2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$39,730 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid thrills with its EV-forward approach, offering a compelling 32 miles of pure electric range and achieving a combined 35 MPG thanks to its 268 hp powertrain. In stark contrast, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline captures attention with its truck utility, boasting superior power at 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, albeit settling for a standard all-wheel-drive efficiency of 21 MPG combined. The Tucson prioritizes efficiency and city-friendly dimensions (182.7 inches long), while the Ridgeline leans into rugged capability with its substantial 210.2-inch length and a specialized, though smaller, 7.3 cu ft bed. This comparison pits electrified crossover economy against traditional, robust pickup utility, separated significantly by a substantial 14 MPG difference in fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range and superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers significantly more overall size (210.2 inches long) and robust capability, which suits larger family hauling needs better than the compact Tucson.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

Enthusiasts seeking raw performance and standard utility will appreciate the Ridgeline's 280 hp and truck bed access.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson, starting at $39,730, delivers significantly better running costs with its PHEV powertrain compared to the Ridgeline's lower MPG.

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

Your daily drive fits within the 32 miles of all-electric range.
Maximizing fuel savings is key, targeting the 35 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring 182.7 inches in length for easier city maneuvering.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require the utility of an open bed, despite its smaller 7.3 cu ft capacity.
You demand the higher power output of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the capability of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Tucson's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Honda Ridgeline
Length	182.7"	210.2"
Width	73.4"	78.6"
Height	66.3"	70.8"
Wheelbase	108.5"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	351.0/468.0 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.	19.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	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	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

What is the primary trade-off between the Tucson PHEV and the Ridgeline?

The primary trade-off is efficiency versus utility. The Tucson prioritizes fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined, while the Ridgeline sacrifices efficiency (21 MPG combined) to offer truck bed functionality and greater physical bulk.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline offers a slight edge in raw output with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Tucson's 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Does the Tucson PHEV offer competitive cargo space for families?

The Tucson offers substantial enclosed cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft, which is significantly more internal storage volume than the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft open bed.

Which vehicle is physically larger and how do their dimensions compare?

The Ridgeline is substantially larger, measuring 210.2 inches long and 78.6 inches wide. The Tucson is much more modest at 182.7 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.

If I commute daily using only electric power, which car is cheaper to run?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid will be significantly cheaper if you utilize its 32-mile electric range regularly, as it offers excellent electric-only commuting potential that the purely gasoline Ridgeline cannot match.

What transmission differences exist between the two AWD crossovers?

The Tucson utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its hybrid system, while the Ridgeline employs a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.