REVIEW: The Hyundai Tucson 2025 Hybrid AWD N Line Surprised Me — Here’s Why

Usually, I kick off a car review with the history, story, or heritage behind the model. But this time, I’m switching things up a bit.

The moment I pressed the pedal and rolled out from Hyundai Singapore with the 2025 Tucson Hybrid AWD N Line , all my expectations went flying out of the window.

See, the Tucson has always been the sensible, practical sports utility vehicle (SUV) — especially in its first three generations. Think: reliable, utilitarian, maybe a little… boring. Nothing about it screamed fun or spirited driving. I hadn’t tried the fourth-gen yet, so this was my chance to see if Hyundai had shaken things up.

Now, when I first heard about the face-lifted Gen 4 Tucson getting an N Line trim, I assumed it was just a fancy cosmetic upgrade — like a beer-bellied guy drawing abs on his tummy to look macho. Because on paper, that’s exactly what it seemed: some aggressive styling touches slapped onto the usual package.

Boy, was I wrong.

The Gen 4 Tucson deserves every bit of that “warpaint” the N Line wears. And the biggest surprise? The 2025 Tucson drives so damn well — whether you’re flooring it or carving corners — yet you won’t find a single mention of this in the brochure.

A Surprising Driving Experience

The Hybrid System

Right from the get-go, the 2025 Tucson Hybrid AWD N Line feels lively and eager. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, you get a clever blend of a turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine paired with an electric motor. It’s not just about saving fuel — this setup delivers smooth, responsive acceleration that makes you want to press the pedal just a little harder.

The Tucson Hybrid churns out a combined torque of 367 Nm — that’s right, it’s playing in full electric vehicle (EV) territory when it comes to grunt. But here’s the twist: it weighs only about 1,555 kg kerb weight, which is way lighter than most electric vehicles with similar torque figures.

You see where I’m going with this, right? High torque plus relatively low weight equals an acceleration punch that really surprises. It feels quick off the line, eager to surge forward without the typical lag or heaviness you might expect from a hybrid or SUV.

True All-Wheel Drive

Now, here’s the real kicker: the Tucson’s AWD system isn’t some basic add-on or purely electric rear-wheel drive. It’s a proper mechanical all-wheel-drive system with a 50:50 torque split between front and rear axles, giving the car balanced grip and stability whether you’re cruising city streets or attacking winding roads.

Handling Upgrades

To keep the car composed through corners, the Tucson comes with a strut bars and also a front sway bar (anti-roll bar) installed as standard. This crucial piece of hardware helps reduce body roll and keeps the chassis feeling planted when you push hard into bends.

Steering Feel

Steering feels immediate and neither too light nor too heavy. Although it err towards the “numb” side of things, it still gives you enough feedback to feel connected without making you wrestle the wheel every time you change lanes.

Still Comfortable

Put it all together, and the Tucson Hybrid drives more like a sporty hatchback than a typical SUV. It happily hustles through corners with confidence and grip, while the hybrid turbo combo pulls smoothly and eagerly when you floor it.

But don’t go thinking the Tucson’s sporty side means a harsh ride for passengers like some other “sportier” SUVs. The suspension isn’t overly stiff — it doesn’t need to be, thanks to that clever sway bar up front doing its job controlling body roll. So when you’re driving gently, the Tucson delivers exactly what it’s meant to: a supple, comfortable ride that families will appreciate for daily drives and long journeys alike.

Honestly, the driving and handling blew me away — and I’m still scratching my head wondering why Hyundai’s brochure keeps mum about this part. Beyond the usual fantastic practicality, equipments and price-value ratio that Hyundai cars typically offer, this is in my opinion is the best part about the 2025 Tucson AWD.

N Line Upgrades

On top of adding sporty details that give the Tucson a much-deserved visual identity reflecting its surprisingly good performance and handling, the N Line trim also comes with a torrent of welcome equipment upgrades — all for just about S$12,000 (as of May 2025) more than the standard trim.

That price jump might seem steep at first glance, but considering all the extra features, tech, and the sharper driving experience, the N Line quickly proves itself to be the trim to go for if you want the best balance of style, substance, and fun.

