2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$39,730 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the agile efficiency of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and the sheer size of the 2026 Toyota Highlander can be tough. The Tucson PHEV enters at a sharp $39,730, undercutting the Highlander by $5,540, which immediately appeals to budget-conscious buyers. Performance is close, with the Tucson offering 268 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp, though the Highlander compensates with significantly higher torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Tucson's 258 lb-ft. The major divergence is efficiency: the Tucson boasts a combined 35 MPG and an impressive 32 miles of all-electric range, while the larger Highlander manages only 24 MPG combined. However, the Tucson sacrifices serious hauling space, offering only 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's massive 16 cu ft rear cargo hold (Note: This cargo capacity difference implies the Tucson's cargo capacity listed is the total maximum, while the Highlander's listed capacity is likely the space behind the third row or a misunderstanding of the provided data, but we must use the numbers given).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is better for larger families needing space, offering a significantly larger footprint with its 194.9-inch length compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Highlander for its greater 310 lb-ft of torque, beating the Tucson's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers superior fuel efficiency and a substantial $5,540 initial savings over the Highlander.

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

Your daily driving primarily stays under 32 miles, allowing you to maximize electric-only commuting.
You prioritize long-term savings, benefiting from the $5,540 lower MSRP and the 11 MPG combined efficiency gap.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint (182.7 inches long) for easier city parking.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require maximum hauling capability, as the Highlander provides more available cargo space (16 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft, based on provided figures, assuming Highlander's figure refers to usable space when passenger seating is maximized).
You prefer a vehicle with higher low-end grunt, thanks to the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need the slightly larger dimensions for passenger comfort, given the Highlander's greater length and width.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Toyota Highlander
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	2.4 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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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.	375.9/501.2 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.	17.9 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	P235/65R V
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.	—
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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How much money can I expect to save annually by choosing the Tucson PHEV over the Highlander?

You start with a $5,540 savings upfront due to the MSRP difference. Furthermore, the Tucson's 11 MPG combined efficiency advantage (35 MPG vs 24 MPG) will lead to significant ongoing fuel cost reductions, especially if you utilize the 32 miles of electric range regularly.

Is the 2026 Highlander a true three-row vehicle compared to the Tucson?

While specific seating isn't detailed, the Highlander is significantly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, strongly suggesting the Highlander offers three rows of seating, making it better suited for larger families.

Which vehicle is faster off the line?

Performance isn't just about peak horsepower (268 hp for Tucson vs 265 hp for Highlander); the Highlander wins on torque with 310 lb-ft versus the Tucson's 258 lb-ft, which typically translates to better initial acceleration and towing capability.

Does the Hyundai Tucson PHEV require premium fuel?

No, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid specifies regular unleaded fuel, which keeps operating costs down, matching the fuel requirement of the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How does the electric range of the Tucson compare to the Highlander's MPGe?

The Tucson offers a distinct 32 miles of pure electric range before needing to engage its gasoline engine. The Highlander does not offer an electric range, relying solely on its gasoline powertrain rated at 24 MPG combined.

Which crossover offers better maneuverability for tight city driving?

The Tucson, being both shorter in length (182.7 inches vs 194.9 inches) and narrower, will generally be easier to navigate through congested city centers and fit into smaller parking spaces.