2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT Review

Wheel designs also get an upgrade for the XRT’s latest model year, featuring aggressive styling that fits perfectly with the updated bumpers and sharp black accents. With these enhancements, the SUV looks athletic and strong, without feeling exaggerated or overdone.

Anyone on the hunt for a sporty SUV will enjoy the Tucson XRT’s confident exterior—it’s got the look and feel of a vehicle built for adventures, big or small.

Additional features

The new 2025 Tucson XRT brings practical upgrades and smart tech that you’ll definitely appreciate. It offers extra driver-assist features, making your everyday commute safer and weekend outings a lot more enjoyable.

The safety system now includes improved blind-spot alerts and lane-keeping assistance, helping you avoid accidents and stay safe on busy roads.

On the outside, the XRT trim stands out from other Tucson versions with bold, rugged styling. You’ll notice the unique black wheels and matching exterior details that give it a sporty and adventurous look.

Inside, cargo space remains impressive—so there’s always plenty of room for groceries, camping gear, or even a set of golf clubs.

Under the hood, a standard 2.5-liter engine provides a reliable 187 horsepower, or you can choose the turbocharged upgrade if you’re looking for extra strength. Hybrid options are available, too, giving you solid performance along with better fuel economy.

The interior controls got an upgrade for 2025 as well, with simpler buttons and knobs that let you adjust settings easily—without distractions. All these improvements make the XRT a standout choice for guys who appreciate both sharp style and smart design.

Simplified controls

Hyundai listened carefully to driver feedback regarding confusing dashboards. With the 2025 Tucson XRT, you’ll immediately notice a neat, straightforward layout that’s easy to use.

Physical buttons are back, thankfully, for the radio and air conditioning controls. No need now to tap endlessly through touch menus just to adjust the temperature or switch radio stations.

This simpler setup reduces driver distractions, helping you keep your attention on what’s important—the road.

Smart design isn’t about more buttons—it’s about the right buttons in the right places.

Hyundai updated these dashboard controls for a smooth blend of digital ease and everyday practicality. Every button sits comfortably within easy reach, making controls instantly accessible.

This improvement noticeably enhances your daily drive, especially during sleepy morning traffic. Here’s how this clean, practical design makes your drive more enjoyable and stress-free.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Canadian Prices

In Canada, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SUV is offered in four trims, with a starting price of $34,699 for the Tucson Preferred. Below is a list of all trims and their prices, these prices do not include Delivery & Destination charges of $2,000, other fees and levies of $731, and of course local sales taxes.

Driving Experience

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT delivers a smooth yet peppy ride with its 187-horsepower engine, firm suspension that handles bumps well, and some real off-road chops that might surprise you on rougher trails – keep reading to see how it stacks up against other compact SUVs in its class.

Engine performance and power

Pop open the hood of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT, and you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated motor pushes out 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, paired with 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Hyundai couples the engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and cleanly. The powertrain moves the XRT from zero to 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds—a decent pace for everyday driving but nothing remarkable if you’re into speedy starts.

As for quarter-mile runs, the Tucson crosses the finish at 16.8 seconds, traveling at 84.4 mph.

It’s worth mentioning this XRT trim comes exclusively with the gasoline engine—no hybrid option here. The engine offers solid, practical performance, though it doesn’t deliver the quick burst you’d experience with a turbocharged competitor.

Still, acceleration is steady and predictable, which comes in handy for merging into highway traffic or overtaking slower drivers. Step firmly on the accelerator, and the vehicle responds smoothly and confidently, getting you up to speed without drama.

Paired with an intuitive and efficient transmission, the Tucson XRT makes everyday driving comfortable, easy, and pleasant.

Hyundai also offers a different engine on the N Line and Ultimate trims. Those trims are powered by turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines, producing 178 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. You lose a bit of horsepower and gain a bit of torque with this engine, compared to the non-turbo engine.

Handling and ride quality

The 2025 Tucson XRT delivers mixed feelings behind the wheel. Hyundai’s MacPherson strut suspension in front and the multilink rear suspension aim to provide balanced handling—but real-world results aren’t always smooth.

On well-maintained roads, the SUV drives comfortably; however, bumps, potholes, and uneven pavement send clear vibrations into the cabin. You’ll immediately notice a stark difference between cruising highways and bumping along city streets.

Shifting gears can also feel rough at times, especially during colder temperatures. Numerous drivers mention jerky shifts from first to second gear until the engine fully warms up.

Road grip around corners remains confident, and the steering wheel offers clear feedback. Unlike some softer SUVs, the XRT feels secure and steady during quick lane shifts, without much floating or wobbling.

At the same time, don’t expect sporty handling—taking tight corners quickly still reveals noticeable body roll. Suspension tuning sits right between comfort and firm control, leaning slightly heavier on city driving comfort than rugged off-road capability.

Off-road capabilities

The Tucson XRT manages dirt roads pretty well—but struggles on tougher trails. It comes with enough ground clearance and an all-wheel drive system suited for gravel tracks or shallow mud, not rocky paths or deep water crossings; which is not something buyers are looking for anyway in these types of vehicles.

Most folks will like it for weekend camping getaways or reaching far-off fishing spots. But competitors, such as Subaru’s Forester and the Mazda CX-50, have extra muscle to handle serious off-road conditions.

Tires on the XRT grip nicely over loose surfaces, and the adjustable drive modes do help control different conditions. Still, it’s an SUV built mainly for paved roads—not rough wilderness adventures.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 Tucson XRT’s cabin feels both rugged and refined with its mix of durable materials and smart design touches. You’ll find plenty of room for five adults plus all your gear thanks to the generous cargo space that expands when you fold down the rear seats.

Cabin design and materials

Slide into the 2025 Tucson XRT, and the comfortable cabin instantly grabs your attention. Soft-touch materials line nearly every area you’ll regularly handle, giving this SUV an upscale vibe that easily surpasses its reasonable price tag.

An all-black interior sets a bold, sporty tone, while distinctive XRT logos embroidered on the seatbacks quietly hint at its unique character.

Up front, your eyes meet a sleek, curved panel holding two crisp 12.3-inch screens—one displays your instruments clearly, and the other smoothly handles infotainment duties. This design feels fresh, modern, and uncluttered without overwhelming your senses.

Thoughtful cabin design places buttons and switches within quick reach, keeping road trips comfortable and enjoyable, even over long distances.

Passenger space

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT clearly prioritizes comfort, with a roomy cabin that easily seats five adults, giving everyone enough personal space. Friends who prefer extra rear-seat legroom will appreciate the generous space back there—more than most compact SUVs offer.

Long drives feel less tiring, thanks to supportive seating that’s comfy over hours on the road. Even taller passengers settle comfortably into the rear, with ample headroom and shoulder room—no one feels squeezed.

Storage is smartly planned throughout the Tucson’s cabin. Door panels come with large pockets, perfect for holding water bottles, maps, snacks—or whatever else you might need at arm’s reach.

This thoughtful design continues inside the vehicle, with clever storage spots available for all your everyday items. Passengers riding in the back can stretch out and relax; there’s plenty of room to move around freely.

Cargo capacity

The Tucson XRT goes beyond passenger comfort—its standout feature is the impressive cargo space. Behind the rear seats, there’s an expansive 41.3 cubic feet for golf clubs, camping supplies, or luggage for the weekend.

Need even more room? Just fold down the rear seats, and cargo space jumps to a spacious 80.3 cubic feet, competing easily with pricier small SUVs. If you regularly carry big gear, you’ll love the flat cargo floor and wide rear opening—loading heavier items becomes a breeze.

Inside the cargo area, you’ll also find a deep storage compartment underneath. This hidden space works great for securing valuables, or for keeping muddy equipment away from your clean clothes.

With so much practical cargo room, the Tucson XRT fits easily into any active lifestyle—no giant SUV needed.

Technology and Connectivity

The Tucson XRT packs tech that makes daily drives easier and more fun. Its screens are clear and respond fast to your touch, while the safety gear works hard to keep you out of trouble.

Infotainment system

Hyundai’s 2025 Tucson XRT comes loaded with tech, featuring a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen display as standard. This large screen shows graphics vividly and clearly, making maps easy to read and menus simple to use.

Hyundai combined this infotainment screen and the vehicle’s digital gauge cluster into one sleek, continuous panel across the dashboard. With this design, the cabin feels modern and tech-forward, without looking busy or crowded.

Drivers will notice that tapping and swiping through menus feels responsive and smooth—much like using a quality smartphone.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard features, letting you connect your phone’s apps easily, with no cables needed. The interface comes with large, user-friendly icons and logical menus, making the system easy to use without needing deep computer knowledge.

Voice controls respond quickly, letting you change music stations or set navigation points, without taking eyes off the road. Hyundai built this multimedia setup to offer plenty of helpful features, yet it never feels complicated or confusing.

