2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD

Since we’re comparing, it’s important to note that the Hyundai Tucson presents a good value compared to the big two competitors in its class — the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. While the Tucson comes equipped in a similar fashion as those two, its price undercuts them enough to lure buyers over to the South Korean side.

Interior

Sitting inside the 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT, I noticed that its compact exterior dimensions can give you a false interpretation of its cabin. That said, its interior is spacious and comfortable.

The front seats are supportive and power-adjustable, so it’s easy to get your frame to fit just right. There’s also plenty of room in the second row, which should be able to accommodate tall passengers. However, the middle rear seat should be reserved for children or small adults.

Otherwise, everything from the driver’s seat is within easy reach, including the infotainment system and climate controls. There are a lot of little storage spaces around the cabin and a small storage space in the center console. There is also a lot of cargo space behind the second row (41.2 cubic feet) as well, which can almost be doubled when the rear seat back is folded down (80.3 cubes).

Exterior

When looking at the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, it’s hard not to notice all the lines and geometric patterns in its design. It’s a bold design, but I’m sure it will withstand the test of time as most bold designs tend to do. What makes it even better, though, is that Hyundai gave the Tucson a new grille design, new bumpers, and new wheels to make it look a little more aggressive.

The XRT trim level bumps that aggressiveness up a notch with trim-exclusive body side cladding, XRT 18-inch wheels, gloss black pillars, and a premium dark accent grille. The XRT treatment contrasts well with the car’s Ultimate Red paint job, but seven other colors are also available.

Powertrain and Driving Impressions

Every internal-combustion Tucson trim level is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. There are hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants available for those who want more power and fuel efficiency, but the non-hybrid model does just fine on its own. It comes standard as a front-drive configuration, but an all-wheel-drive setup, like my tester, is available as well. 

Around town, the Hyundai Tucson gets around just fine with plenty of low-end power and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. However, when it’s time to get on the freeway or take off quickly from the line to get over a lane, the Tucson struggles a little. Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m at a mile-high elevation, which leaves the powertrain feeling like it’s breathing through a straw. But it’s worth noting that if you need more power or live high up like I do, then the hybrid version or a turbocharged SUV like the Honda CR-V, could be a better choice.

Regardless, the Tucson XRT felt confident and capable on the road. Its suspension is soft enough to make a road trip enjoyable, but firm enough to handle a winding road when needed. The steering is responsive and well weighted and its turning radius is good, which is needed in an SUV.

As for fuel-efficiency, the EPA estimates the Tucson XRT can get up to 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. During my week of driving the car on the highway and on city streets, I averaged 29 mpg, which is above the average.

Technology

The Hyundai Tucson XRT is fitted with all the technology that most driver’s need and care about. That includes a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument panel, wireless phone charging, and a Hyundai Digital key, which allows you to use your phone to get into the car. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is what I mostly use anyway. Fortunately, the wireless connectivity never dropped and it hooked up to my phone quickly every time.

The sound system was decent, but nothing amazing. However, a Bose premium audio system is available on other trim levels. As for the infotainment system itself, the menus are easy to read and the interface doesn’t take long to get used to. The Tucson can also be controlled via the BlueLink app, which allows the driver to remotely start the car and unlock the doors through their phone. The app can even find your car in a crowded parking lot. There’s also a fingerprint scanner available on the higher trim level.

However, the Tucson XRT trim level also comes with  a remote start function on the key fob, which has a really good range. I was able to start the car from inside my apartment, which was a godsend after a snowy downpour one night.

Safety

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is very safe as it garnered a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. To back up that rating, the Tucson is equipped with a host of safety features and driver-assist aids to keep its occupants safe and on the road. Some of the most notable features include a forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, a rear-cross traffic alert, and a driver attention warning. There are also blind-spot indicators on the mirrors and a backup camera.

One nifty feature is that the rear-cross traffic alert system not only alerts the driver with an audible beep, but it also vibrates the steering to alert them that a car or person is approaching the car from behind. The adaptive cruise control also worked well in keeping the Tucson a safe distance from the car in front, while the lane-keeping assist kept it well in between the lines.

Summary

Considering everything it has to offer, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a worthy contender compared to its Honda and Toyota rivals. Every trim level comes well-equipped to give you everything you need and not what you don’t. Also, the base trim starts at $28,705, which is a couple grand less than the base CR-V and RAV4 models. However, the top-trim Tucson Limited starts at $38,645, which on par with the equivalent CR-V and RAV4 models.

My Tucson XRT trim tester came in at a total price of $36,240, including the destination charge, which I think is worth it for the feature set it comes equipped with. Also, if you like the bolder styling, the XRT trim is the one to get. Ultimately, the Hyundai Tucson is a well-sorted and well-priced alternative that’s worth any SUV shopper’s consideration.