2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,150 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Tucson achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, a difference of 14 MPG. Performance is closely matched, though the Tucson leads in torque (271 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft) while the Ridgeline holds a slight horsepower advantage (280 hp vs. 268 hp). Financially, pricing is near parity, with the Ridgeline listed at $40,150 and the Tucson at $40,075. Size specifications favor the Ridgeline in overall footprint (210.2 inches long) but the Tucson offers substantially more interior storage capacity at 31.9 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Furthermore, the Tucson includes a 32-mile electric-only range, a metric absent in the standard Ridgeline specifications, impacting daily operational costs significantly.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG rating and 32 miles of all-electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft, which is better for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its higher 280 horsepower output and the use of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Given the near-identical MSRPs (+$750 difference), the Tucson's drastically better fuel economy (35 MPG vs 21 MPG) delivers superior long-term operational value.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower, achieving 280 hp compared to the Tucson's 268 hp.
You prefer a vehicle with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a 6-speed unit.
You require the greater length (210.2 inches) and overall dimensions of the Ridgeline platform.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your primary concern is fuel efficiency, highlighted by the 35 combined MPG rating.
You value maximizing enclosed cargo space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft versus 7.3 cu ft.
You can utilize the 32 miles of dedicated electric range for daily short trips.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	210.2"	182.7"
Width	78.6"	73.4"
Height	70.8"	66.3"
Wheelbase	125.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	268 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

Which vehicle is more cost-effective based on initial pricing?

The initial pricing is extremely close; the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $40,075, while the 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,150. The Tucson's lower operational cost due to its MPG will provide greater long-term savings.

How does the standard horsepower compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is technically more powerful on paper, delivering 280 horsepower. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid outputs 268 horsepower, though it compensates by offering higher torque at 271 lb-ft versus the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

Is the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid suitable for long road trips given its electric range?

The 32-mile electric range is excellent for city commuting, but for long trips, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline will be more consistent as it relies solely on its 21 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel.

What is the primary difference in cargo capability?

The difference in cargo space is substantial; the Tucson PHEV provides 31.9 cu ft, making it far more utilitarian for hauling gear than the Ridgeline's minimal 7.3 cu ft cargo capacity.

Do both vehicles utilize the same drivetrain components?

No, while both feature All-Wheel Drive, the Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Tucson PHEV employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the larger vehicle across the board, measuring 210.2 inches in length compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches. It is also wider and taller.