Hey, I see you out there shopping for a hybrid SUV and I’m here to tell you to stop ignoring the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. It checks more boxes than you think with plenty of upscale quality at an affordable price. 

7 reasons why the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is my class leader 

Look, I know y’all haven’t gotten around to believing me yet, but I drive ALL the things. I’ve driven the Kia Sportage Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Chevy Equinox, Subaru Forester, and more. 

Out of all the hybrid SUVs, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid stands out for being the best option. Of course, it’s not perfect. But its rivals have drawbacks to consider as well. Here’s why the Tucson is my class leader after spending a lot of time driving and thinking about tons of SUVs. 

1. Comfort 

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson offers the most comfort in the class. It has a silky smooth ride and a quiet interior. It’s quieterthan the RAV4 Hybrid and smoother than the CX-50 Hybrid. 

It has seats that are well-padded and supportive to offer more comfort than the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Also, the ride quality in the CX-50 is quite stiff with more body roll than the Tucson. 

Even on gravel on dirt roads, the Tucson easily and quickly dampens disruptions to keep motion sickness and other issues at bay. Plus, the climate control system is fast-acting and effective. 

2. Off-roading 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is surprisingly well-equipped for off-roading. Even though the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brags about being a rugged adventurer, it’s a bit lacking compared to the Tucson. 

I found that the Tucson has impressive off-roading modes, downhill crawl control, and locking differential. Its rivals are lacking these features, but I do wish the ground clearance was a bit higher than 8.3 inches. But that’s a great start. 

3. Power 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has the best acceleration and handling for athletic jaunts around town. It pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate 231 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

This amount of power helps it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. Sure, this won’t blow your hair back, but it’s faster than the RAV4 Hybrid and CX-50 Hybrid which share the same engine. 

4. Cargo space 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has tons of space to take advantage of. It offers 38,6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 80 cubes total. That’s more room than the Honda CR-V Hybrid has to offer. 

While there is plenty of space for large adults in the front, the backseat is also spacious and accommodating for various body types. 

It has a well-planned layout with plenty of nooks and crannies to take advantage of, including a built-in storage bin in the rear. Plus, its size doesn’t negatively impact its turning radius or parking convenience. 

5. Value

You can get started with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid for about $33,365, meaning it has an average price compared to rivals. It’s not cheaper than other options but provides more than just the basics. 

The base SE model starts with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, push-button start, cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch information screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and rear USB ports.  

6. Tech 

Hyundai actually listens to what drivers want. They said they want to rely on physical buttons instead of touchscreen commands. So, the Hyundai Tucson now offers an upgraded tech system with more physical controls. 

It may have sensitive safety features sometimes, but it works well. Plus, the voice commands are easily understood. The infotainment system has vibrant graphics and works quickly. The settings are easy to find and quickly adjust. Plus, the cameras have a great resolution. 

7. Reliability 

Guess what? The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is pretty darn reliable. It has a reliability score of 85 out of 100 from J.D.Power, which is above average. The RAV4 Hybrid has an average score of 80, and the CX-50 Hybrid has a score of72. 

The Honda CR-V Hybrid gets close to the Tucson with a reliability rating of 84. Also, the Tuscon sweetens the deal with a warranty of five years/6000 miles. 

It has a powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles with rust coverage, roadside assistance, and three years of free maintenance.