2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL vs 2025 Lexus RX 350h

On paper, the 2025 Lexus RX 350h wins on 10 MPG better, 59 more hp, 55 more lb-ft torque. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $19,360 price gap, 187 vs 246 hp, 26 vs 36 MPG.

The short answer

The Tucson SEL leads on $19,360 less. The RX 350h leads on 10 MPG better, 59 more hp. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$19,360
Price Gap
59 HP
HP Diff
10 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL
Starts at $32,065
VS
Higher price
2025 Lexus RX 350h
Starts at $51,425

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
2.5L I4 hybrid
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
246 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
233 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
36 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,640 lbs
vs
4,480 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$32,065Tucson SEL
$51,425RX 350h
Engine
2.5L I4Tucson SEL
2.5L I4 hybridRX 350h
Horsepower
187 hpTucson SEL
246 hpRX 350h
Torque
178 lb-ftTucson SEL
233 lb-ftRX 350h
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticTucson SEL
continuously variable-speed automaticRX 350h
City MPG
24Tucson SEL
37RX 350h
Highway MPG
30Tucson SEL
34RX 350h
Combined MPG
26Tucson SEL
36RX 350h
Fuel Tank
14.3 galTucson SEL
17.2 galRX 350h
Curb Weight
3,640 lbsTucson SEL
4,480 lbsRX 350h
Wheelbase
108.5"Tucson SEL
112.2"RX 350h
Length
182.7"Tucson SEL
192.5"RX 350h
Width
73.4"Tucson SEL
75.6"RX 350h
Height
66.3"Tucson SEL
67.3"RX 350h
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kTucson SEL
4yr/50kRX 350h
Powertrain
10yr/100kTucson SEL
6yr/70kRX 350h
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedTucson SEL
6yr/unlimitedRX 350h
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedTucson SEL
4yr/unlimitedRX 350h

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL2025 Lexus RX 350h
Pricing
MSRP$32,065$51,425
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4 hybrid
Horsepower187 hp246 hp
Torque178 lb-ft233 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2437
Highway MPG3034
Combined MPG2636
Fuel Tank14.3 gal17.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,640 lbs4,480 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"112.2"
Length182.7"192.5"
Width73.4"75.6"
Height66.3"67.3"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k4yr/50k
Powertrain10yr/100k6yr/70k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited6yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited4yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL and 2025 Lexus RX 350h?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL starts at $32,065, $19,360 less than the 2025 Lexus RX 350h at $51,425. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $341/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL is the stronger pick when you want to keep $19,360 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2025 Lexus RX 350h?

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $448/year less on fuel; the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL or 2025 Lexus RX 350h?

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h rates 36 combined MPG, 10 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL or 2025 Lexus RX 350h?

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h produces 246 hp, 59 more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL at 187 hp. The 2025 Lexus RX 350h also leads in torque at 233 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Lexus RX 350h uses a 2.5L I4 hybrid.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL bigger than the 2025 Lexus RX 350h?

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h is 9.8″ longer at 192.5″ vs 182.7″. The 2025 Lexus RX 350h has a 3.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Tucson comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Lexus RX offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, Lexus trims, Lexus RX trims

Official sources

The Tucson–RX Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Tucson and RX compare. The $19,360 gap adds up to $341/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Lexus RX 350h uses a 2.5L I4 hybrid. The 2025 Lexus RX 350h has 59 more hp (246 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Lexus RX 350h adds 55 more lb-ft of torque (233 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h saves roughly $448/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,240.

Living With the Tucson vs the RX

The 2025 Lexus RX 350h weighs 840 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL when you want to keep $19,360 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Lexus RX 350h when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $448/year less on fuel. At $341/month more, the 2025 Lexus RX 350h needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Lexus or any dealership.

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