Introduced nearly 20 years ago, the Hyundai Tucson struggled to establish an identity for more than a decade.
The compact crossover SUV class was dominated by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, several Mazda models and the Ford Escape. Where was the Tucson situated? It was mired in the middle of the pack amongst many also-rans.
But the days of anonymity are over. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson ranks among the top small SUVs and is a class leader in terms of passenger space, cargo room and standard features. The numbers support its new popularity. The Tucson has sales of 114,000 or more the past eight years, including a high of 209,624 in 2023.
Remodeled for 2025, the Tucson has styling revisions inside and out. The exterior sports a new grille, reshaped headlights, restyled bumpers, and several other enhancements. The interior highlights include a larger infotainment system, revised controls and updated styling.
All is not perfect. The gas-powered Tucson driven here for a week lacked inspiring performance. However, if that’s a huge consideration when choosing the just-right Tucson model, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid both provide more power and better gas mileage.
Driving around town, the gas-powered Tucson is fine. But it lacks some giddy-up on the freeway when passing situations quickly arise. The SUV has been clocked going 0-60 mph in a sluggish 10.2 seconds. The gas mileage is 25-33 mpg, which is about average for the class.
Offered in five trims (SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, XRT, Limited), the Tucson has standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) and comes with one engine choice, a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.
While not sporty, the Tucson provides a pleasing, smooth and quiet ride. It corners well, is easy to park in tight spots, and gives the driver confidence in all situations.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 HYUNDAI TUCSON
- Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 187 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 25-33 mpg
- Price estimate: $28,600 to $41,200
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited
Standard driver safety features are numerous and include forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, blind-spot view monitor, lane following assist, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and smart cruise control with a stop-and-go function.
We are fans of the new modernized cabin that features a panoramic curved display and a larger 14.3-inch touchscreen. Although most functions are controlled through the touchscreen, there are buttons for audio and climate systems.
The Tucson comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice activation, six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, four USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 4.2-inch digital driver display.
Seating is supportive and comfortable in both rows. The front row is roomy and rear passengers have space to stretch their legs and the headroom is accommodating for even taller folks. The sizable cargo space is 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 80.3 cubes with the seats folded down, both measurements among the class leaders.
This compact SUV is on the rise, now ranked among the best in the class. The updated 2025 Hyundai Tucson should keep sales high, a trend that began eight years ago and will likely continue.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Bluesky at @jeffweidel.bsky.social
