What are your favorite features of the Tucson?

I’m curious to know what features you all find the most useful or enjoy the most in the Tucson?

The panoramic sunroof is definitely my favourite feature.

The infotainment system is also much better than Mazda’s.

I appreciate that there are no wood panels like in the CRV.

It’s cheaper than the RAV4.

I own a hybrid, and I love how smoothly it accelerates with electric power. The AWD is also handy for ski trips.

@Lausanne
I once had a Mazda as a rental car for a week, and the infotainment system was terrible. That experience made me never want one. I had a similar bad experience with Toyota’s system too.

Upgrading from my 2017 T-GDi to the 2025 PHEV, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain is the standout feature. It transitions seamlessly from EV to gas and back. Most of my trips are within the EV range, so I rarely need to refuel.

I also like the Matrix High Beams and the 360-degree cameras.

@smart
How does the IFS work in real-life conditions? Does the high beam adjust automatically for oncoming traffic?

Michael said:
@smart
How does the IFS work in real-life conditions? Does the high beam adjust automatically for oncoming traffic?

Yes, the high beams block out sections of light, but you need to activate it initially. It stays off until you reach a certain speed, or if there’s enough ambient light.

@smart
Just a heads-up; the system can be a nightmare for pedestrians and anyone not aligned with the sensor. If you get flashed a lot, it might be due to this.

It’s an interesting idea but doesn’t replace manually dipping the beams.

@Terryann
I’ve found it works pretty well with cars, bicycles, and some pedestrians, especially on roads with clear lanes.

smart said:
@Terryann
I’ve found it works pretty well with cars, bicycles, and some pedestrians, especially on roads with clear lanes.

I’ll have to see it for myself. In the UK, it doesn’t seem to work on roads with curves or changes in elevation. I’d say the only reliable way is for the driver to dip the beams manually before they see oncoming cars fully.

But I assume you are speaking from your experience driving the car. Have you asked people who’ve passed you about what it’s like?

@Terryann
I can actually see the lights changing in individual sectors as I drive. Of course, I haven’t asked anyone else about it yet.

I’m in Ireland, and it seems to work well for right-hand drive cars too.

@smart
Apologies, I was thinking more about the spec differences between the EU and the US/Asian models. It’ll be interesting to see if there have been improvements.

Terryann said:
@smart
Apologies, I was thinking more about the spec differences between the EU and the US/Asian models. It’ll be interesting to see if there have been improvements.

I’ve used it a bit on UK country roads with the full beam matrix lights and I haven’t been flashed once. My previous car, a Skoda, had automatic headlights and I got flashed all the time. It seems like Tucson’s system is better.

@smart
I don’t see the IFS feature listed for the ultimate Tucson hybrid in Canada… Not sure why.

QuantumQuest said:
@smart
I don’t see the IFS feature listed for the ultimate Tucson hybrid in Canada… Not sure why.

We have High Beam Assist, which isn’t as advanced as IFS, but it automatically turns on/off based on conditions.

@smart
I’m about to upgrade from my 2017 GDI to the PHEV. Can’t wait to feel the difference in performance.

@smart
It annoys me that you can’t force it to EV mode when it’s cold. Sure, it’s more efficient to use the petrol engine to heat the car, but I’d rather drive 10 miles on electric power without the engine kicking in.

@klausmark2
You can do that if you turn off the climate control (or just the AC and set the temperature to ‘LO’). But if you do that, you’ll need to keep the window slightly open to prevent the windscreen from fogging up.

@smart
I really enjoyed the 360-degree camera in my 18 Sedona. It’s not the same car, but I still think it’s awesome.

We just bought ours during the peak of the Australian summer, and the cooling seats are amazing!

Smart cruise control with HDA is a close second after the hybrid drivetrain. It’s so helpful on long highway drives.