2025 Hyundai Tucson First Drive Review | The Angular SUV Gets A New Nose & Much Better Dash

[@CapELarry]

Physical buttons and less glossy black plastic. Praise be!

[@edranft4071]

I used to think I had to road test Honda CR-V, Acura Integra and RDX, Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV-4 but now this beats them all. Just sat in a ‘25 Tucson today at a dealership followed by the Lexus NX350 hybrid a block down. Tucson felt more open, upscale and comfortable. You convinced me! Thanks for such an honest and detailed review! 😊

[@whatthe6532]

Yes Lexus are a major disappointment for space and feel of the leather interiors.

[@JT-fq2bl]

The paddle shifters have dual functions depending on the drive mode you're in. Sport Mode give you full control of the transmission while the other mode gives you full control of the regen braking.

[@garrettw99]

That sounds like the best implementation of paddle shifters

[@n0s1544]

Side note on the paddle shifter. If you pull and hold the right (+)side "auto" Rege will engage. I do this all day on my 25 sorento

[@General_M]

11:42 its so that if you're using your phone for CarPlay and a passenger or someone else plugs into the port for power they don't take over the screen by mistake.

[@lionintu]

Ahhhh that makes sense, allowing both ports to be used along with wireless android auto /carplay

[@gregkramer5588]

Another great vehicle from Hyundai! Hybrid for me.

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

They’ve come a long way from the 80’s Excel.

[@brokeboy87]

Nearly every automotive Journalist has hated the rear turn signal location. hopefully Hyundai makes a change in the next refresh since a lot of consumer share the same sentiment. Gloss black on the switch gear is something most people wish manufactures will stop implementing. As an overall package this is still an exceptional ride.

[@Jgjginkg244]

Lower brake light position is easier for sedan drivers to see braking so you won’t get rear ended.

[@General_M]

@@Jgjginkg244 For all 30 sedan drivers left, I'm sure they're very grateful. But also, no, those are harder to see for everyone.

[@davidnguyen3275]

Don’t tailgate then. Problem solved.

[@Jgjginkg244]

@@General_M 30 sedans? You are a joke. I don’t own a sedan but Camry is #1 selling vehicle in for 2024 so far.

[@General_M]

@@Jgjginkg244 look up the word hyperbole

[@Someonewitharealname]

15:41 apparently that's been an issue on this model. Because a lot of the features require battery usage when the car is off (such as the digital key) the 12 volt battery drains when you aren't using the car for a couple days. Owners should always carry the physical key just in case. I hope this is not a widespread issue and if it is Hyundai can address it soon

[@zekew7546]

2025 Tucson hybrid is a winner combo Especially redesigned center console which is now amazingly functional and spacious. Wow!

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

No one is doing rear hidden wipers like Hyundai/Kia. Very premium. A fingerprint reader is not what I expecting. I said this before, Hyundai/Kia made the impossible, possible in mainstream cars. Toyota and Honda need to take notes. You don't have to go luxury to get those features.

[@naveenthemachine]

Well Toyota is not relevant anymore so no need for them to try as they just can’t compete

[@lionintu]

​@naveenthemachine I want kia and Hyundai to push honda to give us the higher trims the CRV gets internationally (Eu and China). With ventilation, panoramic roof options, rear heated seat options. Heck they even have an phev now. Acura has not competitive option so I don't know what Honda is waiting on in their compact SUV

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Lexus was doing it on the RX 350 since 2010

[@lionintu]

@eleanormassaro5195 that's a luxury vehicle so it's expected. Kia Hyundai is trying

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@eleanormassaro5195 You still don't get it. Lexus is actually a luxury car. Hyundai and Kia give you luxury features that their competitors like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan don't offer.

[@coreygarcia622]

That button that switches the outlet from interfacing with the infotainment would be really handy actually One person could be doing the wireless car play stuff while another can charge their phone without disrupting the other person

[@vofking]

"Not sure why I need that" in regards to the USB switch between Data/Charge or Charge only. I assume it super useful if you prefer to use wireless AA/CP, but need to charge 2 phones at the same time.

