2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
$39,730 · Crossover
$44,210 · Crossover
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid excites with its punchy 268 hp and accessible $39,730 MSRP, making plug-in capability thrillingly affordable. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid commands respect with its massive presence, stretching 201.4 inches in length, aimed squarely at maximizing passenger space, though it yields 23 horsepower to the Hyundai. While the Toyota achieves a slightly better combined 36 MPG versus the Tucson's 35 MPG, the Tucson offers a dedicated 32 miles of pure electric range before dipping into hybrid duties. The performance gap is noticeable, with the Tucson delivering 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Toyota's lower output, giving the smaller crossover sharper acceleration dynamics. Furthermore, the Tucson is significantly less expensive, representing a $4,480 savings over the larger Toyota crossover.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson offers 32 miles of electric range, perfect for maximizing zero-emission daily city driving before needing fuel.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander’s substantial 201.4-inch length and larger overall dimensions strongly favor spaciousness for hauling families and cargo.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
With 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Tucson provides noticeably more power for an engaging driving experience.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson delivers plug-in hybrid efficiency and more horsepower for a starting MSRP that is $4,480 lower than the competition.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize immediate power, benefiting from the 268 hp output for spirited driving.
- Your daily driving needs fit within the 32 miles of all-electric range for significant fuel savings.
- Saving upfront costs is key, as the MSRP starts $4,480 below the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximum passenger and storage capacity are non-negotiable, supported by its larger physical footprint.
- You prefer a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 36 MPG, though only marginally better than Car 1's 35 MPG.
- A taller, more commanding presence is desired, reflected in its 72.1-inch height compared to Car 1's 66.3 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.3" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | — |
| 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all 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 | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 636.4/584.8 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. | 17.2 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. | 8 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 Hybrid.
Which vehicle offers better maneuverability in tight city streets?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (Car 1) is significantly more compact, measuring only 182.7 inches in length compared to the Grand Highlander's 201.4 inches. This smaller exterior footprint makes the Tucson inherently easier to navigate and park in congested urban environments.
How much more powerful is the Tucson compared to the Grand Highlander?
The Tucson delivers an extra 23 horsepower, boasting 268 hp versus the Grand Highlander's 245 hp. This power difference, combined with the Tucson’s 258 lb-ft of torque, suggests it will feel quicker off the line and more responsive during passing maneuvers.
If I want a larger vehicle for passengers, does the cargo space reflect that in the specifications?
Interestingly, despite being much longer overall, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid only offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity listed, whereas the smaller 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid manages 31.9 cubic feet. This suggests the Grand Highlander prioritizes third-row passenger volume over maximum cargo hauling when all seats are in use.
What is the major difference in their electric driving capabilities?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid explicitly features a 32-mile all-electric range capability, allowing for emissions-free short trips. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is noted only for its combined MPG of 36, implying it operates solely as a traditional hybrid system without a dedicated plug-in range.
Are there significant differences in their transmission types affecting the driving feel?
Yes, the Tucson uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more distinct gear shifts that enthusiasts often prefer. In contrast, the Grand Highlander utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, uninterrupted acceleration common in efficiency-focused vehicles.
Which vehicle is more budget-friendly based on the starting MSRPs?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid holds a clear price advantage, starting at $39,730. This is $4,480 less expensive than the starting MSRP of $44,210 for the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
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