The Hyundai Tucson has established itself as a significant contender in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
With its bold styling, comprehensive technology package and range of efficient powertrains, this family-friendly vehicle aims to blend practicality with modern design.
In this review, we'll examine how the latest model performs in everyday use, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether it represents good value against established rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4.
From interior comfort and practicality to driving dynamics and running costs, we'll cover everything you need to know if you're considering adding the Tucson to your shortlist.
The Final Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson impresses with its striking design, quality interior and comprehensive equipment list, offering excellent value backed by a reassuring five-year warranty.
While it may not excel in any single category, it delivers a well-rounded package with few efficient powertrain options to suit most needs. For families seeking a practical, distinctive and well-built SUV that balances comfort, technology and running costs, the Tucson represents a compelling choice that deserves serious consideration.
What is in the Review?
Motorfinity Price: £37,105.99
Specific Trim: 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid Advance 5dr Auto
A Quick Overview
8.3 - 9.6 sec
8.3 sec Acceleration 0-62 mph (for Hybrid Model)
180
Brake Horse Power
49.6 mpg
Fuel Economy
620 litres
Boot Capacity, 577 in Hybrid Models
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
Things We Liked The Most
- Impressive real-world rangeThe parametric grille with integrated LED daytime running lights creates a unique and instantly recognisable face that distinguishes the Tucson from competitors.
- Responsive handling Features like Highway Driving Assist, customisable ambient lighting, and wireless smartphone integration deliver a premium tech experience at a mainstream price point.
- Efficient powertrain The five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides exceptional peace of mind and demonstrates Hyundai's confidence in the Tucson's reliability and build quality.
About the Hyundai Tucson
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is the manufacturer's latest iteration of their popular mid-size SUV, offering a range of conventional and electrified powertrains to suit different needs and budgets.
Unlike many competitors who have fully pivoted to electric options, Hyundai maintains a diverse powertrain strategy while making significant improvements to their hybrid technology.
Three main powertrains
- 1.6T Petrol: 150 bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, 41.5 mpg, from £33,080
- 1.6T Hybrid: 230 bhp combined, 1.6-litre engine with electric motor, 49.6 mpg, from £38,995
- 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid: 265 bhp combined, 13.8 kWh battery, electric range of 38 miles, from £42,800
Three trim levels
- Advance: Base model with 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, and 10.25-inch screens
- Premium: Adds heated front and rear seats, electric tailgate, and Krell audio system
- N Line: Sportier styling with 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, and sports seats
- N Line S: Combines sporty looks with luxury features like panoramic sunroof and 360° camera
- Ultimate: Top-spec with all features plus Highway Driving Assist and multi-colour ambient lighting
What has changed in the 2025 variant?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson represents a significant mid-lifecycle refresh over previous models. The exterior receives subtle updates to the grille design, but the most substantial changes are inside.
Hyundai has completely redesigned the dashboard with a new 'floating' dual-screen setup that merges the digital driver's display and infotainment touchscreen into one cohesive unit. This gives the cabin a more premium, tech-forward appearance.
Physical buttons replace the previous touch-sensitive controls for climate settings, addressing a common criticism of the earlier design. The centre console has also been refined for improved ergonomics and storage.
The powertrains remain largely unchanged, though software optimisations have marginally improved efficiency across the range.
Is the Hyundai Tucson worth buying in 2025?
For drivers seeking a practical family SUV with strong build quality and impressive technology, the 2025 Tucson makes a compelling argument.
Its distinctive styling helps it stand out in car parks, while the improved interior design addresses previous ergonomic shortcomings. The hybrid models deliver genuinely impressive fuel economy in real-world conditions, making them increasingly attractive as fuel prices remain high.
While the Kia Sportage offers a similar package with a longer warranty, and the Toyota RAV4 might edge ahead for ultimate reliability, the Tucson's combination of striking design, practical interior space, and comprehensive standard equipment creates a well-rounded package.
The value proposition is particularly strong in the Premium trim, which provides most of the features families will actually use without pushing into the price territory of premium brands. The hybrid version in this specification offers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency and equipment.
Comparison Between the trims
The Hyundai Tucson comes in five trim levels: Advance, Premium, N Line, N Line S and Ultimate.
