What You Get in Each 2025 Tucson Configuration

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson comes in five main trim levels — SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate — plus a plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV) available on SEL and above. Each step up adds standard features rather than requiring you to buy packages separately, so your choice of trim determines what comes with the vehicle. The base SE includes essentials like a 2.5-liter engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Moving to SEL adds all-wheel drive as standard, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration. The SEL Plus layers in a power liftgate, roof rails, and upgraded interior trim. Limited brings leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The Ultimate adds a premium sound system, adaptive headlights, and additional safety technology.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor and battery, offering roughly 32 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine engages. PHEV models start at the SEL trim level and carry the same feature progression as the gas versions, but cost more upfront and require home charging access to realize fuel savings. Hyundai does not offer a traditional hybrid (gas-electric without plug-in) in the 2025 Tucson — it is either the standard gas engine or the PHEV.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Tucson offers five gas-powered trims (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Ultimate) and a plug-in hybrid available from SEL up, with features bundled by trim rather than sold as separate packages.
  • The base SE comes with front-wheel drive and a 7-inch screen; all-wheel drive becomes standard starting at SEL and is the only drivetrain option on that trim and above.
  • The plug-in hybrid delivers about 32 miles of electric-only driving but requires a home charging setup to justify the higher purchase price.
  • Leather seating, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio appear only on Limited and Ultimate trims, not as add-ons to lower trims.
  • All 2025 Tucson models include Hyundai SmartSense safety features as standard, including forward collision warning and lane-keeping information.

Engine and Drivetrain Options by Trim

The standard engine across SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate gas models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the only gas option available — Hyundai does not offer a turbocharged or larger displacement alternative in the 2025 Tucson lineup. The SE comes with front-wheel drive only. Starting with SEL, all-wheel drive becomes the standard and only drivetrain choice, meaning you cannot order an SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, or Ultimate with front-wheel drive.

The plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor and a 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Total system output is 261 horsepower, compared to 187 for the gas engine alone. The PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive on all available trims (SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Ultimate). Charging at a Level 2 home charger (240 volts) takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for a full battery. Using a standard 120-volt household outlet extends that to 9 to 10 hours. Without regular charging, the PHEV operates as a conventional hybrid, using the gas engine to recharge the battery while driving.

Interior and Infotainment Progression

The SE trim includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (wired connection), a six-speaker audio system, and cloth seating. The SEL upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, adding convenience if you own a compatible phone. The SEL Plus adds no infotainment changes but includes power-adjustable front seats and upgraded interior trim materials.

The Limited trim introduces a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (replacing the analog gauges in lower trims) and a larger 10.25-inch center touchscreen, both with sharper resolution. Leather seating becomes standard, and the audio system expands to eight speakers. The Ultimate adds a Bose premium sound system with ten speakers, wireless charging for smartphones, and a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield. Navigation is available as an add-on across all trims but comes standard only on the Ultimate.

Safety and Driver information Features

Hyundai SmartSense, the brand's suite of driver information technology, comes standard on all 2025 Tucson models regardless of trim. This includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also included across the board.

The Limited and Ultimate trims add adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the Tucson to a complete stop in traffic. The Ultimate also includes highway driving information, a semi-autonomous feature that can steer, accelerate, and brake on highways with clear lane markings. Parking information (automated steering into parallel and perpendicular spaces) is available on Limited and standard on Ultimate. All trims include a rearview camera; a 360-degree surround-view camera system is standard on Limited and Ultimate.

Exterior Design and Comfort Features

The SE and SEL trims share the same exterior styling, with the main visual difference being wheel design — the SE uses 17-inch steel wheels, while the SEL steps up to 17-inch alloy wheels. The SEL Plus adds roof rails for cargo carrying and a power liftgate that opens and closes automatically. The Limited and Ultimate both include a panoramic sunroof, dual automatic headlights with high-beam information, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Ultimate adds LED daytime running lights and adaptive headlights that swivel to follow the road curve.

Climate control is manual on SE and SEL, dual-zone automatic on SEL Plus and above. Heated front seats appear on Limited and Ultimate. Ventilated front seats (cooled seats) are exclusive to the Ultimate trim. All trims include a power driver's seat; power passenger seat adjustment is standard from SEL Plus up.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

All 2025 Tucson models, whether gas or PHEV, share the same cargo dimensions: 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Towing capacity is 1,500 pounds across all trims and powertrains. This is a modest towing limit compared to some competitors and is suitable for small trailers, jet skis, or light utility loads but not for larger travel trailers or boats. The PHEV does not have a reduced towing capacity despite the added weight of the battery.

The roof rails standard on SEL Plus and above can carry an additional 150 pounds of cargo weight when properly loaded. If you plan to carry roof-mounted cargo regularly, the SEL Plus or higher trim provides the necessary attachment points. The SE and SEL lack roof rails, so roof-mounted cargo requires aftermarket rail installation.

Pricing Structure and What Changes

Pricing for the 2025 Tucson varies by region and dealer, but the general progression moves from SE (lowest price) through SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate (highest price). The PHEV commands a significant premium over the comparable gas trim — typically several thousand dollars more — reflecting the cost of the battery, electric motor, and hybrid system. This premium must be weighed against potential fuel savings over the vehicle's ownership period, which depends on your local electricity rates, gas prices, and how often you drive within the 32-mile electric range.

No trim level offers a choice between features; you cannot order an SE with the Limited's leather seats or an Ultimate without the panoramic sunroof. If a specific feature matters to you, check which trim it appears on before deciding. Popular add-ons that are available across trims include navigation, paint color upgrades, and wheel options, but these are separate purchases from the trim choice itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the 2025 Tucson with front-wheel drive and leather seats?

No. Leather seating is standard only on Limited and Ultimate trims, both of which come with all-wheel drive as the only drivetrain option. If you want front-wheel drive, you are limited to SE, SEL, or SEL Plus, all of which have cloth seating. The SE is the only front-wheel-drive option available.

Does the plug-in hybrid cost more to maintain than the gas engine?

The PHEV has more complex systems (battery, electric motor, hybrid transmission) than the gas engine, which can mean higher repair costs if something fails outside warranty. However, routine maintenance like oil changes is less frequent because the electric motor handles low-speed driving. Battery replacement, if needed after warranty expiration, is expensive. Consider the warranty length and your ownership timeline before choosing the PHEV.

What is the difference between the SEL and SEL Plus?

The SEL Plus adds a power liftgate, roof rails, power-adjustable front seats, and upgraded interior materials. Both use the same 8-inch touchscreen and all-wheel drive. The SEL Plus is a mid-step between SEL and Limited, offering some comfort upgrades without the leather, sunroof, or larger screen of the Limited.

Is the 10.25-inch screen worth upgrading to the Limited?

The larger screen on Limited is sharper and easier to read, but the 8-inch screen on SEL and SEL Plus is functional and supports the same smartphone integration. If you spend a lot of time using navigation or prefer a larger display, the Limited's screen is a noticeable upgrade. If you rarely use the infotainment system, the SEL's 8-inch screen is adequate.

Can I tow a travel trailer with the 2025 Tucson?

The 1,500-pound towing limit is suitable only for small, lightweight trailers. Most travel trailers weigh more than this, so the Tucson is not designed for that use. Check your specific trailer's dry weight before assuming the Tucson can handle it; exceeding the limit can damage the vehicle and void warranty coverage.