2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Trying to choose between the nimble 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the massive 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander? It boils down to efficiency versus sheer size. The Tucson PHEV shines with an impressive 32 miles of electric range and a combined 35 MPG, making daily driving incredibly cheap, especially since it only requires regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the Grand Highlander offers significantly more real estate; it's nearly 18.7 inches longer at 201.4 inches and taller at 70.1 inches. While the Hyundai boasts 31.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Toyota's 20.6 cu ft (surprisingly less for the larger vehicle based on provided data), the Tucson's 268 hp slightly edges out the Grand Highlander's 265 hp. For budget-conscious urban drivers, the efficiency gap—a massive 11 MPG difference—is the critical factor.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 32 miles of electric range and 35 combined MPG make it vastly superior for daily, short-distance commuting.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Although the cargo space comparison is tight, the significantly larger physical footprint (201.4 inches long vs 182.7 inches) suggests the Grand Highlander offers superior passenger room for growing families.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson PHEV provides a slight edge in performance metrics with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque paired with AWD capability.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Despite a lower MSRP of $39,730, the Tucson offers dramatically better long-term running costs due to its superior fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximum fuel savings, benefitting from the 35 combined MPG rating.
- You frequently travel routes shorter than 32 miles and can rely mostly on electric power.
- You prefer the slightly higher power output of 268 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You absolutely need the maximum passenger or interior volume offered by its longer 201.4-inch frame.
- You prefer the higher peak torque figure of 310 lb-ft for towing or acceleration feel.
- You don't mind the lower 24 combined MPG in exchange for its larger dimensions and FWD setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.3" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 310 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 373.8/498.4 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Tucson PHEV compared to the Grand Highlander?
The difference in efficiency is substantial; the 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV achieves a combined 35 MPG, whereas the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander manages only 24 combined MPG, leading to significant long-term savings for the Hyundai owner.
Is the Grand Highlander actually larger inside given its exterior size difference?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is significantly longer externally at 201.4 inches, but based strictly on the provided numbers, the Tucson offers more measurable cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft versus the Toyota's 20.6 cu ft; passenger room remains the likely advantage for the Grand Highlander.
Can I use regular unleaded gas in both vehicles?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is convenient for both owners.
Which vehicle offers better electric-only driving capability?
The Tucson PHEV is the clear winner here, offering a dedicated 32 miles of electric range before needing the gas engine, a feature the Grand Highlander, as specified, does not possess.
How do their starting prices compare?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a slight MSRP advantage, starting at $39,730, while the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is listed at $40,860.
Does the extra size of the Grand Highlander translate to better acceleration?
The Grand Highlander has higher torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Tucson’s 258 lb-ft, despite the Tucson having slightly higher horsepower at 268 hp; the Grand Highlander's 8-speed transmission might also contribute to different driving dynamics.
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