Hyundai’s compact SUV also benefits from a slight boost in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson remains available in ICE, hybrid, and PHEV forms
- Electrified models gain a slight boost in power, plus a new “Baby Mode”
- Sports redesigned front and rear bumpers, new wheels, and fresh LEDs
- New dashboard features a curved digital cockpit and more buttons
While the updated Santa Cruz was undoubtedly the star at Hyundai’s New York Auto Show stand, given that it had its world premiere, the automaker also took the opportunity to unveil the refreshed version of the North American-specification 2025 Tucson, showcasing a series of updates.
The mid-lifecycle refresh for the fourth-generation Tucson originally introduced in Korea in November 2023, brings sharper looks, new trims, and, most importantly, a redesigned interior infused with the latest technology from Hyundai. The powertrain lineup remains largely unchanged, offering ICE, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. However, the electrified setups have been slightly upgraded, now featuring a new ‘Baby Mode’ for gentle acceleration.
More: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is More Of A Jock On The Outside, More Of A Nerd On The Inside
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line
Cosmetic changes compared to the outgoing model are focused on the new front bumper that gains boxier styling and fresh DRLs in the revised grille. The standard model boasts oversized front and rear skid plates with an aluminum-style finish, while the N Line variant offers a sportier appearance with body-colored trim. In contrast, the XRT trim features a heavier dose of plastic cladding and taller roof rails. Additionally, Hyundai has introduced new designs for the alloy wheels and refreshed the color palette.
More Technology Inside
More importantly, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson has a completely redesigned interior. The digital cockpit has been upgraded to a “panoramic curved display” featuring dual 12.3-inch screens which can be optionally combined with a 12-inch color HUD. The new infotainment is said to be faster and easier to use while being compatible with OTA updates.
In a move likely to please fans of ergonomics, Hyundai has returned to knobs for the climate controls and volume/audio tuning functions, replacing touch-sensitive buttons. Additionally, the updated features include a new steering wheel, a dashboard tray positioned above the glovebox, a relocated wireless charging pad, enhanced USB-C outlets, and a column-mounted gear selector available on higher trims.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Safety equipment has been enhanced across the range with the addition of the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) that tracks the driver’s eye gaze via an infrared camera. If the driver is unresponsive, the Smart Cruise Control will bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake.
A cool feature in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Tucson is the selectable “Baby Mode”. According to Hyundai, this mode was designed for customers with infants or pets, as it “helps reduce the sharpness of initial acceleration, smoothing out driver inputs for a gentler acceleration feeling for passengers”.
Hybrid And Plug-in Hybrid Models Gain A Slight Boost In Power
The powertrain lineup of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is carried over from the outgoing model, with enhancements limited to the electrified options, which have become slightly more powerful.
2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT
2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited
The Tucson Hybrid retains the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine but now pairs it with a more potent electric motor, generating 64 hp (47.7 kW / 65 PS) compared to the previous 59 hp (44 kW / 60 PS), along with a 1.49 kWh battery pack. This configuration yields a slightly higher combined output of 231 hp (172 kW / 234 PS).
Similarly, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid pairs the turbo 1.6-liter engine with an upgraded electric motor, now delivering 97 hp (72 kW / 98 PS) compared to the previous 90 hp (66.9 kW / 91 PS), along with a 13.8 kWh battery and a six-speed automatic transmission. This results in a higher combined output of 268 hp (200 kW / 271 PS).
Both the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid versions of the Tucson come standard with the HTRAC all-wheel drive system featuring selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport, Snow, and My Drive). Furthermore, the facelifted models gain adjustable levels of regenerative braking.
The non-electrified version is propelled by the standard 2.5-liter gasoline engine, delivering 187 hp (139 kW / 190 PS), same as last year’s model. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, distributing power to either the front or all four wheels.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson will reach US dealers this June, starting with the ICE-powered model. The updated hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will follow in late summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.
