2025 Hyundai Tucson vs Forester vs RAV4
Premium design and sophisticated interior
For 2025, Hyundai's refresh gives the Tucson a subtle but significant facelift, particularly inside the cabin. It elevates the vehicle's interior far beyond what you'd expect for its price point and above its key competition.
The Tucson features a tastefully furnished interior with high-quality materials, comfortable and supportive seating, and a refined design. The cabin feels mature and more premium than its direct rivals, including the RAV4, which can feel dated by comparison.
A major interior upgrade is the available dual 12.3-inch display, which combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single curved panel. This vivid, user-friendly setup is a step above the smaller, standard screens in the RAV4 and Forester, and the addition of physical knobs for climate and audio controls is a welcome, user-friendly touch. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims.
Tucson's stylish exterior design doesn't compromise on interior space. It offers more passenger volume and rear legroom than the RAV4, making it more comfortable for passengers.
Impressive value with an unbeatable warranty
The 2025 Tucson offers a compelling package of features for the money, making it a stronger overall value proposition than its rivals.
Comprehensive warranty
Hyundai provides an industry-leading warranty package that is unmatched by either Subaru or Toyota.
- Powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles.
- Complimentary maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Intuitive technology
A major interior upgrade is the available dual 12.3-inch display, which combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single curved panel. This vivid, user-friendly setup is a step above the smaller, standard screens in the RAV4 and Forester, and the addition of physical knobs for climate and audio controls is a welcome, user-friendly touch. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims.
Standard tech
The Tucson comes with plenty of standard tech and driver-assist features for the price, providing buyers with more desirable equipment from the start.
A smoother, more comfortable ride
While the RAV4 and Forester are competent vehicles, the Tucson stands out for its superior on-road manners.
Refined ride quality
Hyundai prioritized comfort with the Tucson's engineering. The result is a smooth, quiet, and composed ride, even on rougher pavement.
Better acceleration in hybrid trim
For drivers who want more power, the Tucson Hybrid offers a livelier driving experience than the base gas model. Its performance is comparable to the quicker acceleration found in the RAV4 Hybrid, which is a big upgrade over the unexciting base engines of the RAV4 and Forester.
Hybrid transmission
The Tucson Hybrid's conventional six-speed automatic transmission delivers power more smoothly than the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in its rivals, minimizing the "drone" effect associated with CVTs.
A comprehensive comparison: Tucson vs. Forester vs. RAV4
Making the final decision
Ultimately, the choice between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, 2025 Subaru Forester, and 2025 Toyota RAV4 depends on your priorities.
The Forester Hyundai prioritized comfort with the Tucson's engineering. The result is a smooth, quiet, and composed ride, even on rougher pavement.
The RAV4 is a solid option for those seeking a reliable, practical SUV with great fuel economy, especially in hybrid form, but its interior feels outdated.
The Tucson offers the best overall value, combining a premium, tech-forward interior with a quiet, comfortable ride and an unmatched warranty. For buyers who want an affordable SUV that feels more like a luxury vehicle, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner.