Hyundai Tucson: Should You Wait for the 2025 Update?
Considering a new Hyundai Tucson? Here’s why you might want to wait for the 2025 update, which promises significant enhancements and features.
The Hyundai Tucson has a little bit of everything. It is a compact crossover with a stylish exterior, a relatively affordable price tag, a ton of standard features, and lots of space. Beneath its bonnet sits a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. If you do intend to buy this car, you can choose either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The Tucson is a real challenger of the top car in the compact crossover category: the Toyota RAV4.
We will not say that the Hyundai Tucson is perfect, though. In this article, we will see what it offers and what it doesn’t. But with the refreshed version of the car coming in 2025, it is better to wait for it to arrive or simply grab the 2024 model? Well, that is the question we will answer today.
Hyundai Tucson Exterior: Striking, But Will It Age Well?
Some people might say that the 2024 Hyundai Tucson’s exterior is overkill because of its boldness. Well, the sharply creased body panels and distinctive LED headlight and taillight motifs are not something you see every day. And if we look at the Limited AWD trim, which has 19-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, the jazz level might just prove a little too much for some people.
There’s a potential downside to such a heavily stylized design. The Tucson’s current look is definitely fresh but it runs the risk of going out of style too quickly, which is always the case when hair-splitting starts. This is also a common issue with cars that rely heavily on bold styling cues. Someone who’s out looking to buy this vehicle needs to be aware of this fact. In fact, the 2025 model is supposed to look even more drastic.
Hyundai Tucson Interior: A Comfortable, Almost Class-Leading Space
Step inside the Tucson, and you’ll find an interior that exudes a sense of calm and comfort. Hyundai has done an admirable job of creating a space that feels open and inviting. That is the majority’s opinion. However, some people feel no shame in naming the layered dashboard design “bathtub”. Once you see it, it’s hard to unsee it, but this doesn’t detract from the overall pleasantness of the cabin.
The jump from the base trim to the Limited AWD is not slight. A slew of upgrades have been jammed into this model. The Limited trim boasts leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and even heated seats for rear passengers—a rarity in this segment. The spacious cabin easily accommodates four adults with ample legroom in the back. This compact crossover was made for a small family.
The cargo space is generous relative to the Tucson’s size. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls may be a bit finicky for those who prefer more tactile interfaces. But overall, this is the perfect family vehicle, given that the family size remains on the shorter side.
Hyundai Tucson Infotainment: High-Tech, But With Some Quirks
Hyundai’s approach to infotainment in Tucson is both impressive and puzzling. The base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a feature that’s curiously absent from the higher trims, including the Limited. Instead, the Limited trim offers a larger 10.25-inch screen, but it requires a wired connection for CarPlay and Android Auto. We’d think Hyundai would be up-to-date with the wireless era that modern times are.
Of course, we have no intention of dissing the Tucson’s infotainment system, because it is a pretty great update. The interface is intuitive, on-screen controls are responsive and the overall design is sleek. Truth be told, we think it appears somewhat more polished than the vehicle’s Japanese counterparts. The Limited trim also includes Hyundai’s Digital Key, wireless charging, and LED interior lighting. If this doesn’t turn the Tucson into a tech-savvy vehicle, we don’t know what does.
Hyundai Tucson Performance: Adequate, But Not Thrilling
As we mentioned, the Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In terms of numbers, the horsepower goes up to 187. This is sufficient for daily driving and the acceleration is brisk when needed. But it’s far from exhilarating. Also, this car has an eight-speed automatic transmission that does its job without fuss. But when it comes to the driving experience, there are people who enjoy shifting gears manually.
When it comes to Tucson’s handling, it fulfills its intended purpose to the tee. The steering is light and easy to manage. Moreover, the AWD system provides an unexpected amount of control even in somewhat tumultuous conditions. So don’t worry if you take this car out into the wild once in a while, because it can take it. However, don’t push it too hard. The body roll will become noticeable, which is a reminder that this is not a sports car. But then, that’s not what the Tucson is trying to be.
After reading all of that, we’d wager that you have the same opinion of the Tucson that we have: it is an all-rounder vehicle. It is the meeting point of style, comfort, and technology in the compact crossover segment. The 2025 model of the Tucson has definitely upped the level. The large standard touchscreen and the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are just some of the features that indicate this change.
So our advice if you come across a solid deal on the 2024 Hyundai Tucson, particularly in the middle trims, would be to go for it. But if you are willing to wait, nothing like the 2025 Tucson model. Most, if not all, of the minor quirks that form the body of complaints against the 2024 model will be addressed in this next upgrade. But either way, be it the 2025 model or the 2024, the Tucson is one of the best options in its class and you’ll not be disappointed by it.