[@PickensDon]

Love my 2024 Tucson hybrid not a drop of problems and great mileage 37. Quiet, smooth, luxurious and great tech. My only thing is I’d like to see some more color options for the interior and get rid of the frigging back seat belt reminder my dog does not heed! Moving the shifter is welcome I didn’t like the button style selector and it used up too much valuable space.

[@James-il3tq]

Give it a few years and that's where Hyandai falls behind higher quality like the Rav4 and CRV. Hyandai/KIA make great vehicles inside and out but their continual lower then average resale values (like Ford) in this segment show they're not the most reliable medium and long term.

[@labradachig1976]

Not a drop of problems? It's a new vehicle for Pete's sake. With this company, problems start after the warranty runs out.

[@marcinsobczak2485]

I have 2022 Tucson hev here in Ireland and it easily does 47 us mpg, on a good day 52 isn't a problem. Great car.

[@James-il3tq]

That's imperial MPG vs US MPG this channel quotes.

[@marcinsobczak2485]

@@James-il3tq I'm talking us mpg, no worries.

[@mariopolchert]

@@marcinsobczak2485 but with FWD, is it not?

[@marcinsobczak2485]

@@mariopolchert that's right, 4wd isn't sold in Ireland

[@mariopolchert]

@@marcinsobczak2485 that's what makes a difference, still, to get 5l/100km, you must be driving very easy on the pedal, right...?

[@flyguy1889]

You need that charge only button, it helps when trying to charge with wireless projection in use

[@LoveStallion]

I know the dash is becoming sort of samey across Hyundai's lineup, but the previous center stack was a mess of capacitive buttons and a screen that was too low. I'm glad to see the change.

[@richardstevenson1346]

Hello Alex, did you check the bottom of your shoes? 4:37 looks like you're in a cow pasture.😂. Another great review.

[@mitchellsmith4601]

The reclining seats in the back, with a seat high enough off the floor for proper thigh support, are a great feature.

[@Natethegreat200c]

My ex pointed out to me every manufacturer (minus chrysler thankfully) is using the 2014 Mercedes S classes interior design with these big flat screens and I can’t unsee it. I find that very interesting.

[@vicariousity3046]

Top Gear did a segment on this (not shilling lol) - the S-Class has been setting the standard for safety and automotive interior design for the past half-century. Whatever the S-Class' interior looks like (and whatever safety features it has) today is what all cars will look like 10 years from now

[@talactalac2940]

You have a Chrysler? No wonder he’s your ex yikes

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@talactalac2940 yes I have a car with a v6, AWD, real wood , pano roof , and a list of driver assistance features. So what you’re showing here is you’re a parrot for falsehoods. What’s even 1% wrong with a Chrysler ??

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@talactalac2940 if I had a POS Toyota would he marry me ?

[@mariuszgorazd8345]

I can't understand why Hyundai doesn't install front fog lights on its latest cars. I have a 2016 Nissan Rogue and in it I have fog lights. I was thinking of changing to a Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid but somehow I miss those very fog lights. Or maybe this lighting that is installed in the Tucson is completely sufficient during foggy days? Also, how is the durability of the turbine in this 1.6 engine?

[@rinbine2713]

According to Car and Driver's test, the 2024 Tucson was faster than the 2025 CR-V in the 0-60. The Tucson did it in 7.1 seconds, while the CR-V took 7.9 seconds. This means that although the engine feels slow to engage at first, the Tucson is actually faster overall. He doesn’t realize it.

[@altima119487]

I love love this SUV!!! I have a 2025 Limited FWD gas model in Ecotronic Gray Matte

[@LekkerReviews-m7b]

The Tucson styling has been on point right out of the gate and it just got better. I like the increase in full electric mode and love the fact it is not CVT like Toyota and Honda. The fun is gone with a CVT (imo). Hands down i'd take it over the Toyota and Honda because of the traditional auto trans and mechanical AWD which does help a lot in snow country and im sure if you took it on a small trail as well.

[@TheMrJourneyer]

FWIW, the CR-V hybrid has an eCVT which does simulated shifting by default and mechanical AWD.

