2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Lexus RX

$39,730 · Crossover

$49,125 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene offering electric flexibility and aggressive power with 268 hp, while the 2025 Lexus RX trades efficiency for traditional luxury and superior torque. The Tucson shines with its 32 miles of pure electric range and impressive 35 MPG combined, making it a budget champion against the RX’s higher $49,125 MSRP compared to the Tucson's $39,730 entry point. While the Lexus boasts 317 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 258 lb-ft, the efficiency gap is substantial; the Tucson delivers a 10 MPG combined advantage, despite requiring only regular unleaded fuel. The larger Tucson also offers slightly more utility with 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space versus the RX’s 29.6 cubic feet, creating a compelling case for smart, punchy performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 32 miles of electric range significantly reduces daily fuel costs for commuters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers more usable cargo space at 31.9 cu ft and a substantially lower entry price of $39,730.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers significantly more twisting power with 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson wins on value by saving buyers $9,395 upfront while offering superior combined fuel economy.

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

You prioritize extreme fuel savings and want to utilize 32 miles of pure EV driving capability.
Keeping the MSRP under $40,000 is a primary budget concern, as the Tucson starts at $39,730.
You prefer the lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel and better overall MPG (35 combined).

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You demand higher immediate acceleration grunt delivered by 317 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the established prestige and potentially smoother ride associated with the Lexus brand.
You need the marginally larger footprint, evidenced by the RX's 192.5-inch length compared to the Tucson’s 182.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Lexus RX
Length	182.7"	192.5"
Width	73.4"	75.6"
Height	66.3"	67.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
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.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	17.8 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	✓
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Lexus RX.

What is the major difference in fuel efficiency between the 2025 Tucson PHEV and the Lexus RX?

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is substantially more efficient, achieving a combined 35 MPG, whereas the Lexus RX is rated at 25 MPG combined. This results in a notable 10 MPG advantage for the Tucson.

How much more power does the Lexus RX have over the Tucson PHEV?

The Lexus RX offers a slight horsepower advantage with 275 hp compared to the Tucson's 268 hp. More significantly, the RX delivers 317 lb-ft of torque, beating the Tucson's 258 lb-ft.

Can the Tucson PHEV operate solely on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is capable of traveling up to 32 miles purely on electric power before the gasoline engine engages.

Is the higher cost of the Lexus RX justified by its space or features?

The Lexus RX carries a premium starting MSRP of $49,125, a $9,395 difference from the Tucson, and actually offers slightly less cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the Tucson’s 31.9 cu ft.

Do the drivetrains differ significantly between these two crossovers?

They do; the 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the 2025 Lexus RX is listed with Front Wheel Drive and utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the Tucson's 6-speed.

Which vehicle requires a more expensive type of gasoline?

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV runs happily on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded, adding to its long-term ownership expense.