Ever thought about driving aplug-in hybrid? PHEVs, as they’re called, might sound complicated at first—they combine a gas engine and an electric motor—but living with one is surprisingly simple.
In fact, if you may remember to plug in your phone at night, you can handle a PHEV. These vehicles give you a taste ofall-electric drivingfor daily errands or commutes, then switch seamlessly to gas power for longer trips—no range anxiety, no special skills required.
The result? Better efficiency, lower fuel costs, and the freedom to road-trip without a second thought. Andone model in particularstrikes that balance better than most.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, IIHS, and Kelley Blue Book.
The Best of Both Worlds: Electric When You Want It, Gas When You Need It
PHEVs are still a bit of a rare breed in the U.S.—at least compared to gas-only cars and full EVs. You’ve got options fromToyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, BMW, and even Jeep, but the list isn’t exactly overwhelming.
Hyundai, however, isn’t sitting on the sidelines. Among its offerings is the 2025 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, acompact SUVthat makes a seriously strong case for itself.
It’s stylish on the outside—sharp lines, bold angles—and just as impressive inside, with a refined cabin and plenty of cargo room. Best of all, it’s efficient in all the right ways.
32 Miles of Electric Driving—Just Right for the Daily Grind
Pop the hood and you’ll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic. It teams up with a compact electric motor to crank out a punchy 268 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque—plenty to keep things lively.
Powering the electric side of the equation is a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. That’s good for up to 32 miles of all-electric range, which covers most daily drives with ease.
Sure, some competitors offer more—Ford’s Escape plug-indoes 37 miles, Mitsubishi’s Outlander hits 38, and the RAV4 PHEV tops out at 42—but the Tucson’s range still hits the sweet spot for everyday use.
268 HP
271 LB-FT
35 MPG
Miles Per Gallon Equivalent
77 MPGe
Even with all that power and versatility, this Hyundai knows how to sip fuel. When running on electric power alone, itdelivers an impressive 77 MPGe.
Switch over to the gas engine, and it still holds its own with a solid 35 MPG—no matter if you’re in the city, on the highway, or somewhere in between. That kind of consistency makes it easy on your wallet, wherever you’re headed.
Don’t worry—you’re not stranded the moment the electric range runs out, so no need to pack hiking boots just yet. Once the battery is drained, theTucson Plug-In Hybridsimply switches to running like a regular hybrid.
The gas engine takes over, backed up by electric components that help recapture energy you’d normally lose. That’s the real magic of plug-in hybrids: plenty of range without constantly hunting for a charger.
Roomy and Ready for Your Daily Adventures
The Tucson sits on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and measures about 183 inches long—right in line with other compact SUVs. Its slightly longer wheelbase compared to rivals like the Escape andRAV4helps it feel stable without sacrificing maneuverability in tight spots.
Inside, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, with 41.4 inches of legroom up front and 39.5 inches in the back. Headroom is generous too—just watch out if you opt for the panoramic sunroof, which can shave off a bit of overhead space for taller passengers.
Roomy Seats That Fit Five Comfortably
So, how many people can you fit in this SUV? The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comfortably seats five across two rows—plenty of room for friends or family.
To keep everyone cozy, heated front seats come standard on both the SEL and Limited trims. If you go for the Limited, you also get heated rear seats and ventilated front chairs—nice perks for those chilly or steamy days.
Over 66 Cubic Feet of Cargo Space When You Fold Down the Back Seats
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers more than just passenger comfort—it packs a surprising amount of cargo space, too. With nearly 32 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, you’ve got plenty of room for groceries or gear.
Fold those seats down, and the space expands to a solid 66.3 cubic feet—just a bit more than its main rivals. It might not be a huge jump, but every extra cubic foot counts when you’re loading up for an adventure.
30.8/64.7 Cubic Feet
Loaded With Features Without Breaking the Bank
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid followsHyundai’s tradition of delivering serious value—packing in a bunch of great features without a hefty price tag. Here’s a quick look at what you get:
Plus, it comes with a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, two 12-volt power ports, and Hyundai Digital Key 2, which lets you unlock and start your SUV using just your smartphone—all included, no extra fees.
Loaded With Features That Make Every Drive Better
While some features might seem basic, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid really steps up its game. You get dual-zone automatic climate control, four USB ports, a big 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wirelessApple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Limited trim kicks things up another notch. Think heated steering wheel, a 12-inch head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a Bose premium sound system—all standard in the top model.
Starts at $39,730, Fully Loaded for $47,440
So, how much does this SUV actually cost? The entry-level SEL trim starts at $39,730 before destination fees—not bad considering everything the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid brings to the table.
Step up to the Limited trim, and you’re looking at $47,440, again before destination. That’s still a solid deal for an SUV this stylish, roomy, and packed with features.
Reliable, Safe, and a Breeze to Live With
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid brings more to the table than just efficiency—it’s also big on safety and everyday dependability. Like its gas-only sibling, it’s packed with advanced driver-assist features and a reputation for reliability.
The non-hybrid model even snagged aTop Safety Pick+rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety—their highest possible honor. In crash testing, it scored “good” across nearly every category, which is exactly what you want to hear when safety’s a priority.
Comes Standard With Hyundai’s Smartsense Safety Tech
This SUV doesn’t just look smart—it is smart, especially when it comes to helping you avoid trouble on the road. Standard safety tech includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning, lane-keeping assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Step up to the Limited trim, and you get even more confidence behind the wheel with:
Protected by Hyundai’s 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
Predicting reliability isn’t an exact science, but Hyundai has a solid track record—and the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid looks like it’ll hold up just fine. With 90 consumer reviews onKelley Blue Book, it earns a strong 4.4 out of 5 reliability rating, which is definitely reassuring.
Still want a little extra peace of mind? Hyundai’s got you covered with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—famously known as “America’s Best.”
On top of that, you also get a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, so you’re covered from just about every angle.