[@petegalindez9961]

Great review as always….will be likely deciding between this and the Sportage…test drives this weekend! As for the power/interface port, I would guess it gives you the option in case someone else in the car is using their phone to hook to the wireless carplay system to play their music or maps…

[@suryinnovations]

cons: wipers cannot be kept up during snow fall looks like a design flaw ,Snow gets in between the wipers and hood which makes it difficult to operate. Parking lights don't come on when remote starting so you cannot locate the car- if its running or not. The flash light feature on the blue link app always failed. SE model clocking only 18 mpg in winter, not 26 avg as advertised

[@sparklander]

I agree Alex, that key is terrible. Kia has a much nicer key option.

[@pringals]

Looking forward to your real world test. Hopefully not to far down the road. I agree about the key-fob. Why are they so large in this day in age. Should be flatter and less bulky in the pocket. With that said, I think I'll be getting one soon. Just waiting for my local dealer to get their inventory. Hopefully they don't jack the prices up, but I'm sure they will and I'll keep driving my 28 year old truck.

[@danhall3450]

Great improvements. Ignoring the exterior design and given the same hybrid drivetrain, which has the better comfort and utility - Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?

[@TheMrJourneyer]

Right now I’d say Tucson as the Sportage hasn’t been refreshed yet.

[@suryinnovations]

cons: wipers cannot be kept up during snow fall , lights don't stay on when remote starting so you cannot locate the car if its running or not.

[@papagrande2006]

How do you measure your sunroof location? you reached behind your head, but said that it was juuuuuuusst about the rear passenger's head.

[@albellenchia7273]

Very nicely done. May trade my Santa Fe for a limited hybrid.

[@PBandJ25]

Does it have Google Assistant built in the infortainment system? This is something to definitely consider!

[@tjs114]

So they've taken the Kia Niro/first gen Ioniq battery tech and applied it to the new Tucson. I wonder if they'll do it with the hybrid/plug in models of the Santa Fe line as well.

[@AB-jk7tw]

A very good car getting better even better.

[@Drunkcitlali]

Alex, love the tech and roominess of the Tuscon Hybrid but love the reliability and looks of the Mazda CX50 hybrid. Which one would you go for?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tough one. I would likely get the Tucson for the better handling and the mechanical AWD system.

[@VoltLover00]

Video quality looks bad near the end, lots of noise in the red front fender. Shot on a phone/gopro?

[@royhughes2854]

Wish you would compare video with the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid to this Tucson Hybrid.

[@Luma_29]

I hate the redesign on the face with the DRL’s. Idk why they removed the amount of DRL’s that are integrated into the grill

[@sparklander]

It closely resembles the Kia Sportage on the interior and the dash vents look like the ones on the Nissan Ariya. I would still take the Sportage because it will be a bit less expensive for the same features. A full feature Sportage Hybrid will only cost around $38-39K, not $40K+.

[@KB-wq2vh]

Tucson hybrid has much more horsepower

[@BradfordSparks]

The Sportage hybrid has exactly the same drive train as the Tucson hybrid.

[@KB-wq2vh]

@@BradfordSparks whoops. Sportage doesn't have rear heated seats on their top trim.

[@zekew7546]

KZbin has some videos of people rewiring Tucson rear turn signals , making factory beltline taillights flash a turn. However, reports of dealer & Hyundai corp replied that rewiring would void vehicle warranty. Is it legal to void a whole car for a basic signal rewire?

[@blurry_eyes]

Id think it would be a matter of liability, the brand can't be liable if the simple rewire is done poorly and causes a short and maybe a fire. I see the point on voiding the warranty for something like that

[@zekew7546]

@@blurry_eyes ok so no adding fog lights, stereo, upgrading speakers, adding interior lighting, tow wiring, roof rack, etc. Hmmmmmm…..

[@MaxPower-11]

At some point, probably in 2026, Hyundai is supposed to start making the PHEV variant and batteries in the US which should make it eligible for the tax credit (if it’s still available then).

[@sam-yau]

Unfortunate that they didn't include the XRT package on the hybrid/PHEV engine

[@Erigion]

Wow. That key fob is terrible.

[@lubozartimnev1198]

Hate the taillights...

