The South Koreans know how to build classic cars. This new 2025 Hyundai Tucson hybrid is outstanding. The many safety features set this vehicle above many cars driven this past year. The clarity of the photos from all angles, including vertical are vital to parking and backing on crowed streets and parking lots.
The appearance is sleek with sloping lines and “Deep Sea,” dark blue shimmering paint. The roof has a panoramic sunroof with side rails sloping back to a hand’s free rear power trunk. LED lighting front, rear, and running lights with excellent dimming controls. The Tucson rides on 19” inch alloy wheels.
Four drive modes control the 1.5L turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine with eco, my choice, sport, and snow drive selections. The hybrid component works in harmony in the power train to provide a spirited drive with 35 mpg. over-all fuel economy. I used the sport mode climbing up U.S.70 and the eco mode coming back down from the mountains. The snow mode would be ideal for a wet highway or upcoming ice and snowy roads. Steering wheel paddle shifters work well for gear selection with the five-speed automatic transmission. The gear shift is a simple stud lever dial indicating R/P/D components with paddle shift choices for select gear driving situations.
Another gold star is the comfortable ride and the strong suspension system for a firm drive. A center console 12.3” inch color screen controls the Bose sound system and displays the surround view monitor with clear pictures of the surroundings. The signal lights show the trailing driving lanes along with warning lights on the panel to show cars in the blind spot space.
Safety features galore with the rear view mirror showing traffic, forward alert warnings lights, and collision avoidance braking to prevent hitting a forward object. Air bags galore, on the side, front, window and rear, making the cabin ultra safe for all passengers.
The smart phone charger located near the center console is easy to use and green lights indicate that the phone is in the right position to charge quickly.
All the safety and luxury features are included in the manufacturer’s suggested list price of $42,550, a very competitive price for an all-wheel drive SUV sedan. The Tucson carries a 100,000 mile/10-year power train warranty that is one of the best in the business. The vehicle is assembled in Ulsan, South Korea with both engine and transmission pridefully built in the country of origin.
One thing that I didn’t like, no spare tire, just a tire mobility kit in lieu of a spare tire. The spare tires are starting to disappear in many new cars. This is a smart vehicle loaded with safety and comfort features, with all-wheel drive, heated seats and steering wheel for winter driving.
The price is right, and the vehicle is outstanding.