Hyundai Tucson Becomes Popular Model in North America..My strength as a Japanese car killer is
Apr 12, 2025
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There is no doubt that SUVs have replaced mid-size sedans in the United States since the late 2010s. As for the criteria for consumer choice, practicality, reliability, and affordability are given priority above all else. Hyundai Tucson is a vehicle with these three beats.Though not the best-selling SUV in the U.S., the Tucson has firmly established itself as an alternative to Japanese competitors such as the Toyota and Honda.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson pure internal combustion engine model is a single power train that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Front wheel drive can be upgraded to all-wheel drive for an additional $1500 with all five trims.
It is also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.The Tucson Hybrid comes with a 231 horsepower hybrid system and all-wheel drive.Depending on the model, a combined city/highway fuel efficiency of 14.8 km to 16.1 km per liter is obtained.The Tucson PHEV is a four-wheel drive with 268 horsepowerOn offer. Overall, it boasts a fuel economy of up to 14.8 km per litre and can travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone.
Tucson Hybrid and PHEV have priced $33,465 and $39,730, respectively. Gasoline models start at $28,705. be well-equipped with convenience at an affordable price.The mid-priced SEL Convenience model starts at $33,015.
A lot of high-end amenities were added, including leather-wrapped steering wheels and shift knobs. The XRT trim is the same as the SEL Convention in terms of price, but there are several additional trim-only features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, black out side mirrors, and LED taillights.
Top limited trim starts at $38,645. It comes with a few additional safety systems, including leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and blind spot view monitors.Tucson is particularly competitive with its Japanese counterparts.
The first of them is the Honda CR-V. The CR-V was launched in a stylish yet conservative design, which is also a tradition for Japanese automakers.Style is not everything.CR-V is not as large and wide as Tucson. A CVT and a 1.5-liter turbocharger four-cylinder engine are prepared for front-wheel drive.Four-wheel drive is optional, but you need to add 1500 dollars.It produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, and the fuel efficiency is 11.9 kilometers per liter or 12.7 kilometers per liter, depending on the drive system.
The Honda CR-V also comes with a hybrid system.The 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain boasts combined fuel efficiency of up to 17 km per liter with front-wheel drive.Upgrading to all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 15.7 kilometers per liter. The basic Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid costs $34,650.The base model has several additional amenities, such as an 18-inch glossy black alloy wheel.
The top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid costs $41,400. Honda sensing with four-wheel drive and enhanced safety and a power tailgate with hands-free access will be provided. The CR-V is not the best-performing car in its class, but sales are slightly ahead of Hyundai.It is a model that stands out even though it is expensive due to its practical interior and somewhat sporty style.
The second competing vehicle is the Mazda CX-50. Mazda is not a big-selling automotive manufacturer, but the CX-50 is still a strong contender in crossover.It offers some upgrades, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen display.
The CX-50 size is small, but it is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder natural intake engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The combined fuel efficiency of cities and highways is 11.9 kilometers per liter based on EPA.
Unlike most other crossovers, the CX-50 is based on all-wheel drive.This alone is one step ahead of its competitors. Mazda comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to gain an edge over competing crossovers, especially in terms of convenience. It also includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alarm.
All models except 2.5S Select will also be equipped with a power lift gate. The CX-50 2.5S Select starts at $30,500 with all-wheel drive.Add automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED lights, and dual exhaust, and the CX-50 is a true competitor to the value-oriented Hyundai Tucson.
The third competitor is the Toyota Rav4. As the standard for crossover, the Toyota Lab4 has been the best-selling model in North America for many years.For 2024, the Rav4 is outperforming the Ford pickup truck F-150, the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. In terms of performance, all petrol Rav4s have a 2.5L four-cylinder natural intake engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission and are all-wheel-drive.
This power train emits 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft torque.All-wheel drive costs $1400.In terms of efficiency, RAV4 has a fuel efficiency of 12.7 km per liter when driving city and highway. Starting at $29,250 the basic LE trim comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Going up to the top-end limited trim starting at $37,555, you'll find some advanced features.The best-selling crossover has LED lighting and 19-inch metal-finished alloy wheels that go well with dual chrome tip exhaust.
A 10.5-inch touchscreen display is standard and includes an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. Comparing the Rav4 with the Hyundai Tucson, it offers great value in the highly competitive subcompact crossover sector.It features a large interior space and sophisticated design and interior. The Rav4 and CX-50 are similar in price to Tucson, but they are less than Tucson in indoor space.
Honda CR-V has higher performance and efficiency than Tucson, but it is a pity because the starting price is high. In conclusion, Hyundai Tucson is a strong alternative to the popular Japanese crossover in North America.It is a cost-effective vehicle with a practical design and low price.Tucson's rich options and spacious interior compensate for its disappointing performance and somewhat inferior fuel economy. Before purchasing the Rav4, the No. 1 best-selling North America, please test drive the Hyundai Tucson and CX-50 together.
Meanwhile, Tucson is constantly enjoying popularity in Korea, ranking in the top 10 every year. Sales are lower than their rival Kia Sportage, but by North American standards, the Tucson is showing higher sales than the Sportage.
Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
