier—whether you’re packing in Costco runs, road-tripping, or shuttling kids to soccer practice. Hyundai built the Tucson to handle everyday life gracefully, and in that respect, it succeeds better than many rivals.
Which Trim To Buy?
The Tucson lineup offers something for everyone. At the top end, the Limited trim (around $41,000) is the sweet spot if you want every premium feature Hyundai offers, including AWD, leather seating, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, heated and ventilated seats, head-up display, and surround-view cameras. It feels like a luxury SUV without the badge.
On the other hand, the XRT trim represents incredible value. Priced lower, it includes rugged styling, roof rails, tow hitch, and all the practicality of the Tucson without the luxury extras. For buyers who want functionality and budget-friendliness, the XRT is hard to beat.
Ultimately, choosing between trims comes down to whether you prioritize luxury touches or pure value. Either way, the Tucson delivers the same core strengths: comfort, space, and reliability.
Final Verdict: Love It or Leave It?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson may not thrill performance enthusiasts, but it doesn’t need to. It excels at being exactly what most buyers in the compact SUV market want: stylish, comfortable, spacious, safe, and well-equipped. It’s refined enough to feel premium, yet affordable enough to remain accessible.
Driving enthusiasts may lean toward a Mazda CX-5 Turbo or another performance-oriented SUV, but for the vast majority of families and commuters, the Tucson is one of the smartest buys in its class. It may not set your pulse racing, but it will make everyday life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. And sometimes, that’s exactly what matters most.
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