Known for its comfort, impressive fuel economy and smart design, the Tucson Hybrid has consistently been one of the most appealing compact SUVs on the market. This year’s version came with a refined touch, both inside and out, that made it a great companion whether we were running errands around town, enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive or heading into Utah’s backcountry for a hike on the upper Provo River.

The Tucson was delivered on a Wednesday afternoon and we quickly made it our daily driver for the next seven days. From quick trips to the store to daily commutes and errands throughout Utah County, the Tucson quickly earned a place in our hearts.

Perhaps the most surprising stat of the week was our fuel economy — we managed to average an impressive 39.5 miles per gallon across city streets, highway stretches and mountain roads. For an SUV with all-wheel drive and room for five plus gear, that’s a number that had us double-checking the display more than once.

First impressions

The Limited trim on the 2025 Tucson Hybrid brought us a premium experience with this compact SUV. From the outside, it was sleek and modern, with bold angular lines that gave it a sophisticated yet athletic look. Our test vehicle came in Creamy White Pearl, a classy color that matched the Tucson’s subtle confidence.

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Inside, the cabin was one of the best in the segment. Hyundai has really focused on comfort and tech in recent years, and the Tucson Limited was no exception. Leather-trimmed seats (heated and ventilated up front, heated in the rear), a panoramic sunroof and dual 12.3-inch screens — one for the driver display and the other for infotainment — made for a smooth and tech-savvy ride. The center console was buttonless, using haptic touch controls for everything, which took a little getting used to but ultimately provided a very clean and modern layout.

The sound system, a Bose premium setup, gave us crisp audio all week long. Whether we were enjoying some classic rock or listening to our favorite podcasts, the clarity and richness of sound added a luxurious touch to every drive.

Saturday escape to the High Uinta’s

We couldn’t let a hybrid SUV with this kind of fuel economy sit idly all weekend, so on Saturday we packed up some hiking gear, a lunch cooler and our camera and headed up Provo Canyon, turning toward Kamas on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Our destination: the beautiful Upper Provo River Falls.

The drive up the Mirror Lake Highway is one of our favorite stretches of road in Utah — lush meadows, dense forests and mountain peaks frame the winding pavement. The Tucson handled the climb effortlessly, its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and hybrid-electric powertrain working in perfect harmony. The 226 combined horsepower was more than enough to make the uphill journey feel easy, and the Tucson’s regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery on the way back down.

We parked at the falls and spent a couple of hours hiking along the river, soaking in the sights and sounds of rushing water and enjoying a picnic near the edge of the falls. The Tucson’s cargo space easily accommodated our backpacks, water, snacks and even a couple of folding chairs. It’s amazing how much you can fit into a compact SUV when it’s been thoughtfully designed.

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On the way back, we stopped at a few pullouts to take in all of the breathtaking scenery, then returned to Springville with plenty of fuel still in the tank and memories to last the rest of the summer.

A Sunday drive to Mount Pleasant

Sunday afternoon brought clear skies and a perfect excuse for another scenic drive. We headed south on U.S. Highway 89 toward Mount Pleasant. The town has been busy preparing for its annual rodeo, and Craig had been asked to provide sound for the event. We wanted to scout out the arena and get a feel for the layout ahead of the big weekend.

The Tucson Hybrid was in its element on the open road. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality made for a relaxing drive, even through the small towns dotting Sanpete County. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system helped with lane centering, and the blind spot camera that pops up in the digital gauge cluster whenever you signal is a feature we now wish every car had.

When we arrived in Mount Pleasant, we found the rodeo grounds easily and spent some time walking through the site, visualizing the best setup for speakers and wiring. The compact size of the Tucson made it easy to maneuver through the dirt parking area.

We grabbed a quick dinner on the way back and took the longer scenic route through Fairview and Spanish Fork Canyon, watching the shadows stretch across the valley as evening settled in. It was one of those classic Utah drives — peaceful, beautiful and made better by a vehicle that never made us think twice about comfort or fuel economy.

Everyday use and smart features

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Throughout the rest of the week, the Tucson proved itself over and over. Grocery runs? The hands-free liftgate made it a breeze to load in bags, and the remote start with climate control made hot afternoons much more pleasant. Need to squeeze into a tight parking spot? The surround-view camera system made it feel like a game of Tetris with a cheat code. The Tucson’s turning radius was tight, making city driving feel nimble and easy.

We also appreciated the abundance of USB ports, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the excellent voice command system. The Tucson Hybrid Limited even has Remote Smart Parking Assist, which can move the vehicle in or out of a parking spot from the key fob — perfect for showing off at the grocery store!

One of the most impressive aspects of the Tucson Hybrid is how seamlessly it transitions between electric and gas power. Whether accelerating from a stoplight or merging onto the freeway, the power delivery was smooth and confident. And despite all this tech and capability, we never felt overwhelmed — the Tucson has an intuitive, friendly vibe that’s as welcoming as it is advanced.

At the end of the week

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited left a lasting impression on us. It’s a vehicle that blends everyday practicality with modern luxury and high-tech convenience. With seating for five, plenty of cargo room, all-wheel drive and nearly 40 miles-per-gallon efficiency, it’s hard to beat for couples or small families looking for a capable, fuel-sipping SUV.

Our week with the Tucson reminded us that adventure doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort or the pump. From scenic highways and waterfall hikes to rodeo planning and grocery store runs, it handled it all with quiet confidence.

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Base price: $41,195

Destination charge: $1,395

Price as driven: $43,270