A Brave New Face: First Look at the Tucson
Now, I’m a bike guy by heart. I ride to feel exposed, mechanical, raw. But I also appreciate good design, and damn, Hyundai didn’t hold back with the Tucson’s aesthetics. The “parametric” design language that sounded like marketing fluff on paper actually worked in the metal. The front grille is a kaleidoscope of sharp geometry; the daytime running lights vanish into it like a stealth tech prototype. It has presence, bordering on arrogance, but it works.
I walked around it slowly, running my fingers along the creases of the body, past the integrated rear wiper, and paused at the floating logo embedded in the rear glass. Overkill? Maybe. But you can’t say they lacked creativity. Two, tone paint was standard now, but this matte gray, black combo with 19, inch alloys stood out perfectly against the earthy tones of Högl.
Specs Table: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug, In Hybrid Prime AWD
| Specification | Details |
| Engine Type | Plug, in hybrid (1.6L turbo + electric motor) |
| System Power | 185 kW / 252 hp |
| Torque (System) | 367 Nm |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | All, wheel drive |
| Battery Capacity (Gross) | 13.8 kWh |
| WLTP Electric Range | 64 km |
| Real World Electric Range (ADAC Test) | 53 km |
| Fuel Consumption (Hybrid Mode) | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel + Electric Combined (First 100 km) | 3.9 L + 11.6 kWh |
| 0, 100 km/h | 8.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 km/h |
| Charging Power | AC: 2.3 , 7.2 kW |
| Trunk Volume | 558 , 1,721 liters |
| Towing Capacity (Braked) | 1,210 kg |
| Curb Weight | 1,889 kg |
| Price | €54,050 |
Plug, In Power on Real Roads: Climbing the Högl
Once I settled into the driver’s seat, the difference from my usual ride, a Yamaha MT, 09, was more than just handlebars versus steering wheel. This thing was quiet. I flicked it into EV mode and rolled out onto the narrow, undulating roads that snaked through the Högl hills.
On gentle throttle, the Tucson glided like a whisper. The 98, hp electric motor did its best impression of a luxury EV. In town, the pull was smooth and satisfying, especially in traffic. But once we hit the incline heading up toward Ainring, the 1.6, liter turbo petrol kicked in, and you could feel the handoff. It wasn’t seamless, but it wasn’t jarring either.
The combined 252 horses made themselves known as I pushed up the winding slopes. Acceleration was firm, not frantic. I’d compare it to a comfortable but capable ADV bike, more like a BMW R 1250 GS than a sportbike. The Tucson isn’t meant to be a performance SUV, but there’s enough in reserve to overtake with confidence and hustle through mountain roads if you’re in the mood.
Handling in Corners: Not a Sports Car, but No Slouch
Högl isn’t the Alps, but the elevation changes and tight bends are more than enough to test a car’s handling. The Tucson felt heavy, because it is, but not clumsy. Body roll was noticeable when pushed hard, but never unnerving. The ESP cut in predictably during sudden changes of direction, especially on tighter hairpins.
One section near the Maria Plain border caught me out, a quick left, right combo after a downhill sprint, and I felt the rear shift. A moment later, the ESP nudged things back into line. That safety net was finely tuned; not overbearing but decisive.
The steering wasn’t razor, sharp but gave decent feedback, better than expected from an SUV of this weight class. Honestly, it felt planted, especially for an AWD setup meant more for snow and gravel than hairpin warfare.
Inside the Cockpit: The Calm After the Climb
After the loop around Högl, I parked on a flat overlook and finally took in the cabin. Hyundai’s facelift has done wonders here. The dash was clean, floating center console elegant, and finally, hallelujah, they brought back physical knobs for climate and volume. No more fumbling with glossy black touchscreen menus while trying not to drift into oncoming traffic.
I appreciated the new head, up display and the blind, spot camera feeds that pop up when you signal. At first, I thought they were gimmicks. After an hour of twisty roads and tight lanes, I was fully converted. On a bike, I live in my mirrors; in this Tucson, I barely needed them.
What surprised me most was the space. I’m 6’2″, and I sat in the rear just to see, and didn’t even need to adjust the front seat. Luggage space was decent too, though the loading sill was oddly high. With the seats down, it could easily swallow a week’s worth of touring gear, or a set of motocross wheels if you’re the type.
Real World Range: Plug, In But Limited
Now here’s where the Tucson shows its biggest limitation. Hyundai claims 64 km on electric. The ADAC got 53 km, and so did I, give or take. That’s… disappointing. With a battery just 13.8 kWh in size, it’s not built for long, haul electric drives. Around town? Sure. But don’t expect EV magic on a 300, km countryside loop.
Winter would be even trickier. Since the Tucson can’t heat the cabin using the electric system alone, the petrol engine will run to warm things up. Not exactly eco, friendly in the frost.
Charging and Fuel Use: Fast Isn’t in the Vocabulary
Charging this thing is like filling a camel with a spoon. Single, phase AC at 2.3 to 7.2 kW means long wait times. At home, it’s manageable overnight. On the road? You’ll need to plan ahead or just run it in hybrid.
Fuel, wise, once the battery drained, I averaged 6.9 liters per 100 km. That’s fair for an SUV, but far from revolutionary. With a full charge and conservative driving, I got about 4.2 L/100km when averaged across city, hill, and highway.
Conclusion: Who Is This For?
Back at the parking spot near Högl, I stepped out of the Tucson, stretched my legs, and asked myself, would I buy this?
If you’re looking for a well, equipped, futuristic, feeling SUV that prioritizes comfort, safety, and clever tech, yes. If you have a home charger and drive mostly short commutes, it’ll make financial and environmental sense. But if you think a plug, in hybrid will turn your SUV into a guilt, free EV cruiser, this isn’t it.
It’s not a driver’s car like a BMW X3, and it’s not a torque monster like a diesel Grandland. But it threads a middle path. It’s stylish, clever, and confident, kind of like a comfortable riding jacket with a built, in airbag system. Not essential for thrill, seekers, but damn reassuring when you’re in it for the long haul.
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