Shopping For a Hyundai Tucson? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Yahoo

30-03-2025

There's no question that crossovers have taken the place of midsize sedans among the American populace. Practicality, reliability, and affordability typically rule above all else, and that's exactly why the Hyundai Tucson is in a prime position. While not the best-selling crossover in America, the Tucson has firmly cemented itself as an alternative to Japanese competitors.
Featuring touched-up styling for 2025, the Hyundai Tucson arrives with a single powertrain offering: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all five trim levels, but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500. Even with its questionable performance, the Tucson returns an EPA-estimated 26-28 combined city/highway mpg, depending on your drivetrain of choice.
If fuel economy is the name of the game, the Hyundai Tucson is available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as well. The Tucson Hybrid rolls out with a 231-horsepower hybrid powertrain and standard all-wheel drive. It earns up to 35-38 combined city/highway mpg, depending on the model. The Tucson PHEV comes with 268 horsepower and an all-wheel drivetrain. It's rated for up to 35 mpg across the board and can go as far as 32 miles on electrical power alone. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Tucson PHEV are available from $33,465 and $39,730, respectively.
The cabin offers plenty of space, with 108.2 cu ft. of passenger space and 80.3 cu ft. of cargo space, putting it well ahead of many rivals. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display comes standard across all trim levels, as does Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and front- and rear-row USB ports. While a 4.3-inch gauge cluster comes standard, you can upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen at higher trim levels.
The Hyundai Tucson starts at $28,705 and comes well-equipped at an affordable price. The mid-tier SEL Convenience model is available from $33,015 and adds plenty of upscale amenities, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The XRT trim is identical to the SEL Convenience in price, but it adds a handful of trim-exclusive features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out aesthetic, and LED taillights. The Limited trim tops the range, starting at $38,645. For that kind of money, the Tucson arrives with leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a handful of additional safety systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The well-equipped Hyundai Tucson isn't without its rivals, though, particularly from Japanese automakers. It does compete in one of the most intense segments the industry has ever seen, after all.
The Honda CR-V rolls out with a design that's both stylish and conservative, as is the Japanese automaker's tradition. Style isn't everything, though. The CR-V isn't quite as spacious as the Tucson, with up to 106 and 76.5 cu ft. of passenger and cargo space, respectively.
Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an upgrade, but it'll cost you an additional $1,500. With that powertrain, the CR-V rolls out with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque and returns 28 or 30 mpg, depending on the drivetrain. The Honda CR-V is also available in hybrid form. A 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain comes with front-wheel drive and is rated for up to 40 combined mpg. Upgrading to an all-wheel drivetrain reduces fuel economy to 37 combined mpg.
Most conventional CR-V models feature a seven-inch touchscreen display as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Opting for the EX-L trim brings wireless smartphone compatibility, a feature that also comes standard on the Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid.
As far as pricing goes, the Honda CR-V LX starts at $30,100 and comes with a no-nonsense spec sheet. The top conventional EX-L trim starts at $35,000 and adds some convenient features, including a power tailgate and wireless smartphone compatibility.
The base Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid costs $34,650, and most of that cost comes from the hybrid powertrain. The base model does get a few additional amenities, like 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid will cost $41,400, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive, a packed Honda Sensing safety suite, and a power tailgate with hands-free access.
The Honda CR-V isn't the quickest in its class, but it has a slight edge over Hyundai's offering. Its practical cabin and rather athletic styling make it a stand-out model, albeit at a higher price tag. While the gas-only powertrain offers competitive fuel economy, the hybrid model stands a notch above competitors.
Mazda isn't the most popular automaker by a long shot, but the CX-50 is still a solid rival in the crossover segment. The Japanese automaker has given the latest model a few upgrades, including a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen display. In its most recent iteration, however, the CX-50 is still on the smaller side, offering just 97 and 56.3 cu ft. of passenger and cargo space, respectively.
The Mazda CX-50 comes powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All in all, that powertrain puts out 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque while earning up to an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Unlike most other crossovers, the CX-50 comes with standard all-wheel drive. That alone gives it a bump above competitors.
Mazda went the extra mile to get a leg up on competing crossovers, especially when it comes to convenience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard, as does Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All models except the base 2.5 S Select also come with a power liftgate.
Even the CX-50 2.5 S Select is a great value, though, starting at $30,500 with standard all-wheel drive. Add in automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED lighting, and dual exhaust, and the CX-50 is a true rival to the value-oriented Hyundai Tucson.
