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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – In March, I reviewed the 2025 Tucson Limited (gasoline fueled), closing the article with “The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD would be a great choice for anyone in need of a compact SUV.” So, when I needed to replace the 14-year-old Kia Sorento in my garage, the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited (plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle) was a logical choice.
I have been touting the Hyundai family for its value proposition, modern features and technology, so the compact Tucson PHEV filled my needs perfectly in terms of size (182.7 inches long), efficiency (rated at 35 miles per gallon on gas alone; 77 in combination of gas and electric) and price (all in, $49,530).
PHEV most powerful Tucson
The Tucson range is offered in three powertrain options – gasoline, hybrid and PHEV – with the PHEV version the most powerful of the group. The 1.6-liter, aluminum-block-and-head, four-cylinder gasoline-fueled internal-combustion engine produces 178 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque.
The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 97 horsepower (72 kw) and 224 pounds-feet of torque. Fueling the electric motor is a 13.8 kWh Lithium-ion battery which can be charged in approximately two hours with a Level 2 charger.
When combined with the gasoline engine, the total output is 268 horsepower and 271 pounds-feet which flows through an automatic six-speed transmission into the standard HTRAC automatic on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
The on-road results of this powertrain is peppy performance of 7.1 seconds from 0-60 miles per hour (according to Motor Trend) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings of 35 mpg on gas and 77 on both gas/electric operation.
In my 600 miles behind the wheel, I have not added any gasoline, plugging the Tucson PHEV into my Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home Level 2 each evening, and according to the in-car meter, have 209 miles of range remaining before I have to add gas. Most of my daily trips are less than 40 miles, so I am on electric power most of the time.
Consistent platform across the range
All Tucson models share the same basic chassis components including MacPherson-type struts with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar up front and independent multi-link setup with stabilizer bar and gas shocks in the rear.
Unique to the hybrid models is Hyundai’s e-Motion technology, which applies electric motor torque control according to dynamic inputs and road conditions to improve cornering performance for heightened driver confidence and even more fun-to-drive dynamics.
The friction braking system features anti-lock (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), downhill brake control, brake assist and electronic parking brake. The front ventilated rotors are 12.8×1.2 inches, while the rear solid ones are 12.0×0.4 inches.
The 19×7.5-inch alloy wheels wear 235/55R19 all-season tires.
Limited trim means a comprehensive list of ADAS
Important to me are the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) which enhances safer, less-stressful driving. The Tucson Limited AWD PHEV includes forward collision-avoidance assist; lane-keeping and lane-following assist; blind-spot collision warning; rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; parking collision-avoidance assist (reverse); parking-distance warning (reverse, forward, side); 360-degree monitor and highway-driving assist.
The combination of platform dynamics, powertrain capabilities and ADAS produce a compact SUV which is enjoyable to drive aggressively as well as in cruising down the highway.
Premium fittings inside
The bright, airy cabin of the 2025 Tucson Limited AWD PHEV is roomy for five occupants and their stuff. The leather-trimmed seats are power adjustable in the front; heated and ventilated for those two occupants and heated for the outer two in the second row. The steering wheel is also leather trimmed with heat and manualy adjustability.
The most prominent change for 2025 is the redesigned panoramic display occupying the left portion of the upper dash (with a handy storage tray filling the remaining area leading to the passenger door). The new display includes the 12.3-inch information cluster directly in front of the driver and the new 12.3-inch, center located infotainment touchscreen.
The navigation-equipped infotainment system revisions include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while further changes brought a redesigned center stack with new supplementary knobs and switchgear for frequent-use driver controls including audio volume and tuning, along with select HVAC controls. The sound comes courtesy of an eight-speaker BoseÒ Premium Audio System.
Dual-zone automatic climate control system, head-up display, panoramic moonroof, remote start, remote smart parking assist and smart cruise control are also part of the Limited package.
Tucson PHEV tops broad range
The Tucson range offers compact SUV shoppers 16 trim choices in either all-gas, hybrid or plug-in-hybrid form, from the front-wheel-drive SE at $28,705 to the Limited AWD PHEV for $47,440.
The review model added carpeted floor mats ($225), cargo net ($55), first-aid kit ($40), cargo tray ($120), mud guards ($130), wheel locks ($70) and inland freight & handling ($1,450) for an as-reviewed price of $49,530.
I believed in the value of the Tucson enough to put my money where my opinions went and am quite pleased with the decision.
TBR Drives will be off for a few weeks, returning the second week of July with a review of the electric Volvo EX40 subcompact SUV.
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