Hyundai has been expanding its already comprehensive range of SUV models in recent years by introducing both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant of the ever-popular Tucson SUV. At first glance it may seem like there is little to separate the two models, both bring a unique set of benefits to the table for potential customers.
Due to more involved tech, and a more advanced powertrain, the 2025 Hyundai Plug-In Hybrid version of the Tucson sports a noticeably higher asking price – the top-end Limited model costs over $6,000 more than the equivalent HEV. The question, then, is whether that price is justified.
This comparison is based on the specs and features of both models, and real-world data collected by CarBuzz’s senior test drivers.
Exterior Design
Very Little Separates These Two Tucson Models
Line these two Hyundai Tucson models up next to each other, and you will be forgiven for thinking you’re seeing double. Hyundai saw no reason to differentiate the plug-in variant from the standard hybrid, as, apart from the badges, the only thing that separates these two SUVs is the charging port adorning the passenger side of the plug-in Tucson.
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
Thankfully, that’s no bad thing, as Hyundai has done a remarkable job in redesigning the Tucson for the 2025 model year. The striking front end looks decidedly more aggressive than in previous years, thanks mostly to the fresh new grille, and wider bumpers. The lights have been tweaked too, front and rear, which helps to keep the Tucson looking fresh – as do the stylish new geometric-patterned alloy wheels. Externally, then, there is no reason to favor the plug-in over the standard and much cheaper Tucson Hybrid.
Interior And Features
Hyundai Has Refreshed The Tucson’s Cabin
Much like with the exterior, Hyundai has kept things simple on the inside too, by keeping the interiors of both Tucson hybrid models remarkably similar. Stealing the spotlight inside this 2025 Hyundai is the expansive screen, which is actually two 12.3-inch screens; one sitting in front of the driver, and one atop the center console. The digital cluster shows everything the driver may need while piloting the Tucson, including the remaining electric range on plug-in models.
The biggest change inside the Tucson for 2025 comes with the upper trim levels. With the drive selector moving to the steering column, the center console is freed up to house a more conveniently placed wireless charger and regularly reached for controls. A new and useful dashboard tray for the passenger to use runs across the dashboard above the glove box, and USB-C ports in the back bring things up to date nicely.
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
Other features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, in addition to a wireless smartphone charging pad, which is standard in the highest trims of both Tucson hybrid models. The N-Line trim features sporty red accents throughout the interior, plus N-Line badges. More luxurious trims, like the Hyundai Tucson Limited, place the emphasis on fine materials and more gadgets – the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel being just one example.
Powertrain
Here’s Where The PHEV Really Differs From The Tucson Hybrid
Hyundai
The powertrain is where customers of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will start seeing where their extra money has been spent. The Tucson PHEV has a 33-mile all-electric driving range, courtesy of a larger battery and electric motor than what’s equipped in the standard hybrid. The Hyunda plug-in sports a 13.8 kWh battery, in comparison to the hybrid’s 1.49 kwh unit, and, the plug-in boasts a more powerful 72.0-kW electric motor, while the hybrid model makes do with just a 47.7-kW motor.
Hyundai Tucson Performance And Efficiency Comparison
Hyundai
2025 Hyundai Tucson Powertrain Comparison
Model
Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Tucson Hybrid
Powertrain
Turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 + single electric motor
Turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 + single electric motor
Power
268 hp
231 hp
Torque
258 lb-ft
258 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD Only
Transmission
Six-speed automatic torque converter
While both of the exciting and newly refreshed Hyundai models utilize the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the different electric motors mean that each model has a unique combined output. The standard hybrid provides a respectable 231 horsepower, whereas the plug-in model kicks out 268 hp– an increase of 37 hp. Torque output, though, is the same between both models, with 258 lb-ft being provided. The Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are both equipped with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic as standard, so no differences there, either.
There are variances in how these cars perform, thanks to the powertrain changes. In our time behind the wheel, we’ve preferred the hybrid models over the gas versions at every occasion, and our test drive of the 2025 Tucson hybrid reaffirms it. With the most power on tap, Hyundai’s PHEV Tucson is the most responsive in the lineup.
