2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$39,730 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with its electrifying 268 hp powertrain and a crucial 32-mile all-electric range, promising city trips without burning a drop of gas. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent leans into rugged capability, boasting superior size—nearly 14 inches longer at 196.8 inches—and a more muscular 277 lb-ft of torque to manage its bulk. While the Tucson shines with an impressive 35 MPG combined economy, the Ascent settles for a 22 MPG combined figure, highlighting a massive 13 MPG efficiency gulf between these AWD crossovers. Priced nearly identically, starting at $39,730 for the Tucson and $39,995 for the Ascent, the decision hinges on prioritizing electric convenience and economy over maximum hauling capability and traditional ruggedness.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the clear commuter champion due to its 32 miles of electric range and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is better suited for families needing maximum space, offering greater dimensions and a more usable 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft if the Tucson's hybrid battery/compartment limits space or if more overall volume is needed for larger items, though the Tucson has more usable space given the specs provided.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers a slight edge in horsepower (268 hp vs 260 hp) and a more engaging 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Ascent's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers significantly lower running costs due to the 13 MPG efficiency advantage, providing better long-term value despite a similar initial MSRP.

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

You commute less than 32 miles daily and want to maximize electric-only driving.
Achieving 35 MPG combined fuel economy is a top priority for reducing running costs.
You prefer the engagement of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You regularly carry larger families or require a taller vehicle profile (71.6 inches height).
You prioritize maximum low-end pulling power, evidenced by its superior 277 lb-ft of torque.
You value the marginally larger overall footprint, indicated by its 196.8-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Subaru Ascent
Length	182.7"	196.8"
Width	73.4"	76.0"
Height	66.3"	71.6"
Wheelbase	108.5"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	386.0/501.8 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.	19.3 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	57.8 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	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency between the two crossovers?

The difference is massive; the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent manages only 22 MPG combined, resulting in a 13 MPG advantage for the Tucson.

Which vehicle is better for purely electric city driving?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the winner here, boasting an EPA-estimated 32 miles of electric range, allowing for significant zero-emission commuting before the gas engine engages.

Does the superior torque of the Ascent translate to better performance?

While the Ascent has slightly more torque at 277 lb-ft compared to the Tucson's 258 lb-ft, the Tucson holds a horsepower lead (268 hp vs 260 hp) and uses a conventional automatic transmission, which may feel more responsive than the Ascent's CVT.

If I need maximum passenger and cargo space, which crossover should I choose?

The Subaru Ascent is physically larger overall, measuring 196.8 inches long, which generally translates to more interior volume for occupants, although the Tucson lists higher cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft (Note: This data suggests the Tucson's measured cargo area is larger despite the Ascent being physically bigger overall).

Are there major pricing differences between these two AWD vehicles?

No, the initial pricing is very close, with the Tucson starting at $39,730 and the Ascent starting slightly higher at $39,995, meaning operating costs are the main differentiator in long-term value.

What type of transmissions do these two AWD models use?

The Tucson utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a more traditional driving feel, whereas the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).