[@dioralcide8490]

Same

[@zekew7546]

At least both side mirrors act as higher yellow rear turnsignals.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

At least the exterior speaker is easy to find so you can easily unplug it. Dumbest thing on hybrid cars, combustion cars aren’t loud since tires are always louder

[@markburke2224]

I have a 2025 hybrid limited. One big reason I bought it was they did away with the loud backup warning sound. the new warning noise sounds like the previous soft warning noise my 2022 made while going forward. With the new model I don't hear any forward warning sound. A huge improvement!

[@mitchellsmith4601]

I’m a little worried about the long-term reliability of the turbocharger.

[@michaelhawkins5530]

Nice, but can they solve the issue of metal shavings in the engine? Since the 12 volt battery is now part of the hybrid battery, when the 12 volt battery dies, what will the cost/complexity be to replace the 12 volt battery?

[@lionintu]

Interesting

[@paulday1220]

Is it me or does it look like the front badge has fallen off

[@BTC909]

Launch isn't as bad if you keep it out of Eco.

[@MrStranger1944]

I really want to get this vehicle, but I'm worried about how low the turn signals are.

[@thundercats87]

Why Why is there no way to turn off the “consider taking a break “ Notification? I have a 2025 Tucson and I’m considering returning it for a car that doesn’t beep at me because it’s windy or there’s too much construction with uneven lanes. Do not buy Hyundai until they allow you to turn off all these nagging and distracting erroneous notifications. Thank you, Hyundai for ruining my new car experience.

[@PurpLe-g6t]

Been a car enthusiast for a year a two. Turbos are not needed in passenger vehicles. Turbos burn out an engine faster than anything. Turbos also require maintenance and 99% of people have zero idea what that is. --- There are some N/A 6-cylinders out there, lots of N/A 4-cylinders and of course the hybrid or full EV. --- Lazy car makers use turbos. Buick has a 3-cylinder Turbo.

[@BrentFla]

Unlike this Hyundai hybrid, I appreciate the fact that my Lexus RX 350 H does not have a turbo.

[@PapioRed]

Gotta agree, I test drove a Santa Fe Hybrid and even new it was pretty unrefined even with a 6 speed.

[@Natethegreat200c]

I appreciate the fact that this interior and tech is 20 years ahead of “luxury “ Lexus.

[@naveenthemachine]

Agreed. In fact anything is way ahead of Lexus.

[@lionintu]

​@naveenthemachine Lexus lasts forever. Turbo charged Engines dont

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@lionintu sing a different song boo. we all know that reputation is 🚪

[@migy5031]

Catfish mouth left the Sonata and found the Tucson.

[@keytothegate68]

I was surprised to see this car used in Europe and even available as rental

[@mjbucar]

Lacking lumbar and spare tire = D.O.A. !!!!

[@alliejr]

Design and interior are great. Hybrid drivetrain is pretty janky. Conversely, Toyota design and interior are pretty janky but hybrid drivetrain is excellent. Choices, choices. 🤔

[@naveenthemachine]

Get the Hyundai. Give up the mpg and get a better design and a more comfortable interior. Rav4s aren’t the epitome of quality and comfort.

[@canadabear72]

Don't know what janky is. But it's also worth noting the Tucson has a real awd system, which will be more capable and secure in snow and light off roading.

[@James-il3tq]

​@@canadabear72Driving Sports TV did multiple off-road tests on KIA/Hyandai SUVs and the off-road ability of KIA/Hyandai was below average. Gap between these and Rav4 hybrid is quite close in the real world. Rav4 hybrid is surprisingly capable in snow and soft roading.

[@canadabear72]

@@James-il3tq Well, of course, no rig in this class is an off roader. But there's no question the mechanical awd system performs better than the Toyota e torque setup; particularly in snow.

[@warcrabcyber9908]

Don't go with a tucson unless you want to spend more time in a garage than on the road. They don't hold up well

[@mitchellsmith4601]

The USB selector to switch between I/O and charge-only is likely to guard against USB firmware exploits. If the interface is charge-only the car should be immune to the attacks.

[@paul5683]

So you couldn't find a place with a few less cow pies?

[@swiftadventurer]

It’s like the body designers are trying to make it as difficult as possible to clean the car. Idiocy.

