2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives as the rugged, body-on-frame titan, boasting 278 hp and a stout 317 lb-ft of torque, ready for serious adventuring with its imposing 72.6-inch height and classic RWD platform. Contrast this with the sleek, modern 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, which champions efficiency with a dazzling 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of pure electric range from its 268 hp powertrain. The Tucson's lower $40,075 MSRP and smaller footprint (182.7 inches long) make it agile, whereas the 4Runner offers superior hauling capability with 48.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft. The critical divergence is fuel economy: the 4Runner manages 22 MPG combined, meaning the Tucson delivers a stunning 13 MPG advantage for daily driving, bridging a significant gap between raw capability and technological thriftiness.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of electric-only driving capability.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner offers significantly more usable space, evidenced by 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner delivers higher peak torque at 317 lb-ft and possesses a more traditional, rugged SUV architecture appealing to off-road enthusiasts.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson offers greater running cost savings through efficiency and a slightly lower starting price of $40,075.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You prioritize maximum ruggedness and off-road potential over fuel sipping, leveraging its body-on-frame build.
- You need the absolute maximum hauling ability, accessing 48.4 cubic feet of rear cargo space.
- Your driving style demands the stronger 317 lb-ft of torque delivered by its 278 hp engine.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Minimizing environmental impact and fuel costs is crucial, thanks to its 35 combined MPG rating.
- You have a short daily commute you can complete entirely on the 32 miles of electric range.
- You prefer easier maneuverability and parking, indicated by its smaller 182.7-inch length and AWD system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota 4Runner | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 182.7" |
| Width | 78.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 72.6" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 271 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 | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 380.0/494.0 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| 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. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 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 | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.8 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.1 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Tucson PHEV than the 2025 4Runner?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid holds a substantial advantage, achieving 35 combined MPG compared to the 4Runner's 22 combined MPG. This results in a 13 MPG difference, significantly reducing running costs for the Hyundai.
Which vehicle offers better performance when towing or climbing steep grades?
The 2025 4Runner generally offers better towing and climbing capability due to its higher torque output of 317 lb-ft and its dedicated RWD platform built for durability.
Can the Tucson PHEV replace a gasoline car for daily city driving?
Yes, the Tucson is capable of covering 32 miles solely on electric power, which may cover the entirety of many daily commutes without using any gasoline.
Is the 4Runner significantly larger than the Tucson?
Yes, the 4Runner is notably larger in every dimension, measuring 194.9 inches long and 72.6 inches tall, making it over 12 inches longer and almost 6 inches taller than the 182.7-inch long Tucson.
Do the transmissions differ significantly between these two SUVs?
The 4Runner utilizes a modern 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its power delivery, while the Tucson PHEV is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling gear?
The traditional SUV structure of the 4Runner grants it a distinct advantage in pure volume, offering 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space versus the crossover Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet.
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