Stepping up to the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, starting at $41,000, bumps performance up significantly. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, and the turbocharged CX-50 is rated for 25 combined mpg. The Meridian Edition distinguishes itself from the regular trims with hood graphics and a side rocker garnish. A full suite of amenities, including heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and Mazda's online navigation system, come standard.
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the top-of-the-range model, available from $43,500. It comes standard with a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
On the hybrid side of things, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred starts at $33,970, putting it in close contention with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid in terms of price. A 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain is paired with all-wheel drive and a CVT. In terms of fuel economy, the CX-50 Hybrid returns 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Upgrading to the Hybrid Premium trim will run you $37,400. At that price, the CX-50 Hybrid gains a black finish on the roof rails and dual exhaust, as well as a roof-mounted shark fin antenna. Opting for the Hybrid Premium Plus, available from $40,050, nets you 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a windshield-projected active driving display, and ventilated front seats.
In typical Mazda fashion, the CX-50 comes with tuned driving dynamics that differentiate it from other crossovers. The Japanese model is designed to provide an engaging experience behind the wheel, especially once the turbocharged engine gets involved. The Mazda CX-50's performance helps to balance out its underwhelming efficiency and rather compact interior. Higher trim levels, while comparable in features, are pricier than both the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson's range-topping models, though.
As the gold standard among mass-market crossovers, the Toyota RAV4 consistently takes home the title of best-selling model in its class. In fact, the RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150 as the best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2024. For 2025, however, Toyota dropped the more adventurous trims from the range. As far as spaciousness goes, passenger and cargo space sit at 98.9 and 69.8 cu ft., respectively, putting the RAV4 below the Hyundai Tucson and just above the Mazda CX-50.
As for performance, all gas-powered Toyota RAV4 models roll out with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. That powertrain pumps out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,400. As far as efficiency goes, the RAV4 returns 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
The Toyota RAV4 was designed for practicality over all else, so it doesn't particularly stand out when it comes to standard amenities. The base RAV4 LE, available from $29,250, comes with an eight-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Head up to the range-topping Limited trim, starting at $37,555, and you'll find a handful of upscale features. The best-selling crossover rides on 19-inch metallic-finished alloy wheels that pair well with LED lighting and dual chrome-tipped exhaust. A 10.5-inch touchscreen display comes standard, as does an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, starting at $32,300, is powered by a 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain mated to an eCVT. All-wheel drive is standard across the range, and fuel economy runs between 37 and 39 combined mpg, depending on the model. The base Hybrid LE trim matches the conventional LE trim fairly well, with a few exceptions like standard dual-zone automatic climate control.
Stepping up to the range-topping Hybrid Limited trim, starting from $40,605, nets you 18-inch dark metallic-finished alloy wheels and a power moonroof. There are a handful of cosmetic changes as well, including color-keyed bumpers and black overfenders. Heated and ventilated front SofTex-trimmed seats add a touch of luxury and comfort to the hybrid crossover.
The Toyota RAV4 is the nation's best-selling crossover for a reason, and with an affordable base model built for practicality, it's no wonder. With a sweet balance of performance and efficiency, the Japanese crossover has an edge over both its Japanese rivals as well as the Hyundai Tucson. Even so, its lackluster interior space and bland interior are definite drawbacks to consider.
The Hyundai Tucson is a great value in the competitive crossover segment. Its spacious interior and slick tech setup give it the upper hand over its rivals. While the RAV4 and CX-50 are close in price to the Tucson, they can't match the South Korean crossover in interior space. As for the Honda CR-V, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with higher performance and efficiency than the Tucson, but a higher starting price to match.
As the owner of a 2016 Toyota RAV4, I know the Japanese crossover is designed as an A-to-B crossover and nothing more. It's a great family hauler, but a little more space would be nice. While a decade-old model obviously isn't part of the current generation, Toyota's design philosophy still prioritizes reliability and practicality over everything else. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, but there's no denying rivals can offer a better driving experience.
The Hyundai Tucson is a solid alternative to fan-favorite Japanese crossovers. With its practical design and affordability, the South Korean model is a great budget-friendly vehicle. While not the best option per se, the Tucson's tech offerings and spacious interior make up for its lackluster performance and subpar efficiency. Before you drive off into the sunset behind the wheel of the crowd-favorite RAV4, take the Tucson and CX-50 for a spin.