2025 Hyundai Tucson: Eco-Warrior or Performance Beast?

The Hyundai Tucson has arrived, making waves in the compact SUV market with its diverse powertrain options. This latest iteration of the popular crossover offers Canadian drivers an impressive array of choices, catering to eco-conscious consumers and performance enthusiasts alike.

2025 Hyundai Tucson
2025 Hyundai Tucson

The Power of Choice: Three Distinct Powertrains

Hyundai has equipped the Tucson with three distinct powertrain options, each designed to meet different driving needs and preferences:

  • Gasoline Engine

  • Hybrid Powertrain

  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Gasoline Engine: The Traditional Powerhouse

The base model of the Tucson comes with a refined 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This powerplant has been optimized for the new model year, offering a balance of performance and efficiency that many Canadian drivers have come to expect from a modern SUV.

Key features of the gasoline engine:

  • Power output: 190 horsepower

  • Torque: 245 Nm

  • Fuel efficiency: 8.2 L/100 km combined

  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic

The gasoline engine provides smooth acceleration and ample power for everyday driving scenarios. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a traditional driving experience without compromising modern efficiency standards.

Hybrid Powertrain: The Best of Both Worlds

The Tucson Hybrid offers an appealing middle ground for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint without the range anxiety associated with full electric vehicles. This powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion polymer battery.

Key features of the hybrid powertrain:

  • Combined power output: 230 horsepower

  • Combined torque: 350 Nm

  • Fuel efficiency: 5.9 L/100 km combined

  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic

The hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency without sacrificing performance. It’s particularly well-suited for urban driving, where frequent starts and stops allow maximum energy recuperation.

Plug-in Hybrid: The Eco-Warrior’s Choice

The crown jewel of the Tucson lineup is the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant. This powertrain takes the hybrid concept further by offering a larger battery pack and the ability to charge from an external power source.

Key features of the PHEV powertrain:

  • Combined power output: 265 horsepower

  • Combined torque: 380 Nm

  • Electric-only range: Up to 60 km

  • Fuel efficiency: 2.1 Le/100 km combined

  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic

The PHEV Tucson allows for all-electric driving for short trips, making it an ideal choice for commuters who want to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. When depleted, the battery operates like a regular hybrid, ensuring you’re never left stranded.

Performance Across the Board

While each powertrain option has unique characteristics, Hyundai has ensured that performance remains a priority throughout the Tucson range.

Acceleration and Top Speed

  • Gasoline: 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, top speed of 190 km/h

  • Hybrid: 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, top speed of 193 km/h

  • PHEV: 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, top speed of 191 km/h

With its combined electric and gasoline power, the PHEV variant offers the quickest acceleration, making it a surprisingly sporty option in the lineup.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

Hyundai has fine-tuned the suspension and steering, improving handling across all powertrain options. The HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, available on all variants, provides excellent traction in various Canadian weather conditions.

Due to battery placement, the hybrid and PHEV models have a lower center of gravity, which enhances cornering stability and overall driving dynamics.

Efficiency: The Numbers Game

Fuel efficiency is among the most significant factors when choosing different powertrain options. Here’s how the Tucson variants stack up:

Gasoline Model

  • City: 9.3 L/100 km

  • Highway: 7.1 L/100 km

  • Combined: 8.2 L/100 km

Hybrid Model

  • City: 6.3 L/100 km

  • Highway: 5.6 L/100 km

  • Combined: 5.9 L/100 km

PHEV Model

  • Electric mode: 2.1 Le/100 km

  • Hybrid mode: 6.7 L/100 km

  • Combined: 2.1 Le/100 km (when regularly charged)

The PHEV model stands out with its impressive efficiency, especially for drivers who can charge regularly and use the all-electric range for most daily trips.

Environmental Impact: More Than Just Fuel Economy

While fuel efficiency is a crucial factor, the environmental impact of each powertrain goes beyond just consumption numbers. Hyundai has made significant strides in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the Tucson across its entire lifecycle.