Advance: Available with all powertrains but lacks some desirable features. Good basic specification with dual 10.25-inch screens and essential safety systems. Best for budget-conscious buyers.
Premium: The smart choice for most buyers. Gets you the crucial Extended Range battery (300+ real miles), plus heated seats and steering wheel you'll actually use. This is the value sweet spot in the range.
N Line: Mainly worth it if you specifically need AWD, which is exclusive to this trim. The panoramic roof and 20-inch wheels look nice but don't improve practicality. Bigger wheels may worsen ride comfort.
N Line S: Combines the sporty N Line appearance with premium features like panoramic sunroof, 360° camera and heated steering wheel. Good alternative to premium brands but at a higher price point.
Ultimate: Fully loaded with all available features including Highway Driving Assist and digital key functionality. Luxurious but pushes pricing close to premium brand territory.
Note: Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail prices and may vary depending on dealership offers and available discounts.
| Hyundai Tucson Premium From £30,312 | Hyundai Tucson N Line From £33,092 | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.6L T-GDi Petrol (160 PS) 1.6L T-GDi 48V Mild Hybrid (160 PS) 1.6L T-GDi Full Hybrid (230 PS) 1.6L T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid (265 PS) | 1.6L T-GDi Petrol (160 PS)
1.6L T-GDi 48V Mild Hybrid (160 PS) 1.6L T-GDi Full Hybrid (230 PS) 1.6L T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid (265 PS) |
| Performance | 0–62 mph in 8.3 s (hybrid) | 0–62 mph in 8.3 s (hybrid) |
| Fuel Economy | 49.6 mpg | 47.9 mpg (due to larger wheels) |
| Additional features | Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, Krell premium audio system, wireless phone charging | Sportier styling with 19-inch alloy wheels, N Line body kit, twin exhaust tips, sports seats with suede/leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, aluminium pedals |
The Following prices mentioned are Motorfinity prices and are only eligible for the exclusive customers.
Comparisons in the Hybrid SUV Category
If you're considering a mid-size SUV with hybrid options, here's how the Hyundai Tucson measures up against its main competitors in the areas that matter for everyday ownership.
Comparison based on practicality
The Tucson Hybrid returns a real-world 44–46 mpg—very close to its official 49.6 mpg—and outperforms the Ford Kuga Hybrid by 2–3 mpg while matching the RAV4 Hybrid.
Depreciation is moderate (retaining 47–51 per cent of value after three years), with servicing and insurance (groups 18–23) kept reasonable.
A five-year unlimited-mileage warranty (including hybrid components) offers greater peace of mind than most three-year schemes, only bested by the Kia Sportage’s seven-year cover.
2. Comfort & space experience
Supportive, ventilated seats remain comfortable on 3-plus-hour journeys, and drivers benefit from good adjustability (though taller drivers may crave more thigh support).
Rear legroom of 41 inches and a flat floor exceed rivals such as the RAV4 (37 in) and Sportage (39 in), making three-across seating viable.
The hybrid’s 577 l boot (620 l petrol) is square and practical, with an adjustable-height power tailgate and a flexible 40:20:40 split—features often absent on competitors.
Performance, driving and tech
The 230 bhp hybrid system delivers smooth, linear thrust (0–62 mph in 8.3 s) with the six-speed auto masking the SUV’s weight and avoiding CVT drone—offering a more refined feel than the RAV4 Hybrid.
Handling strikes a comfortable yet composed balance, firmer than the Qashqai but kinder than the CX-5, with mechanical AWD on select trims providing consistent traction.
Tech highlights include a responsive 10.25″ infotainment screen with added physical climate controls, comprehensive standard driver aids (AEB, lane-keep, attention warning) and, on the PHEV, a 13.8 kWh battery delivering 30–35 miles of EV range—making the Tucson a well-rounded package with few weaknesses
The Driving Performance
Driving feel and comfort
The Tucson is at its best in the real world – a smooth, composed drive whether you’re gliding down the M1 or darting through suburban streets.
Hyundai’s six-speed automatic works discreetly with the hybrid system, changing gears without fuss.
Suspension tuning strikes a sweet balance: soft enough to absorb the UK’s many potholes but still controlled through uneven corners.
