2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,320 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Highlander launches with a potent 265 hp turbocharged engine, delivering a robust 310 lb-ft of torque and a conventional 25 MPG combined rating, making it the choice for established familiarity and straight-line grunt. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid enters the ring boasting 268 hp and immediate electric responsiveness, fundamentally changing the ownership equation with an exceptional 35 MPG combined, supported by 32 miles of pure electric range. While the Highlander offers a larger footprint at 194.9 inches long, the Tucson prioritizes efficiency and flexibility, sporting a smaller size (182.7 inches) but offering nearly double the usable cargo space at 31.9 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. The pricing is remarkably close, with the Tucson starting at $40,075 and the Highlander at $40,320, but the Tucson's fuel economy advantage promises significant long-term savings over the Highlander's standard gasoline setup.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Families gain significantly more utility from the Tucson’s 31.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque provides a more traditional and accessible performance feel than the Tucson's hybrid powertrain.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a nearly identical MSRP, the Tucson offers vastly better long-term running costs due to its 10 MPG efficiency advantage.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prefer the proven robustness of a standard gasoline engine with 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need the marginally higher horsepower (265 hp vs 268 hp, though torque differs significantly).
You require the larger external dimensions of a 194.9-inch long crossover.

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

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, highlighted by the 35 MPG combined rating versus 25 MPG.
You frequently drive shorter distances, utilizing the 32 miles of dedicated electric range.
You need maximum internal storage, benefitting from 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	194.9"	182.7"
Width	76.0"	73.4"
Height	68.1"	66.3"
Wheelbase	112.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

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	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	268 hp
Torque	310 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	front 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)	22/29 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 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	Toyota	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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 Highlander and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much better is the fuel economy between the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 Tucson PHEV?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid boasts a substantial lead with a 35 MPG combined rating. In contrast, the standard gasoline Highlander achieves only 25 MPG combined, marking a 10 MPG difference in overall efficiency.

Does the Tucson PHEV require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs predictable for both models.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for gear and luggage?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV offers nearly double the usable space, providing 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16 cu ft.

Are the horsepower figures comparable, even though one is a PHEV?

Yes, the performance is close on paper; the Tucson PHEV edges out the Highlander with 268 hp versus the Highlander’s 265 hp, though the Highlander offers significantly more torque at 310 lb-ft.

What is the benefit of the Tucson’s electric-only range?

The 32 miles of electric range means drivers with shorter daily commutes, such as those under 30 miles round trip, could potentially operate the Tucson primarily on electricity, saving substantial amounts of gasoline.

How do their drivetrain configurations differ?

The 2025 Highlander utilizes a standard front-wheel-drive setup with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 2026 Tucson PHEV features all-wheel drive paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.