Here’s How Much A 2025 Tucson Costs To Run For A Year
Efficiency First
Hyundai
Opting for a hybrid is mostly due to the perceived benefits in fuel economy, and that is certainly the case here. The regular hybrid Tucson earns the best gas mileage figures of the lot, but there’s a caveat:
2025 Hyundai Tucson Lineup Fuel Economy Comparison*
Model
Tucson ICE
Tucson HEV
Tucson PHEV
Gas Mileage: FWD
25/33/28
N/A
N/A
Gas Mileage: AWD
24/30/26
38/38/38 mpg – Blue
35/35/35 mpg – Other
35/35/35 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.3 gallons
13.7 gallons
11.1 gallons
All-Electric Range
N/A
N/A
33 miles
Best Total Range (on full tank)
400 miles – FWD
372 miles – AWD
521 miles – Blue
480 miles – Other
420 miles
* As per the EPA
In its entry-level model, the regular Tucson Hybrid is by far the most economical. In other trims, it earns exactly the same gas mileage scores as the plug-in hybrid does. Regular hybrid models have a bigger fuel tank so they get more range, but those with the plug-in powertrain have the benefit of going 33 miles on electricity alone.
Yearly Running Costs of The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and PHEV
To establish the estimated running costs of both these models over a 12-month period, we used some averages to base the calculations on.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2024, the average number of miles covered by an American is 14,623; we’ve used this as a starting point. The price of gas and electricity has also been taken as a national average of $3.18 per gallon, and $0.15 per kWh. The charger used for the plug-in Tucson in this example is a 220V home charger. Fuel costs vary from state to state, and these are theoretical inputs to enable comparison.
Using these averages and plugging them into cost calculator supplied by the EPA, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will cost $255 in gas each year, and $747 in electricity, totaling to $1,002 for 12 months’ use. The EPA suggests around eight gas station visits a year if this were a real-world scenario; other estimates from the EPA for the Plug-In Hybrid include:
Cost to fill the tank: $35 Cost to drive 25 miles on a single charge: $1.57 Cost to drive 25 miles using gas only: $2.27
Now, comparing these figures to the regular hybrid, the EPA suggests an annual fuel cost of $1,200 for the hybrid Blue and $1,350 for other hybrid trims – that translates to $198 and $348 more per year, respectively. Other important estimates from the authority for the regular hybrid include:
Cost to fill the tank: $44 Cost to drive 25 miles: $2.09 for Blue models, and $2.27 for other HEV trims
Summary: The Tucson Plug-In Could Be Worth It
Hyundai
In order to decide whether the Tucson Hybrid or Plig-In Hybrid is the better value buy, we need to look at pricing and break down the cost differences.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Pricing
2025 Hyundai Tucson Lineup Pricing*
Hybrid
Plug-In Hybrid
Blue
$33,115
–
–
SEL Convenience
$36,115
–
–
N Line
$37,865
SEL
$39,380
Limited
$40,945
Limited
$47,090
* MSRP as per manufacturer, excluding destination
In black and white, the two trims of the PHEV lineup are more expensive by some margin than similarly equipped hybrid trims; at the top of the range, the two Limited models are separated by $6,145. These are comparable in terms of features, with the differences being the powertrain. But the PHEV can cost around $348 less per year in terms of fuel costs (as per our calculations above) – that means you save the equivalent of the purchase price difference in around 17 years, if you opt for the most expensive trim. The difference between the base model SEL plug-in and the comparably equipped SEL Convenience hybrid is a smaller $3,265, which, at $348 savings per year, can make up for the price variance in nine years. Of course, these are very vague examples, and it doesn’t take any incentives into account.
Some who commute short urban journeys may see value in the electric-only range offered by the plug-in, which will save considerably in comparison to using gas. Others may just be interested in making the leap from gas or standard hybrids to something more electric-reliant, but still are not ready for a full EV. With all said and done, though, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid seems to offer the best value for value if you travel more miles, and is arguably the sweet spot of Hyundai’s comprehensive SUV lineup for 2025.
Sources: Hyundai, Fuel Economy, Federal Highway Administration