While it’s not a driver's car in the vein of a Ford Kuga, it’s near-silent at motorway speeds and genuinely relaxing over long hauls.
The hybrid powertrain brings meaningful efficiency without sacrificing refinement.
Owners are seeing 46–49mpg in daily driving – better than most petrol rivals – and the plug-in hybrid’s electric-only range of 30–38 miles covers the school run or a short commute easily.
Handling and Manoeuvrability
Stable, predictable, and easy to live with – the Tucson is made for Britain's narrow lanes and crowded car parks.
Steering is light but precise, making urban manoeuvres and tight multi-storey car parks a doddle. The turn radius is decent for a car this size, and the 360-degree camera on upper trims adds peace of mind.
Cornering is composed, and the Tucson grips well for a tall SUV. You won’t mistake it for a hot hatch, but it’s far from willowy. On B-roads and rural routes, the suspension keeps things level and the cabin stays largely undisturbed.
In short – while it’s not built for backroad thrills, the Tucson delivers confident control with minimal effort.
Fuel Economy and Everyday Efficiency
The full hybrid Tucson is one of the most efficient non-plug-in SUVs on sale in the UK, especially in towns where the electric motor takes the lead.
Owners consistently report 46–49mpg across mixed conditions.
The plug-in hybrid variant returns over 200mpg on short electric journeys when charged regularly, and benefits from just 29g/km of CO₂ emissions – ideal for company car drivers.
Charging the PHEV’s 13.8kWh battery takes just under two hours from a 7kW home wallbox, making it easy to top up overnight.
Although its electric-only range is shorter than rivals like the VW Tiguan eHybrid, it’s enough for the daily grind.
Hyundai Tucson Exterior
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson proves that a mainstream SUV is still pretty much in the demand.
The Hyundai Tucson's distinctive styling has become one of its major selling points. With its sharp, angular bodywork, integrated daytime running lights and jewel-like parametric grille, it stands out from a sea of more conservative rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq.
The latest facelift maintains its futuristic edge while enhancing the rugged SUV character. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, and the N Line variants introduce sportier bumpers, dual exhausts and a rear spoiler – details more commonly seen on performance SUVs.
Does the dramatic styling compromise visibility or practicality?
Not significantly – though the sloped rear window and chunky C-pillars do slightly affect over-the-shoulder views. Thankfully, Hyundai includes a rear camera and parking sensors as standard, and higher trims benefit from a 360-degree camera and Blind Spot View Monitor.
What the bold lines take away in visibility, they give back in practicality. The tall body means generous headroom, while the boxy rear end allows a properly useable boot. With up to 620 litres of luggage space in the petrol model (577 litres in the hybrid), it beats the Nissan Qashqai and even edges out the Kia Sportage.
There's no front trunk (‘frunk’) on the hybrid or plug-in models, which is a missed opportunity, but underfloor storage in the boot helps compensate.
Is the Tucson’s bold styling a strength or a step too far?
The Hyundai Tucson’s daring design sets it apart in a crowded SUV market – but it may not be to everyone’s taste.
The sharp creases, parametric LED lighting, and oversised grille give it a futuristic edge, especially in darker colours and N Line trims.
While many buyers will appreciate the visual drama and premium cues, those used to more understated SUVs like the Skoda Karoq or Honda CR-V might find it slightly over-styled. That said, Hyundai’s approach makes the Tucson instantly recognisable – a key asset in a sea of lookalike crossovers.
This is a vehicle that makes a statement, and for those wanting more character from their family car, that boldness will likely be a selling point rather than a drawback.
The Interior Design
Refined, tech-packed and cleverly designed – the Tucson’s cabin feels more premium than many expect from a family SUV.
Hyundai has clearly benchmarked German rivals here.
Every model features dual 10.25-inch displays – one for the digital driver cluster and one for the central infotainment – housed within a clean, minimalist dashboard layout.
Soft-touch plastics dominate, and while it lacks the plushness of a BMW X1, it’s more than a match for most mainstream alternatives.
In facelifted versions, the interior styling echoes the sleek Hyundai Ioniq 5, with the infotainment and gauge cluster flowing into a single visual unit.
Below it, physical shortcut buttons return (replacing the less intuitive touch-sensitive pads), which greatly improves usability while driving.
