2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Deciding between efficiency and outright size is a classic crossover conundrum, and the 2025 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (car1) versus the 2025 Highlander Hybrid (car2) perfectly illustrates this trade-off. The Tucson immediately wins on affordability, starting at $39,730 compared to the Highlander’s $46,820—a substantial $7,090 saving. While both achieve an identical 35 MPG combined, the Tucson offers a useful 32 miles of pure electric range, something the non-PHEV Highlander lacks. Power seekers might lean toward the Tucson, which boasts 268 hp against the Highlander's 243 hp, though the Highlander is the larger vehicle at 194.9 inches long versus the Tucson’s 182.7 inches. Despite the size difference, the Tucson manages a respectable 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the larger Highlander is surprisingly constrained with only 16 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The 32 miles of electric range offered by the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid makes short daily commutes cheaper and cleaner.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The significantly larger physical footprint and greater overall space of the Highlander make it inherently better suited for larger families needing maximum passenger volume.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers superior immediate output with 268 hp compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Saving $7,090 on the sticker price while still netting 35 MPG combined makes the Tucson the superior financial choice.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your budget is tight, as the Tucson undercuts the Highlander by $7,090.
- You prioritize daily electric driving, benefiting from the 32 miles of dedicated EV range.
- You prefer snappier acceleration, leveraging the Tucson's 268 hp output.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- You absolutely need maximum passenger room provided by the larger 194.9-inch body.
- You are content with the traditional hybrid system and the established reputation of the Toyota brand.
- You don't mind the higher MSRP in exchange for a larger overall vehicle size.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.3" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 112.2" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 243 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 | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 598.5/598.5 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. | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 57.2 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
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 Highlander Hybrid.
Does the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offer better gas mileage than the Highlander Hybrid?
No, in terms of pure gasoline usage once the battery is depleted, both vehicles are rated identically, achieving a combined 35 MPG for both City and Highway driving.
Why is the larger Highlander Hybrid less practical for cargo than the smaller Tucson PHEV?
This is a key difference: the 2025 Tucson PHEV offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, while the larger 2025 Highlander Hybrid only provides 16 cu ft, suggesting the Highlander prioritizes passenger dimensions over the cargo hold.
How significant is the difference in power between these two crossovers?
The difference is noticeable, as the Tucson PHEV produces 268 hp, which is 25 hp more than the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp rating.
If I drive mostly short distances, which car saves me money daily?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will save you more, as its 32 miles of electric range means many daily errands can be completed without using any regular unleaded fuel.
What is the difference in their base price?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at $39,730, significantly undercutting the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which has an MSRP of $46,820.
Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability.
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