2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Lexus NX

$39,730 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with a spirited 268 hp, offering immediate electric gratification with 32 miles of pure electric range before its regular unleaded engine kicks in. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX charms with its serene luxury polish and superior fuel economy, sipping gas to achieve a superb 40 MPG combined, though it relies on premium fuel. The Tucson pulls ahead significantly in performance, boasting 28 more horsepower than the Lexus's 240 hp, making it the enthusiast's pick for dynamic driving. However, the Lexus commands a higher $44,175 MSRP compared to the Tucson's $39,730. While the Tucson offers a cavernous 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, the Lexus prioritizes efficiency and refinement over outright utility, though it is slightly longer at 183.5 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers 32 miles of electric range, significantly reducing daily commuting costs on regular fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson provides substantially more cargo space at 31.9 cu ft compared to the Lexus's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

With 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Tucson delivers superior outright power for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers $4,445 in savings on the MSRP while providing superior horsepower.

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

You prioritize maximum power, benefiting from the 268 hp engine.
You need the highest possible utility, supported by 31.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You want to stick to regular unleaded fuel while still achieving 32 miles of EV driving.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, utilizing the 40 MPG combined rating.
You prefer the refinement and status associated with the Lexus brand.
Your driving style rarely requires high power, accepting 240 hp for better highway MPG (38 MPG).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Lexus NX
Length	182.7"	183.5"
Width	73.4"	73.4"
Height	66.3"	66.1"
Wheelbase	108.5"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
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	240 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	609.0/551.0 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.	14.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
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	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	56.3 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	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Lexus NX.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirement between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel for its entire operation. In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its optimal performance and 40 MPG combined rating.

How does the electric range capability compare?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid holds a distinct advantage here, offering a dedicated 32 miles of all-electric range for local trips. The 2026 Lexus NX, as specified, does not feature a plug-in hybrid system and therefore has no all-electric driving range.

Is the Lexus NX significantly smaller or larger than the Tucson?

The two crossovers are extremely similar in footprint; the Lexus NX is marginally longer at 183.5 inches compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches and they share the exact same width of 73.4 inches.

Which vehicle is the better choice for hauling larger items?

The Hyundai Tucson is the superior choice for cargo capacity, offering a massive 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row. The Lexus NX trails significantly with only 22.7 cubic feet available for storage.

What justifies the $4,445 price difference between the two models?

The price disparity covers Lexus's premium brand positioning, the standard FWD layout on the NX versus the Tucson's AWD, and the superior power delivery of the Tucson (268 hp vs 240 hp).

Does the lower horsepower in the Lexus hurt its transmission performance?

The 2026 Lexus NX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), engineered to maximize the efficiency from its 240 hp engine. The Tucson uses a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with its higher-output hybrid system.