While Toyota ran away with hybrid drivelines that now make up the majority of its sales, the rest of the world sat back and watched. Now, amid the pitter-patter of delicately-dispositioned EV hunters, a myriad of car makers have suddenly remembered they had a hybrid system in the back of their wardrobe. Hyundai dusted off the yellowing results of old Gen Z spitballing sessions, and oh look, a hybrid, and lo, it was good.
The 2025 Tucson facelift brought forth a couple of tasty bits of jewelry in the form of a new grille and some wheels, but external changes are few. Inside, a curved screen encapsulates 2 12.3” LCD screen, one of which is a touch screen, and there is an HUD and touch screen for AC controls. A new N-Line package adds nicer wheels, N-line badges, and posh suede seating. Tucson’s new LED lighting has been a long time coming, but has no matrix headlight option.
Poor Tucson’s character lines are starting to show signs of aging, with “Brutalist design” now being the term du jour.
TOP TIP: Don’t park your Tucson next to a new Santa Fe, whose lines look particularly modern.
Review and Full Specifications HERE: 2025 TUCSON Specifications – June 2024
Bluelink is the brand’s connected services module that is being rolled out as the company range is tarted up. It is free for the duration of the warranty (yes, you pay after that) and gives owners remote access to their cars, the ability to uploaded directions, as well as over-the-air updates for its mind-boggling onboard computers. As time passes, more abilities will manifest themselves. Such marvels have been enjoyed by Tesla owners for some while, and quite smugly too if I may say so.
The audio system desperately needs the shot in the arm given to the top model by excellent Bose speakers. Otherwise, Tucson’s tunes are a little thin and insignificant.
Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review – 2025 Tucson Elite FWD Hybrid Review It is here AT LAST!
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ABOVE: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite (NOTE: N-Line package reviewed but is not shown in these photos)
The drive was a chalk-and-cheese affair compared to the dinosaur-only Tucson. While hybrids still rely on the prehistoric world for propulsion, the addition of a small battery and electric motor give the 1.6 turbo delicious dose of oomph. 172kw feels far friskier than the numbers might suggest.
| Category | Smartstream G2.0 MPi | Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi | Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Hybrid | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | |
| Transmission | Smartstream 6-speed AT | Smartstream 7-speed DCT | Smartstream 6-speed AT | ||
| Intake System | Variable Intake System (VIS) | Tuned Intake System (TIS) Turbocharger | Tuned Intake System (TIS) Turbocharger | ||
| Max Power | 115 kW | 132 kW | 132 kW | ||
| Max Torque | 192 Nm | 264 Nm | 264 Nm | ||
| Electric Motor Max Power | – | – | 47.7 kW | ||
| Combined Max Power | – | – | 172 kW | ||
| Battery | – | – | Lithium-Ion Polymer 1.49kWh, 270V | ||
| Combined Fuel Efficiency | 8.1 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Towing Capacity (braked) | 1,650 Kg | 1,650 Kg | 1,900 Kg |
Unlike other car makers, Hyundai has sensibly installed a 6-speed automatic instead of an appalling CVT. It makes the hybrid feel completely conventional until its EV-only mode kicks in. It’s not especially noticeable at speed, but when crawling through traffic or meandering through a car park, the stealthy hybrid’s electric motor makes the faintest of fake noises to warn punters.
Like most hybrids, economy is better around tottering town than when cruising the open road, and we managed very near the promised 5.3L/100. That is a feat of near-mythic proportions, as most economy claims are more of a vague wish than an actual test result.
Review and Full Specifications HERE: 2025 TUCSON Specifications – June 2024
Our test car, a front-wheel-drive Elite, is a middle of the range model, but if you can stretch to AWD, do it. Although fonrt-wheel-drive Tucsons still feel grippy and sure-footed, AWD is far better for dodgy days under cloud or on grassy knolls. While grassy knolls have had a bad wrap for obvious reasons, they are a great place to unfold a gingham blanky for a picnic. Getting the is easier with off-roading settings providing the security and guiding hand in mucky situations.
Hyundai does no local tuning so all settings are from factory
Selecting drive with the twist of the column mounted paddle is now a thing with Hyundais and gets ticks from us. It leaves the console free of what is usually a pretty nasty-looking gear knob (regardless of brand).
We made good use of the high-speed Qi chargers. Wireless CarPlay can knock your phone’s battery about a bit if you’re having a busy day. We haven’t tried charging anything else on the pad but it will probably do Airpods as well.
Handling is ably executed with the flick of a wrist on the wheel, but alas, Tucson doesn’t have the latest version of HDA. The Highway Driver assist, assists drivers on highways, funnily enough. This early version of HAD can be a little erratic and will be far too close to one side of the lane or other. It doesn’t come with Lane Change Assist either, a big disappointment indeed.
The week testing saw our usual chores dispatched in a jiff. There was an occasional freeway stint between urban centres, but most of the time it was dreary city traffic. Tucson was comfortable throughout.
Conclusion:
The Hyundai Group has been vastly improved since that first tentative offering many decades ago. Next generation Santa Fe gives a tantilising view into the future of Tucson, but for now the facelifted 2025 Tucson is a well-ripe peach. The hybrids surpass the petrol-only models by several rungs, and while the Elite N-Line was good, stretching for the Premium would add the sound system all Tucsons deserve.
Review and Full Specifications HERE: 2025 TUCSON Specifications – June 2024
PRICING AND AFTERSALES
| Powertrain | Engine | Tucson | Tucson N Line Option Pack | Elite | Elite N Line Option Pack | Premium | Premium N Line Option Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2.0 MPi FWD | $39,100 | – | $44,100 | – | – | – |
| 1.6 T-GDi AWD | – | $45,100 | $46,100 | $48,600 | – | – | |
| 1.6 T-GDi AWD | – | – | $48,600 | $51,100 | $55,600 | $57,100 | |
| Hybrid | 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid FWD | $45,100 | $49,100 | $50,100 | $52,600 | – | – |
| 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid AWD | – | – | $52,600 | $55,100 | $59,600 | $61,100 |
Note: All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.
| Option Pricing | |
|---|---|
| Premium paint | $595 |
| Matte paint | $1,000 |
| 2 tone interior – Premium only (excluding N Line) | $295 |
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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