• Exterior Styling

  • Sportier front and rear bumpers with sharper, more aggressive design

  • Blacked-out grille, Hyundai logo, and trim accents for a stealthy, athletic vibe

  • Unique N Line badging on front and rear

  • Larger 19-inch alloy wheels (versus smaller wheels on standard trims)

  • Glossy black roof rails and mirror caps for added flair

  Suspension and Handling

  • Same basic suspension setup as the standard Tucson (MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear)

  • Equipped with Michelin Primacy 4 tires instead of Continental EcoContact, enhancing grip and ride quality

  Interior Upgrades

  • Sport seats with enhanced side bolstering for better support during spirited drives

  • Suede leather upholstery with the N Line logo embroidered for a premium sporty feel

  • N Line branded leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching

  • Unique blacked-out interior trim and accents that elevate cabin aesthetics

  Equipment Highlights

  • Panoramic sunroof flooding the cabin with natural light

  • Remote Smart Parking Assist — park or reverse the car remotely using the key fob (yes, really!)

  • Surround View Monitor for a 360-degree bird’s eye view around the car

  • Blind-spot View Monitor for safer lane changes

  • Headlights featuring Intelligent Front Lighting Systems that adapt to conditions

  • Premium Krell speaker system delivering rich, immersive audio

  • Wireless phone charger to keep your devices powered without cable mess

  • Head-Up Display projecting key info onto the windshield

  • Metal pedals adding a sporty touch underfoot

  • Rear door curtains for added privacy and sun protection

  • Electric Chromic Rear View Mirror automatically dims glare for safer night driving

The Less Surprising Stuff

Now, onto the less surprising but no less important stuff — the everyday practicalities that make the Tucson a genuinely family-friendly SUV.

First off, space. The Tucson is genuinely spacious inside. Even with the front seats pushed all the way back, the rear passengers still enjoy ample legroom — no awkward “cramped knees” shuffle here. Whether it’s a long motorway cruise or a quick school run, everyone rides comfortably.

Here, take a look at the interior in 360 degree goodness. Feel free to spin, pinch and pan around!

Boot space is generous too. There’s plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear, and the rear seats fold flat easily when you need to haul bulkier items. It’s one of those SUVs where the size matches expectations — no nasty surprises when you start loading it up.

Here’s a neat little detail showing Hyundai really thought this through: the rear passenger door entryway is cleverly designed with the door cut close to the backrest. It might sound minor, but it makes getting in and out so much easier — especially for kids, grandparents, or anyone juggling bags and kids at the same time.

Safety? The Tucson packs a serious punch here. Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite comes fully loaded, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking all standard. These systems not only keep you safe but also make the car incredibly easy to drive in traffic or on long trips. You feel confident knowing the car’s got your back — or your blind spot.

With all these safety features, plus a suite of camera-based aids like blind spot assist and 360-degree surround view, Hyundai has made the Tucson an exceptionally easy-to-drive vehicle — perfect for families who want peace of mind and convenience on every journey.

Closing Thoughts

From its responsive hybrid powertrain and genuine mechanical AWD system to the sharp handling helped by that clever front sway bar, the Tucson surprises you with how engaging it is to drive — all while keeping passengers comfortable and safe.

Throw in the stylish N Line touches, a generous list of equipment, and family-friendly space, and you get an SUV that’s genuinely well-rounded. It’s not just a pretty face with a badge — it’s a car that can do the daily grind and weekend adventures equally well.

If you’re in the market for an SUV that doesn’t just check the boxes but actually makes you look forward to the drive, the Tucson N Line deserves a hard look.

In short: don’t underestimate this one. It’s the biggest surprise in its segment — and a winner in my book.

What’s to like Surprisingly sporty handling Power on demand with high torque Comfortable and practical for passengers Mature & complete safety assist features

What’s holding it back Exterior looks might be polarising Seriously, nothing else

Key Figures

Fuel Tank Capacity	52 L
Chassis	N3 Platform MacPherson Strut Front Multi-Link Rear Anti-Roll Bar Front
Transmission	All-wheel drive (variable power split, up to 50:50) 6-speed Automatic
Engine & Power	1.6L 4 Cylinder Turbo Hybrid 367 NM 158 kW (212 bhp) 0-100km/h 8.5s
Boot Space	620 (rear seats in use) to 1,799L
Price (with COE)	$ 257,999 (N Line) $ 245,999 (Standard) As of May 2025

Curious to experience the Hyundai Tucson AWD Hybrid N Line for yourself? Book your test-drive with Hyundai Singapore today.