Manufacturing and Materials

Hyundai has increased the use of recycled and sustainable materials in the Tucson. The interior features fabrics made from recycled plastics, while the body uses high-strength steel that’s more efficiently produced, reducing manufacturing emissions.

Emissions

  • Gasoline: 190 g CO2/km

  • Hybrid: 135 g CO2/km

  • PHEV: 49 g CO2/km (when regularly charged)

The PHEV model significantly reduces emissions, especially when charged regularly and driven within its electric range.

Battery Life and Recycling

For the hybrid and PHEV models, Hyundai has implemented an advanced battery management system to extend the lifespan of the lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the company has partnered with Canadian recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal and recycling of batteries at the end of their life cycle.

Drive Experience: Tailored to Your Style

Each powertrain option in the Tucson offers a unique driving experience, catering to different preferences and needs.

Gasoline Model: Familiar and Responsive

The traditional gasoline engine provides a familiar driving experience with responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery. It’s well-suited for drivers who enjoy the simplicity of a conventional powertrain and don’t want to worry about charging.

Hybrid Model: Seamless Efficiency

The hybrid variant offers a best-of-both-worlds approach, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. Drivers will appreciate the instant torque from the electric motor during acceleration and the satisfying efficiency displayed on the dashboard.

PHEV Model: Electric When You Want It, Hybrid When You Need It

The PHEV Tucson provides the most versatile driving experience. In all-electric mode, it offers whisper-quiet operation and zero emissions, perfect for urban commutes. When the battery is depleted or more power is needed, the gasoline engine kicks in smoothly, providing the range and performance of a hybrid.

Technology Integration

Hyundai has ensured that the powertrain technology in the Tucson is seamlessly integrated with the vehicle’s other systems for an enhanced driving experience.

Regenerative Braking

Both the hybrid and PHEV models feature advanced regenerative braking systems. Drivers can adjust the level of regeneration using paddle shifters, allowing for one-pedal driving in certain conditions and maximizing energy recovery.

Intelligent Drive Modes

All Tucson models have multiple drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport. The hybrid and PHEV variants add an EV mode, prioritizing electric-only driving when conditions allow.

Smart Energy Management

The hybrid and PHEV models use GPS data and learned driving patterns to optimize energy usage. For example, the system might preserve electric power for urban areas if it knows you’re approaching a city center on your regular commute.

Practicality and Versatility

Despite the advanced powertrains, Hyundai has ensured that the Tucson remains a practical and versatile SUV for Canadian drivers.

Cargo Space

  • Gasoline model: 1,095 litres behind rear seats, 2,119 litres with seats folded

  • Hybrid model: 1,067 litres behind rear seats, 2,091 litres with seats folded

  • PHEV model: 1,033 litres behind rear seats, 2,057 litres with seats folded

The slight reduction in cargo space for the electrified models is minimal and unlikely to impact most users’ daily needs.

Towing Capacity

  • Gasoline model: Up to 907 kg

  • Hybrid model: Up to 1,134 kg

  • PHEV model: Up to 1,360 kg

Interestingly, the PHEV model offers the highest towing capacity, thanks to its powerful electric motor and robust powertrain.

2025 Hyundai Tucson: The Power of Choice

The diverse powertrain options of the Hyundai Tucson demonstrate the brand’s commitment to meeting the varied needs of Canadian drivers. Whether you’re an eco-warrior looking to minimize your carbon footprint, a performance enthusiast seeking a responsive driving experience, or someone in between, there’s a Tucson variant that fits the bill.

The gasoline model offers a familiar and reliable option for those who prefer traditional powertrains. The hybrid balances efficiency and performance, ideal for drivers looking to reduce fuel consumption without changing their driving habits. The PHEV stands out as the most technologically advanced and eco-friendly option, perfect for those ready to embrace the electric revolution while maintaining the flexibility of a hybrid system.

Ultimately, the Hyundai Tucson proves that you don’t have to choose between being an eco-warrior and a performance beast – you can be both. With its range of powertrain options, advanced technology, and thoughtful design, the new Tucson is setting a new standard in the compact SUV segment, offering Canadian drivers the power of choice in their pursuit of the perfect vehicle.