Safety and driver-assistance features

The 2025 Tucson XRT offers more than just cabin technology—it’s also equipped with advanced safety features to keep your drives worry-free. Each system works together smoothly, alerting you in tricky situations and stepping in when needed.

• Adaptive cruise control holds your chosen speed and smoothly adjusts to surrounding traffic, making long highway trips more relaxed without constant pedal action.
• Lane-keeping assist gently nudges your steering, bringing you safely back into your lane—especially helpful during sleepy morning drives.
• Automatic emergency braking scans ahead for cars and pedestrians, quickly applying brakes if you’re late reacting to sudden stops.
• Blind-spot monitoring signals clearly when vehicles hide out of view, easing anxiety during busy highway lane changes.
• Forward collision warning provides early alerts before potential impacts, giving extra moments to respond and steer clear of trouble.
• Traffic sign recognition shows speed limits and important road signs directly on your dashboard, guiding you away from speeding tickets.
• Rear cross-traffic alert checks both sides as you reverse, warning clearly about approaching vehicles you might overlook.
• Pedestrian detection spots walkers nearby even in low-light conditions, automatically braking if necessary to avoid collisions.
• Parking assist uses helpful sensors and clear camera views to smoothly guide your vehicle into tight parking spaces without stress.
• Electronic stability control quietly adjusts braking and engine output, helping keep traction and control during slippery or challenging road conditions.

Pros and Cons

The Tucson XRT shines with its rugged looks and solid off-road skills. Its weak spots include a thirsty base engine and some cheap plastic trim pieces.

Highlights of the Tucson XRT

The Tucson XRT grabs your attention right away—with stylish wheels and a sleek body that catches eyes wherever you drive. Step inside, and there’s a comfortable interior packed with thoughtful features that make every ride enjoyable.

Seats are cozy for everyone, and there’s plenty of room for passengers, cargo, and all the weekend essentials.

Pricing is another plus: it starts at an affordable $34,990 and $40,399 for the version we tested. This puts the Tucson XRT right in line with similar SUVs in its class. Men will particularly enjoy the sharp styling and useful features, making daily drives more pleasant.

The spacious cabin easily holds camping gear or sports equipment, and high-quality materials offer an upscale vibe—minus the heavy price you’d normally expect.

Areas for improvement

The Tucson XRT might look tough, but it disappoints where it counts. Its engine lacks the force needed for confident passing on highways or climbing hills—something most drivers will quickly notice.

Daily driving reveals this weakness, and the issue only worsens on tougher terrain. Even quick acceleration feels jerky, as the transmission shifts roughly between gears, disturbing an otherwise comfortable ride.

When facing steep climbs, this roughness shows even more.

Off-road lovers might expect better performance from the XRT, considering its rugged style and sporty look. In reality, though, its abilities off the pavement are quite limited. Basic dirt roads won’t pose trouble, but the moment you face uneven surfaces or rocky paths, its weaknesses become clear.

This mismatch between appearance and performance can frustrate anyone looking for reliable off-road fun. These practical drawbacks overshadow the Tucson XRT’s appealing style, solid features, and overall attractive package.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT Worth Buying?

Looking for a versatile SUV that can handle city driving—and just enough off-road action on weekends? Hyundai’s 2025 Tucson XRT offers exactly that. Gas consumption is pretty solid, getting around 9.7 L/100 km in city conditions and 7.7 L/100 km on highways, averaging out nicely at 8.8 L/100 km combined.

That makes it ideal for daily trips to the office, grocery store runs, and kicking back on short weekend adventures.

Guys hunting for tougher off-road capability might prefer options like the Subaru Forester Wilderness or even the Mazda CX-50. Both models pack extra muscle for rugged conditions and challenging trails.

But for drivers who usually stick to pavement and only hit dirt paths occasionally, Hyundai’s Tucson XRT strikes a solid balance. It provides just enough off-road power without piling on extra costs—or unnecessary extras.

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Hyundai tucson XRT

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT blends rugged style with everyday comfort. Inside, a roomy cabin and upgraded tech make it ideal for families who appreciate SUV charm and city ease. Its 187-horsepower engine won’t dominate the drag strip—but comfortably manages daily drives and errands.

While it won’t conquer serious trails like some competitors, the XRT trim does add just enough toughness for weekend getaways, without losing smooth road manners. If you want a compact SUV that’s practical, affordable, and adventurous, the Tucson XRT strikes a balanced middle ground.

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