The 2025 Hyundai Tucson was just underwent a mild makeover, adding a lot of cool bells and whistles, including one that is sure to prompt a “wow” from parents of small humans or fur babies: Baby mode.
Joining the standard Normal, Sport and Snow modes is “My Drive” mode that allows the driver to customize the drive experience, including the suspension and steering feel. And within the new “My Drive” sub-menu there is a driver-selectable “Baby Mode.” I had to search a bit through the screens to figure out where it is, but that’s to be expected with anything so novel.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used. Additionally, I was a guest of Hyundai for this test drive, though all opinions and impressions are my own.
Keep Your Little Ones Comfortable on the Drive
Hyundai says it designed Baby Mode to help reduce the sharpness of initial acceleration, smoothing out driver inputs for a gentler acceleration feeling for passengers. “The more serene experience helps reduce potential disturbances that may upset infants or pets,” according to the automaker. It might be hard to quantify if it actually works, but I really appreciate the intention.
The updated 2025 Hyundai Tucson gas-only models are priced from $28,355 to $38,295; AWD can be added for $1,500. The gas models are powered by a 4-cylinder 187 HP engine and are estimate to get 28 MPG. There are four hybrid options priced from $33,115 to $40,945; all are powered by a 4-cylinder engine, have AWD and paired with a battery-powered motor generating 231 HP and estimated to get 35 MPG. There are also two plug-in hybrid options priced from $39,380 to $47,090. These models, which are AWD, are powered by a 4-cylinder motor and electric motor, generating 268 HP. The PHEV models are estimated to have an all-electric range of 33 miles and get 35 MPG.
Read: In A Word, The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SUV is Fun
Seats Fold Flat In Some Models But Not Others
As much as I loved Baby Mode I have to ding the designers for not figuring out a way for second row seats in the hybrid models to fold flat in the model with the hybrid engine. They were notably tilted upward and no amount of finessing could get them to lay flat. This was not the case in the non-hybrid model that we drove, so it’s likely related to the position of the hybrid’s electric motor or battery. On a previous test drive, I noticed a similar difference in comparing the flatness achievable by folding the second row of seats in sibling Kia Sportage hybrid vs. non-hybrid models.
In both gas and hybrid models, however, the back seat is roomy and also includes USB plugs and a storage pocket behind the passenger seat.
We Took the Tucson Off the Pavement to Try Out its AWD Capability
We got to drive the hybrid on some twisty roads and it handled them beautifully. At lunch, we switched over to the more rugged gas-only XRT version for what I’d characterize as a medium-difficulty off-road course. It wasn’t so intense that we needed “spotters” to help us navigate the terrain, but it was more than a gravel road with some pot holes which is what most drivers would experience when driving off pavement in a crossover SUV.
The XRT handled the terrain just fine and didn’t disturb my inner baby, both as a driver and a passenger. I would have appreciated some trail cameras that could be turned on to stay on during low speeds. But alas, the only camera available is a parking camera that only stays on for a short amount of time.
Modern Technology Delivers An Elevated Luxury Experience
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson has other bells and whistles usually reserved for luxury vehicles, like a newly available fingerprint authentication sensor next to the driver display. This provides a new level of security and convenience. Its biometric authentication can allow the driver to securely start and drive the Tucson without a smart key. How cool is that?
Drive Modes Include “Green Zone” EV Driving
In addition to customizable My Drive and Baby Mode, a new Green Zone drive mode optimizes pure EV mode for use in urban areas with specific eco-focused requirements.
Drivers who want to save fuel can choose Eco, though Normal is the default for the most comfortable drive experience. And then, there’s Sport setting which gives the Tucson a more agile feel by sending additional power to the rear wheels for a sporty, dynamic experience.
An Evolved Look and Feel for 2025
The 2025 model year, which Hyundai says is thoroughly refreshed, builds upon what Hyundai calls a “sensuous sportiness” design identity. It has a more commanding front and rear appearance, updated lighting signatures, new alloy wheel designs and a significantly redesigned interior.
New driver comfort, convenience and safety technologies have also been added. The PRNDL gearshift has been relocated to the steering wheel column on the hybrid models, making room for a wireless charger in the center console. Gas models still have a traditional lever-style shifter. A new dashboard tray located above the glovebox adds more storage space for front-seat passengers. Sadly, the visor mirror on both the driver and passenger side is unlit and kind of basic.
New Tech Adds to the Hyundai Tucson Evolution
But on a positive note, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are now standard on all Tucson models. A new 12-inch color Head-Up Display with premium graphics is also available. The HUD even displays turn-by-turn directions via CarPlay and Android Auto when equipped with the onboard navigation system.
Also new for 2025 is Forward Attention Warning, which uses an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver’s eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can even help safely bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped.
A Fresh Look For Hyundai’s Baby
Revised exterior styling imbues Tucson with a more planted, substantial look thanks to a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumper fascia, and an updated daytime running light signature. New alloy wheels, anodized aluminum badging, and a 75-mm longer rear wiper blade for improved visibility round out these purposeful changes.
2025 Tucson 2.5L gas-powered models went on sale at U.S. dealerships in June, while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are arriving now. Just in time for back to school and holiday road trips with our human and fur babies.
