The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has rolled into the spotlight with a refreshed design, upgraded tech, and a driving experience that aims to outshine its rivals. As a popular choice among family SUVs, it’s been a strong contender since its bold fourth-generation debut in 2021. But with tough competition like the facelifted Ford Kuga, the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan, and its close cousin, the Kia Sportage (also due for an update this year), does the Tucson have what it takes to claim the top spot? In this detailed review, I’ll break down its updates, performance, practicality, and more—drawing on my extensive experience testing family SUVs—to see if it outpaces the Sportage and the rest of the pack.

What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?

Tucson’s mid-cycle refresh for 2025 isn’t a complete overhaul, but it brings meaningful tweaks that elevate its game. Here’s what’s changed:

• Exterior Updates: Subtle bumper redesigns, fewer but larger daytime running lights integrated into that signature grille, new wheel designs, and fresh paint options like the eye-catching Jupiter Orange.
• Interior Revamp: A redesigned dashboard with a raised 12.3-inch touchscreen, physical climate controls, and a new steering wheel.
• Engine Tweaks: A revised lineup including a 159 bhp petrol, a 212 bhp hybrid (tested here), and a 249 bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an improved electric range.
• Driving Dynamics: Firmer suspension for better control and a slightly weightier steering feel.

Hyundai kept Tucson’s core strengths—like its spacious cabin and bold styling—while sharpening its edges. But is it enough to dethrone the Kia Sportage, our reigning family SUV champ? Let’s dig in.

Exterior Design: Still a Head-Turner

The Tucson’s exterior hasn’t strayed far from its 2021 roots, and that’s a good thing. Its aggressive grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights, gives it a futuristic edge that stands out against the more conservative Ford Kuga or the upcoming Tiguan. The 2025 updates are subtle—think refined bumpers and new alloy wheel options—but they keep it fresh. That Jupiter Orange paint? It’s a bold choice that screams confidence.

Compared to the Kia Sportage, the Tucson leans harder into dramatic styling. The Sportage’s boomerang-shaped lights and sculpted lines are striking, but the Tucson’s grille and sharper angles give it a slight edge in visual impact. I’ve parked enough SUVs curbside to know this one grabs attention—perfect for families who want practicality and presence.

Interior: Tech-savvy and User-Friendly

Inside, the Tucson’s updates shine brightest. The new dashboard layout is a masterstroke:

• 12.3-inch Touchscreen: Raised higher for easier glances, it’s crisp, responsive, and logically laid out. Icons are a tad small for on-the-move prodding, but they’re better positioned than before.
• Physical Controls: Gone are the fiddly touch-sensitive climate buttons, replaced by rotary dials and tactile media controls—a huge win for usability.
• Storage Boost: A redesigned center console opens up a cavernous space under the wireless charger, plus a shelf above the glovebox for the front passenger.

The driver’s seat offers ample head and legroom, with plenty of adjustment to dial in your perfect position. The low dash and slim A-pillars ensure great forward visibility, though rear pillars slightly hamper the over-shoulder view—a minor edge to the Sportage’s larger side windows. Standard rearview cameras and parking sensors smooth out tight maneuvers.

Build quality? It’s a step above mainstream rivals like the Kuga, with soft-touch materials aplenty, though it doesn’t quite match the upscale feel of a Volvo XC40 or Range Rover Evoque. The Sportage’s cabin is similarly plush, but its wraparound screen design feels a touch more modern. Still, Tucson’s practical upgrades—like that console storage—give it a real-world advantage.

Practicality: Space for the Whole Family

The Tucson remains a family-friendly titan:

• Rear Seats: No changes here, and that’s fine—six-footers fit comfortably with generous head and legroom. A middle passenger straddles a floor tunnel (less intrusive in the Kuga), but reclining backrests and a fold-down armrest boost comfort.
• Boot Space:
  • Petrol (manual): 620 liters
  • Hybrid: 616 liters (tested here)
  • PHEV: Slightly less due to the battery
  • Eight carry-on suitcases fit under the parcel shelf—matching the Sportage, though it’s a tighter squeeze in the Kia.

A height-adjustable boot floor (standard across trims) and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats add versatility. Unlike the Tiguan, the rear bench doesn’t slide, but for most families, this setup is plenty. I’ve loaded up countless SUVs with strollers and sports gear, and the Tucson’s square boot opening and capacious hold make it a practical standout.

Comparison Note: The Sportage’s boot is nearly identical (616 liters in its hybrid), but the Tucson’s redesigned storage up front tips the scales slightly in its favor.

Performance: Smooth and Refined

The 2025 Tucson’s engine lineup offers something for everyone:

• 1.6L Turbo Petrol (159 bhp): Manual or 7-speed auto with mild-hybrid tech—solid, if unexciting.
• Hybrid (212 bhp): Down slightly from its predecessor, but still delivers a peppy 6.8-second 0-60 mph sprint. Overtaking power is ample, though the 6-speed auto can hesitate on downshifts.
• PHEV (249 bhp): Now boasts a 43-mile electric range (up from 39 miles in the 4WD version), thanks to a lighter 2WD option—ideal for company car drivers.

The hybrid’s electric mode shines in town, quietly keeping pace with traffic before the petrol engine kicks in. That engine’s quieter than before—less coarse, more refined—making it a calmer cruiser than the older Tucson. The Sportage hybrid (also 212 bhp) feels similar, but its firmer setup gives it a hair more dynamism.

Suspension tweaks firm things up, smoothing out potholes and sharpening cornering. It’s not as sporty as the Sportage, but the gap’s shrunk. Steering’s weightier too, boosting confidence on twisty roads. I’ve driven both on varied terrain, and Tucson’s newfound composure makes it a well-rounded pick.

Pricing and Trims: Value Packed

The Tucson starts higher than the Sportage, Skoda Karoq, or Seat Ateca but aligns with the Ford Kuga and undercuts the Tiguan. Trims now begin with “Advance” (replacing SE Connect), and all come loaded:

• Standard Kit: Alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, ambient lighting, rear privacy glass, and that slick infotainment suite.
• Higher Trims (Premium & Above): Power tailgate, advanced safety tech, and more.

Fuel economy matches class norms, and the PHEV’s 43-mile range beats the Sportage PHEV’s 39 miles—a boon for tax savings. Higher trims creep into Volvo XC40 territory, but the base model’s kit justifies the price. The Sportage often undercuts it slightly, though, making it a value contender.

Hyundai Tucson vs. Kia Sportage: Head-to-Head

The Tucson edges out with its updated interior and PHEV range, while the Sportage holds a slight lead in handling and pricing. Both are stellar, but your pick depends on priorities—tech and comfort (Tucson) or sportiness and value (Sportage).

Verdict: A Class Leader?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson isn’t a revolution—it didn’t need to be. Its refined ride, user-friendly cabin, and spacious design make it a top-tier family SUV. It’s not quite as dynamic as the Sportage, but it’s closer than ever, and its practical upgrades—like that console storage and physical controls—give it an edge for everyday use. Against the Kuga and Tiguan, it holds its own with bold style and generous kit.

I’ve reviewed dozens of SUVs, and the Tucson’s blend of form and function impresses. It’s not perfect (small door bins, hesitant gearbox), but it’s damn close. Better than the Sportage? For comfort and tech, yes—just. What do you think? Drop your take below, and subscribe for more expert car reviews!