Hyundai Tucson trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Tucson SE vs Limited Hybrid
The Tucson SE starts at $28,705 while the Limited Hybrid is $41,295. That $12,590 gap buys 9 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Limited Hybrid gets the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo and AWD, so the $12,590 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the SE if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the Limited Hybrid only when the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the SE to the Limited Hybrid is about $222/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $13,320 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and Limited Hybrid share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $12,590 for 8 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,574 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 9 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | Limited Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $28,705 | $41,295 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 35 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 35 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 13.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,550/yr | $1,250/yr |
| EV Specs | ||
| EV Range | No published data | 420 mi |
| Energy Use | No published data | 76.6 kWh/100mi |
| Charge Time (240V) | No published data | 2.0 hrs |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,429 lbs | 3,906 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 108.5" |
| Length | 182.7" | 182.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 65.6" | 66.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Hyundai Tucson SE vs Limited Hybrid Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Tucson lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Tucson Limited Hybrid cost than the SE?
The Limited Hybrid starts at $41,295 compared to $28,705 for the SE. That is a $12,590 difference, or approximately $222/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SE and Limited Hybrid have the same engine?
No. The SE uses a 2.5L I4 (187 hp, 178 lb-ft), while the Limited Hybrid has the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo (231 hp, 258 lb-ft). That is 44 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2025 Tucson SE come with AWD?
No. The SE comes standard with FWD while the Limited Hybrid has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Tucson SE or Limited Hybrid safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Tucson platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Hyundai Tucson come with?
All 2025 Hyundai Tucson trims, including both the SE and Limited Hybrid, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid worth $12,590 more than the SE?
The Limited Hybrid changes both the engine and drivetrain for $12,590 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Hyundai Tucson trim gets better fuel economy, the SE or the Limited Hybrid?
The Limited Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 35 combined MPG, versus 28 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $12,590 Gets You
The Tucson Limited Hybrid costs $12,590 more than the SE. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo engine (+44 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
SE vs. Limited Hybrid: Day-to-Day
The Limited Hybrid comes with the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo instead of the SE's 2.5L I4. That means 44 more horsepower and 80 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. The Limited Hybrid includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Tucson Limited Hybrid gets 7 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $300 per year or $1,500 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$12,590 more for the Tucson Limited Hybrid gets you 8 real differences. At $222/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Tucson SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Limited Hybrid when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. 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 any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.