The 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT promises adventure with its rugged styling and off-road-inspired appearance, but does it deliver on its bold claims? After spending extensive time behind the wheel, the answer is more complicated than you might expect. While the XRT excels in certain areas like style and technology, it falls short in the fundamental aspects that matter most to buyers seeking genuine capability and driving satisfaction.
What Makes the XRT Special (And What Doesn’t)
The XRT Package: Style Over Substance
The XRT trim doubles down on the aggressive look with exclusive 18-inch wheels, chunky black lower-body cladding, and beefy, bridge-style roof rails that are far more practical than the flush-mounted rails on other trims. Hyundai’s XRT (Cross Road Touring) package is fundamentally an appearance upgrade designed to make the Tucson look more adventure-ready than it actually is.
The visual modifications include black side cladding, specialized 18-inch wheels, and distinctive XRT badging throughout the vehicle. However, the Tucson XRT lacks the real substance and hardware necessary for tackling trails that are more demanding than typical fire roads. This means you’re paying for the look of capability rather than actual off-road performance.
Ground Clearance and Capability Reality Check
With just 8.3 inches of ground clearance – the same as other Tucson trims – the XRT doesn’t offer any mechanical advantages for off-road driving. Unlike the off-road trim levels from some competitors, the Tucson XRT is just an appearance package. You get rugged-looking black wheels, dark exterior trim, different fender flares, and “XRT” stitched into the front seats. The all-season tires further emphasize that this vehicle is designed for mall parking lots rather than mountain trails.
Engine Performance: The Biggest Letdown
Underpowered and Unrefined
The most significant issue with the Tucson XRT lies under the hood. With just a measly 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, this Tucson can barely get out of its own way and necessary throttle inputs lack response. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feels severely underpowered for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Performance testing reveals the full extent of the problem. In our 0–60-mph test, the Hyundai recorded a sluggish 9.0 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 16.8 seconds at 84.4 mph. These numbers place the Tucson XRT among the slowest vehicles in its competitive segment.
Transmission Troubles
The eight-speed automatic transmission compounds the engine’s problems. The eight-speed automatic transmission needs refinement, as it produces rough shifts from first to second—particularly when cold. Shift responsiveness, whether up or down, can be sluggish, which is frustrating when trying to merge or pass slower-moving vehicles on the freeway.
Interior Excellence: Where the XRT Shines
Technology and Design Updates
Despite powertrain shortcomings, the 2025 Tucson XRT’s interior represents a significant step forward. The redesigned cabin feels incredibly tech-forward and expensive. On higher trims, you get a beautiful panoramic curved display that seamlessly merges a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen into one unit.
Hyundai has struck an excellent balance between high-tech features and practical usability. Crucially, Hyundai listened to feedback and reintroduced physical knobs for volume and tuning, along with a row of hard buttons for climate control. It’s the perfect blend of high-tech cool and real-world usability.
Comfort and Space
The cabin offers impressive space for a compact SUV, with comfortable seating for five passengers. Rear-seat head- and legroom were adequate. The materials quality throughout the interior feels premium, especially considering the XRT’s price point.
Value Proposition and Pricing
2025 Tucson XRT Pricing and Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $34,165 (FWD) / $35,560 (AWD) |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder, 187 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city / 32 highway (FWD) |
| Cargo Space | 38.7 cu-ft (rear seats up) |
| Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
The XRT I tested based at $34,165, including the $1,500 for AWD, and the list of features was long. Standard features include advanced safety systems, LED lighting, and a comprehensive infotainment system.
Warranty Advantage
One of the Tucson XRT’s strongest selling points is Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage. I mentioned the entry-level pricing, but the XRT, just one level below the top Limited model, starts at $34,300 and this AWD model listed at $35,560, with delivery. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides exceptional peace of mind.
The Hybrid Alternative: What You’re Missing
A Superior Powertrain Option
Here’s where the XRT’s story becomes frustrating for potential buyers. Hyundai offers a significantly better powertrain option for the Tucson, but you can’t get it on the XRT. The Hybrid model pairs a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower and, more importantly, 258 lb-ft of torque.
The difference is dramatic: The Hybrid is quicker (0-60 in about 7.1 seconds), quieter, and far more responsive. It even features a proper 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT, which is greatly appreciated for a more refined driving experience.
Driving Dynamics and Real-World Performance
Handling and Ride Quality
The XRT’s driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring. The Tucson isn’t especially fun to drive, but it’s engaging enough to not be a bore, and Hyundai continues to get better when it comes to steering feel. The suspension provides a comfortable ride on smooth roads but can feel unsettled on rough surfaces.
Fuel Economy Reality
Despite the modest power output, fuel economy isn’t particularly impressive. Fuel economy may be 30 MPG on the highway, but that’s not really impressive at all in 2024 for a crossover with such little power. The engine’s need to work hard to move the vehicle actually hurts efficiency.
Competition Comparison
How It Stacks Against Rivals
The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with several alternatives offering better overall packages:
- Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 is aimed squarely at the person who prioritizes the act of driving. Its handling is sharper, its chassis feels more athletic in the corners, and its interior has a genuinely premium fit and finish.
- Honda CR-V: Offers more refined powertrain options and better driving dynamics
- Toyota RAV4: Provides superior reliability reputation and available hybrid variants
- Kia Sportage: Delivers similar value with more engaging driving characteristics
Who Should Consider the XRT?
The Ideal XRT Buyer
The XRT trim, specifically, is for a very particular buyer, someone who is completely sold on the rugged look and is willing to live with the base engine’s performance to get it. If you prioritize appearance over performance and rarely venture beyond paved roads, the XRT might suit your needs.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you value driving dynamics, need genuine off-road capability, or want the most efficient powertrain, the XRT will disappoint. If you’re serious about buying a Tucson, the Hybrid is the one you should get.
Style Can’t Hide Substance Issues
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT presents a compelling visual package with excellent interior technology and strong value proposition. However, its fundamental powertrain weaknesses and limited off-road capability prevent it from being a well-rounded choice in the competitive compact SUV segment.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a compelling package. It nails the things that many buyers see and touch every day: head-turning style, a feature-packed and spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. It represents a fantastic value, especially when you factor in the industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The XRT succeeds as a fashion statement but fails as a performance vehicle. For buyers seeking genuine adventure capability or engaging driving dynamics, alternatives like the Mazda CX-50 or Subaru Forester Wilderness offer superior experiences. However, if you’re drawn to the XRT’s rugged styling and can live with its performance limitations, it provides decent value with excellent warranty coverage.
Ultimately, the XRT feels like a missed opportunity – a vehicle that could have been genuinely compelling with the right powertrain combination, but instead settles for looking the part without playing it.