2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Crossover: A Fresh Take with Enhanced Interior and Efficient Drive Modes
Hyundai is tackling the midlife refresh of its popular Tucson PHEV crossover SUV with a series of updates that bring standard all-wheel-drive capability and new infotainment screens to the forefront. As the Tucson undergoes this refresh for the 2025 model year, it retains its essence while embracing modern enhancements to remain competitive in the ever-evolving SUV market.
Subtle Exterior Tweaks
The exterior of the 2025 Tucson hasn’t seen a dramatic makeover but includes subtle yet significant changes to enhance its appeal. The front end sports a cleaner grille design and simpler LED daytime running lights, contributing to a refreshed look that aligns with Hyundai’s modern design language. At the rear, a more pronounced skid plate adds a touch of rugged appeal, providing a balanced combination of sophistication and sportiness.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Interior Overhaul
The most significant updates are found in the Tucson’s interior. The new design borrows elements from Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 electric sedan, featuring a horizontally themed center stack and a sweeping band of displays. This new setup replaces the previous tombstone-style infotainment touchscreen, evolving into a cohesive and elegant single piece of glass that encompasses both the infotainment touchscreen and the digital gauge cluster.
Enhancements include USB-C ports located under revamped climate controls, and the addition of physical knobs and buttons ensures intuitive access without relying on complex touch-and-swipe interfaces. A repositioned shift lever creates additional space, allowing for a convenient wireless smartphone charger.
Advanced Infotainment
Hyundai has upped the ante with its infotainment offerings in the 2025 Tucson PHEV. Every model now comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity for all drivers. Additionally, a head-up display has been added to the options list, providing crucial driving information without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. Over-the-air updates mean the Tucson’s software and features can remain up-to-date effortlessly.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2025 Tucson PHEV retains its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, now offered exclusively with all-wheel drive. The setup includes a 72-kw electric motor and a 13.8-kwh battery, yielding a respectable 33 miles of electric-only range as per EPA ratings. Combined, the drivetrain produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a robust driving experience.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit of the PHEV, boasting an 80-MPGe overall rating and achieving 35 mpg when operating solely on gasoline. Charging the 13.8-kwh battery is efficient with the onboard 7.2-kw charger, capable of recharging in under two hours with a Level 2 setup.
New Drive Modes
Hyundai has introduced two new drive modes for the 2025 Tucson PHEV. The Baby mode adjusts initial acceleration to provide a smoother ride, preventing jostling inside the cabin. On the other hand, Green Zone mode aims to maximize the range of the plug-in powertrain. Additionally, driver-controlled regenerative braking has been enhanced, giving drivers more control over energy recovery.
Streamlined Powertrain Options
In terms of other powertrain offerings, Hyundai has streamlined its options by discontinuing the previous 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine. However, the base 187-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine continues, providing a reliable and efficient choice. The popular Hybrid model also remains, featuring a 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine paired with a small 1.49-kwh lithium-ion battery and a 47.7-kw electric motor, producing a combined 231 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with an impressive 38 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving.
Pricing and Availability
While pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV hasn’t been announced yet, the updated model is expected to arrive at dealerships soon. With its enhanced interior, advanced infotainment, and efficient drive modes, the refreshed Tucson PHEV is poised to solidify its place in the competitive crossover SUV market.
