Popularity can be a two-edged sword. Take the Hyundai Tucson. As the brand’s best-selling vehicle, it’s obvious the small SUV is doing a lot of things right. But the market is so competitive, you have to keep things fresh to keep people coming into the friendly Hyundai dealer.

So, with the heavily refreshed 2025 Tucson, we wondered, is Hyundai still getting it right? Let’s take a look.

Bold and Beautiful

The Tucson was already a handsome vehicle, but we’re impressed how they took a good thing and made it even better.

Up front, the “parametric” grille features half-mirror daytime running lamps hidden inside, only visible when illuminated – one of the design’s most memorable features continues. But new stronger vertical grille elements, grille, and daytime running lights simplified from ten to eight elements add a more aggressive look.

The profile remains familiar, with muscular fender bulges, a high shoulder line, and a sporty swept-back roofline that’s highlighted on our Limited model by some metallic trim. New alloy wheel designs help add visual pop, and we loved our tester’s “throwing star” style 19-inch alloys.

The rear looks equally sporty, with the familiar “snake fang” design LED taillights, a horizontal light element that spans the width of the tailgate, and a rear spoiler above the rear window. Those in the know will notice a slightly longer rear wiper to enhance visibility.

A redesigned rear bumper keeps the look clean and modern. Finishing off our tester was the optional Ultimate Red paint, a handsome rich, deep red that really adds an upscale vibe to the sporty theme.

First Cabin

Inside, the already handsome cabin gets a noticeable upgrade.

Open the door and your eye is caught by the redesigned panoramic curved display that integrates two 12.3-inch displays into a wall ‘o tech and information. The digital instrument cluster is familiar Hyundai faire, and we like how it switches depending on the drive mode selected – our favorite is the Sport mode, which gives an analog looking speedo and tach surrounded in a sporty red color.

Next to that is a large and bright info-tainment touchscreen display, and we also found the system to be simple to navigate and use. More than a pretty face, the it features faster processing speeds, enhanced colors, and sharper graphics along with more intuitive layouts for improved ease of use. The wireless charging pad for your smartphone has been moved to a handy new location on the center console as well. More good news – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Tucson models for ’25. 

Best of all, there are now dedicated knobs for volume and tuning, as well as pushbuttons for key access features in the info-tainment system. Handsome and easy to use – it’s a win-win. We also liked the separate climate controls that are equally stylish and intuitive to use.

More tech? Sure! A new 12-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) with premium graphics is available and can display turn-by-turn directions via CarPlay and Android Auto when equipped with the onboard navigation system.  The coolest tech for us is the new available fingerprint authentication sensor on the instrument cluster that can allow the driver to securely start and drive the Tucson without a smart key.

Function comes along with form, and the 2025 model features redesigns for the center console, steering wheel and door panel accents, while a new dashboard tray above the glovebox brings added storage.

On models like our tester, the shifter has moved over to a steering column mounted stalk like on many of the Kia/Hyundai EV models. While we appreciate that it opens up space on the center console, the twist-to-select gear choosing is still counterintuitive – we like a traditional shift lever!

There will be no such griping from those in back – the amount of legroom is huge, and the seatbacks recline for added comfort. Cargo room is spacious as well.

Plug-in Performance

Driving is equally impressive.

Tucson models give you a choice three powertrains, including a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, and two hybrid models featuring a 1.6-liter, turbo 4-cylinder. Ours was the more powerful plug-in. hybrid model (PHEV), and the numbers are impressive, with 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque.

With a full charge of the battery, you can go up to 32 miles on EV mode only – plenty enough for many commuters. And with a level 2 charger, you can refresh the battery in about 2 hours.

With the battery charge down, you function more like a traditional hybrid, and this is where the plug-in really shines – even in Economy mode the power feels plentiful, especially off the line, and in Sport mode the Tucson leaps off the line and feels bright and responsive as the 6-speed automatic flips through the gears. The EPA rates the PHEV at 80 MPGe combined.

No, it’s not a sports car, but it is good fun, and with the strong fuel economy, you feel like you’re getting your cake and eating it too. Adding to the Hybrids bona fides, it also is impressively quiet, especially when the system switches over to full EV mode.

It’s also fun to zip around town in, thanks to great steering feel, a smooth ride and that extra low-end oomph from the hybrid powertrain. The AWD (standard on all Tucson Hybrid models) also helps put the power down.

 Braking feel is also excellent for a hybrid with regenerative braking. All in, the 2025 Tucson is a step above what you’d expect from a fuel-efficiency expert, and it’s a great blend of fun and refinement.

How much for the Plug-in Model?

The entire Tucson lineup is a good value, staring with the SE at $29,200 with a nice blend of style, tech and comfort – and don’t forget the standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty!

At the other end of the spectrum is our PHEV Limited AWD model, it’s the most expensive and offers the most performance, most tech, and most stylish choice starting at $47,440. Adding in $500 for the Ultimate Red paint, $225 for carpeted floor mats, and $1,450 for Destination and we rang the bell at $49,615.

Almost every competitor offers a hybrid trim in this segment, but fewer offer a plug-in.

We’d for sure look at the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in, with 302 horsepower and up to 42 mpg EV range, it is an impressive performer, and at $51,375 a little more expensive. The biggest difference would be the style factor – we feel like the Toyota is aiming for the truckiness, while the Hyundai is more like a baby Audi.

We also like the Honda CR-V hybrid a lot, even though it is not a plug-in, it has all around goodness, and if you don’t have to have that pure EV range, it’s worth a strong look, coming in at $44,145.

Great looks inside and out, advanced tech, sporty and efficient plug-in EV performance, the upgraded 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a great family SUV!