Second only to the commercial vehicle segment in Australia, the ‘SUV Medium’ segment features no less than 25 contenders vying for your hard-earned dollars. From all corners of the globe, Japanese and Korean stalwarts are fending off an ever-increasing onslaught from cheaper Chinese newcomers. Amidst this squeeze, the Hyundai Tucson has held steady with 19,061 units delivered in 2024, for 8.3 per cent market share.
For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has introduced some cosmetic, powertrain and interior changes to keep it fresh in the face of competitive headwinds. A more upmarket look for the radiator grille, new wheel designs and bumper mouldings set it apart from the outgoing model.
The recent introduction of a hybrid option will doubtless also go a long way to broadening the model’s appeal. Toyota’s RAV4 has enjoyed success as the default hybrid medium SUV choice for some time (notwithstanding supply issues). Can the Tucson knock it off its mantle? We have the sporty flavour N Line in Elite AWD Hybrid form to test out.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite N Line Hybrid: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder (132kW/264Nm)
Electrical: 1.49kWh battery, 37.4kW/264Nm
Output (combined): 172kW / 367Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1775kg
Power-to-weight: 10.31:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.3L/100km
Our consumption: 5.8L/100kmFuel tank/Fuel type: 52L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 32.45kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.99 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.25 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.57 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.04 seconds at 146.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.611g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.55m in 3.16s*
Max deceleration: -1.082g*
Decibel at idle (on standby): 23*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 75*
Starting price: $55,100
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: How much does it cost?
In terms of pricing, the Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line sits in the mid-to-upper range of the 2025 Tucson lineup, reflecting its high-end features and hybrid powertrain. The Hybrid is available in two variants; front-wheel drive (FWD), priced from $49,100, and all-wheel drive (AWD) from $55,100 (before on-road costs).
Fuel efficiency is the major draw card of a hybrid SUV, and the Tucson Hybrid doesn’t disappoint with a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.3L/100 km in both FWD and AWD configurations. This places it as a competitive option against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 hybrid. Although it is edged out by the RAV4’s 4.8L/100km result, it is still commendable. We achieved an average of 5.8L/100km in the real world.
Hyundai’s hybrid system combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, as well as a six-speed automatic, delivering 172kW and 367Nm. This differs from other hybrid systems, which often use a CVT and naturally aspirated engine.
Tucson’s capped-price service plan averages $408 per service, scheduled annually or every 10,000km, whichever comes first. This is competitive with most rivals, and there is no major impost to going for the hybrid – unlike some Chinese rivals. The Tucson Hybrid also benefits from Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. For hybrid components, Hyundai extends the warranty to eight years or 160,000 km.
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: Interior & packaging
A visual makeover for the interior brings the Tucson into line with the ultra-modern themes first seen in the latest Kona and Santa Fe. It’s a clean and futuristic affair, which thankfully hasn’t eschewed essential knobs and switches for radio and HVAC. This makes for distraction-free operation, unlike in some rivals – which have relegated everything to the touch-screen.
Dimensions remain unchanged compared with the non-hybrid model, with a length of 4650mm, a width of 1865mm, and a height of 1665mm. The 2755mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for rear passengers to stretch their legs on long trips.
Boot space is rated at an impressive 582 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 1903 litres when folded. This versatility outshines competitors like the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid, which offer less cargo space, seats up and down. The braked towing capacity of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is 1900kg, for those wondering.
The N Line spec enhances the interior with sporty black leather and suede upholstery, complemented by red stitching and metal accents. The N-Line-specific steering wheel and seats add a sporty visual lift, while the overall layout remains very user-centric. Front seats are both heated and ventilated, providing year-round comfort, while the rear seats also benefit from heating for added passenger luxury.
The dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic display is one of the Tucson’s standout features, combining a fully digital instrument cluster with an intuitive infotainment system. The infotainment setup supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wirelessly to boot. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services enhance usability with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and remote vehicle functions, such as locking/unlocking, which is useful in emergencies.
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: Powertrain & handling
This powertrain is centred around Hyundai’s updated SmartStream 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 172kW and 367Nm. These figures are competitive in the performance stakes, with a Vbox-tested 0-100km/h time of 8.25 seconds. Power is delivered via a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers will appreciate selectable drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, which adjust throttle response, steering weight, and transmission mapping. For AWD models, an additional Terrain Mode selector adds settings for Snow, Mud, and Sand, giving the Tucson Hybrid an added dimension for (very) mild off-roading.
While the steering doesn’t have the outright sharpness of the benchmark Mazda CX-5, its locally-tested chassis is well-tuned and turns in eagerly. Ride and NVH are very well contained, with Hyundai’s local engineers delivering the goods as usual.
Having the instant response of the electric motor in the powertrain capitalises on the well-balanced chassis, so you can feed in only minor throttle and it will pull the vehicle into line nice and early. It also adds a layer of fun to the occasion, which is not a common word in this segment.
We would venture the driving experience outpaces the Toyota RAV4 in most ways except fuel economy. It’s helped by the zippy turbo motor, as well as the more engaging six-speed auto as opposed to a characterless CVT auto.
How safe is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N-Line? ANCAP has awarded the Tucson 5 stars, with 86 per cent for adult protection, 87 per cent for child, 66 per cent for vulnerable road user and 70 per cent for its safety assist technologies.
There are seven airbags in total, with most of the locally tuned ADAS systems working well. Being optimised to EU-legislation, the speed alert and attention monitors turn on automatically each time, but the star button can be configured for a two-step action to defeat these every time.
A mid-cycle update has enhanced everything that was great about the Tucson, while bringing the interior firmly into the mid 2020s. This is a technological tour-de-force with low running costs, excellent driving manners and even some sporting flair.
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Uniquely sporty hybrid powertrain: The 1.6-litre turbo engine, proper six-speed auto, and electric motor deliver a surprisingly fun mix of efficiency and dynamic performance.
- Spacious and practical design: Near best-in-class boot space and generous interior dimensions ensure the Tucson Hybrid caters to families and active lifestyles.
- Chassis and suspension: A locally-tested platform that provides an excellent balance between sturdy body control, handling agility, and comfortable absorption on rough roads.
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: Key considerations before you buy
- ADAS: Advanced driver-assistance systems like speed limit alerts and the driver attention monitor can be quite annoying but are required for ANCAP regulations.
- N Line purely cosmetic: It would be nice if the N Line package added sportier suspension or something more than just trimmings.
2025 Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The hybrid provides a good mix of economy, performance, and engagement. Although it isn’t the most economical outright in this class, the turbo engine and conventional auto push it above some naturally-aspirated, CVT auto rivals in terms of driving experience. Being a regular hybrid means you don’t have to muck around with charging cables, which will appeal to those living in apartments and areas where charging is not possible.