[@magnoliap5824]

Those turn signals are just dumb.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, As a non-bot, I would like to know if the next RAV4 will match the Tucson etc. in interior dimensions? 🤔

[@naveenthemachine]

No it won’t 😂 Toyota can’t match Hyundai in any way The next rav4 will be cramped poorly built noisy etc. the tuscon is already a better option than the next gen rav4 So I wouldn’t even bother with the rav4 as Toyota doesn’t really know how to compete with the best

[@nathangregg1765]

​@@naveenthemachine 🧂

[@ianjos5044]

From where I come from, the vehicle is rated at 6.7 litres per 100km (both city and highway). For the only non Metric country on earth, that translates to 32 miles per US gallon - barely an improvement over many gas only SUVs. That combined with a low lease residual value (indicative of higher than average depreciation/reliability), puts the vehicle on my "no buy" list for the foreseeable future. Doesn’t matter how many gimmick features are added.

[@LetMeCook86]

Turn signals in the bumper is a dealbreaker. Why do they continue to do it… no one likes it!

[@gobrad]

This new interior design in comparison to the 2022/23 is so Disappointing!! What swayed me between Kia and all otger cars in that category was the unique dash/screen integration, the best I’ve seen in a modern car to date making it stand out from its competitors who have a clumsy screen awkwardly stuck on top of dash, which is also distracting! From a top class dash/screen integration to extremely basic… I’d hoped at the very least Hyundai would keep that unique style, and perhaps change the outer body, huge mistake as all its competitors are now in line with the same interior dash, actually I’ll go a step further, the new Tucson dash is a tray to store junk! It’s awful and for that reason I’m out! I’ll not be trading in my 2023 model for this new look next year!

[@naveenthemachine]

Where’s your pathetic “Hyundais a junk brand that catches on fire” comments now huh? This isn’t even close to junk. It’s premium. Hyundai is the future. Get with the times or miss out

[@chibbyylol]

Bro it’s new. Give it some time

[@naveenthemachine]

@@chibbyylolit’s a refresh and so far there haven’t been any issues The only issue is your year one comment

[@MDKN22]

​@@chibbyylol the NX4 gen Tucson has actually been pretty reliable, aside from some occasional AC and electrical issues. The powertrains have all been solid.

[@ALMX5DP]

I’m not necessarily a fan of premium models. I really don’t mind hard plastics and am okay with a little NVH if the core vehicle performs decently and is relatively simple to own and maintain. I feel too many OEMs are pushing premium to pad their profit margins and more basic offerings get cut from the lineup.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

@@chibbyylol stop feeding the troll

[@janesianjanesian]

I hate hate the grill design. The old one was better 😢

[@PostprandialTorpor]

Nope, capacitive touch buttons is a deal breaker

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

Alex, I like how Hyundai has hidden the back-up camera in the H Logo😊❤. Also, you can get a mini spare tire & it will Fit.😊

[@ALMX5DP]

?? The backup camera is just above the license plate not hidden in the logo.

[@lionintu]

I must've missed the spare tire fitting in the boot. When was that?

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

@@lionintu You do Realize that you can remove the Foam and Buy a mini spare tire & jack kit?!! OMG, you might lose 1/2 inch of space.

[@lionintu]

@@stephenwierzbicki4463 I'm asking at what point of the video was this area shown?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s very ugly. For a company that stole top regarded designers, Hyundai’s recent models are all jagged pieces of ugliness. Even mechanically it not even as reliable or efficient as a Toyota/Honda hybrid either.

[@naveenthemachine]

Mechanical reliability is the same. The reason you’re saying they’re unreliable is because people don’t take care of their cars. They don’t follow maintenance schedules 😂

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@naveenthemachineMechanical reliability is different. Look up iseecars’s reliability ranking where they ranked brands with the most cars averaging past 250k miles. Every single Japanese automaker including some American ones like Lincoln and all the German ones ranked higher than Hyundai. So you’re telling me that they’re all the same?

[@derekim75]

damn.....42k for Tucson.........

[@IOSARBX]

Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos, Your content is awesome, wanna be friends?