N Line trims swap in suede-and-leather sport seats and alloy pedals, while Ultimate trims include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a panoramic roof – giving a proper upmarket feel.
What can be considered challenging in it's interior?
While the Tucson’s cabin is impressively modern, a few aspects may test driver patience.
Touch-sensitive climate controls can be fiddly on the move, with less tactile feedback than traditional dials. The infotainment screen placement is slightly out of reach for some, especially when using navigation or CarPlay.
There’s no rotary controller, meaning all interactions are via touch – not ideal during long drives. Rear visibility is also a touch compromised by the sloping design, though cameras help mitigate this.
How practical is the interior?
For families, the Tucson excels. Rear passengers enjoy loads of leg and headroom, and the flat rear floor helps middle-seat comfort – ideal for car seats or teens. Adjustable rear seatbacks are a rare bonus in this class.
There’s clever storage up front too: a deep centre cubby, large door bins, and wireless charging on most trims. The gear selector in automatic versions is mounted behind the wheel, freeing up space in the centre console.
The boot offers between 577 and 620 litres depending on the drivetrain, with seats-down capacity of up to 1,799 litres – among the best in the segment. The plug-in hybrid’s battery eats into that slightly, but not drastically.
Is the interior quality good enough to challenge upmarket competitors?
Yes, for the most part. The Tucson’s materials feel a step up from typical mainstream fare. You’ll find soft surfaces where it counts, and nothing feels flimsy or rushed.
It doesn’t quite match the poshness of the Volvo XC40 or Audi Q3, but it doesn’t pretend to either. Instead, it leans into well-built practicality, impressive tech and ergonomic layout. The top trims feel genuinely premium – and cost thousands less than equivalent German options.
It’s also worth noting Hyundai’s standout five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which adds peace of mind that few rivals can match (only Kia does better at seven years).
Practicality
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson delivers practical features that make daily life easier, whether you're loading up for a family holiday or navigating tight city spaces.
Is the boot space good enough for real-world use?
Yes – and then some. The petrol model offers 620 litres of boot space, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer 577 litres, still outpacing many rivals like the Nissan Qashqai.
The shape is square, useable, and free of intrusive wheel arches, making it ideal for suitcases, prams, or weekly shops.
Is it family-friendly?
The Tucson is a top contender for family life. Rear legroom and headroom are excellent – enough to comfortably seat two adults or fit child seats without a squeeze.
ISOFIX points are easy to access on the outer rear seats, and wide-opening rear doors make loading kids much less of a contortion act.
Easy to park? And is cabin storage sufficient?
Yes – the Tucson offers a well-thought-out cabin layout with plenty of cubbies.
The centre console is deep, the glovebox is generously sized, and the front door bins can hold 1.5-litre bottles.
The Resale and Depreciation Value
How strong is the residual value?
The Hyundai Tucson has built a solid reputation for value retention in the UK SUV market. Industry data suggests that the fourth-generation Tucson retains between 47% and 51% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles – on par with key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, and only slightly behind the Kia Sportage.
The plug-in hybrid models may depreciate a little faster due to their higher list prices and more niche appeal, but strong demand for hybrids in general helps maintain decent resale figures.
Does the Ultimate or N Line S trim hold value better?
Mid- to high-spec Tucson trims like Premium and N Line S tend to offer the best resale value, striking a good balance between desirable features and broader market appeal. While the Ultimate trim offers more tech and luxury, it may not recoup its full premium at resale, especially for private buyers.
That said, trims with advanced safety tech and hybrid powertrains are generally more sought-after in the used market, enhancing resale confidence.
How competitive is the overall price?
With pricing from £32,400 to £45,875, the Tucson sits in a sweet spot for buyers wanting premium features without premium-brand costs. It undercuts rivals like the VW Tiguan eHybrid and Ford Kuga PHEV while offering more standard kit and a longer warranty.
For company car drivers, the 12% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate for the PHEV model makes it a smart tax-efficient option, particularly when compared to non-electrified rivals sitting in higher tax bands.
Motorfinity and the Hyundai Tucson
Motorfinity offers exclusive discounts on the Hyundai Tucson and other vehicles, potentially saving you thousands.
Our dedicated account managers handle the entire process, from enquiry to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience.
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
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