Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa: Which SUV is The Best? Find Out

Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Santa Fe can be a tough decision. Both of these SUVs are immensely popular. On the one hand, the Hyundai Tucson cost less than the Hyundai Santa Fe. On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa is bigger than the Hyundai Tucson. To be more specific, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row SUV and the Hyundai Tucson is a two-row SUV.

Looking at both vehicles from another perspective, the Hyundai Tucson has a slight edge on the Hyundai Santa when it comes to fuel-efficiency. With this in mind we believe that the new Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe are both fantastic vehicles. It all comes down to your preference and priorities. To continue to research the Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa Fe in-depth, take a glance below.

If you're ready to start browsing our Hyundai SUV inventory click the link below. We have a great selection of Hyundai SUVs with various trim packages and colors.

Hyundai TucsonHyundai Santa Fe

Specs: Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Here's a quick breakdown on the specs and features available in the new Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe
  Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Tucson
 Engine 2.5 Inline 4-cylinder turbo 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder
 Horsepower 277 @ 5800 RPM 187 @ 6100
 Torque 311 @ 4000 RPM 178 @ 4000
 Fuel Economy City/HWY/Combined 20 / 29 / 24 25 / 33 / 28
 8-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC® Standard Standard
 Towing 3,500 lbs. 2,000 lbs.
 Wheelbase 110.8-inches 108.5 -inches
 Length 190.2 -inches 182.7 -inches
 Width 74.8 -inches 73.4 -inches
 Minimum Ground Clearance 7.0-inches 7.1 -inches / 8.1-inches
 Wheels 18-inch 17-inch
 Passenger Volume 152 cu.-ft. 108.2 cu.-ft.
 Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row 79.6 cu.-ft. 80.3 cu.-ft.
 Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row 40.5 cu.-ft. 41.2 cu.-ft.
 Cargo Volume Behind 3rd Row 14.6 cu.-ft. Not Available
 Legroom 1st/2nd/3rd row 44.4 / 42.3 / 30.0 41.4 / 41.3
 Touchscreen 12.3-inch 12.3 -inch
 Rear Seat Quiet Mode Standard Not Available
 Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Standard Available
 Wireless Android Autoâ„¢ & Apple CarPlay® Standard Standard
 

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Bigger Than the Hyundai Tucson?

Yes. The Hyundai Tucson is a two-row SUV and the Hyundai Santa Fe is available as a three-row SUV. The Hyundai Tucson is designed to accommodate up to 5 passengers, while the Hyundai Santa Fe can seat up to 7 passengers.

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV and the Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV. As a result, the Santa Fe offers more overall passenger space and an available third row for larger families.

As far as passenger volume, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides 152 cu.-ft. of passenger volume, while the Hyundai Tucson offers 108.2 cu.-ft. of passenger volume.

When it comes down to cargo volume, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts 79.6 ft³ of cargo volume behind the first row, 40.5 ft³ behind the second row, and 14.6 ft³ behind the third row. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, provides 80.3 ft³ with the second-row seats folded and 41.2 ft³ behind the second row.

In terms of legroom, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with 44.4 inches of legroom in the first row, 42.3 inches in the second row, and 30.0 inches in the third row. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, comes standard with 41.4 inches of legroom in the first row and 41.3 inches of legroom in the second row.

When it comes down to the exterior dimensions, the Hyundai Santa Fe sits nicely with a 110.8-inch wheelbase and the Hyundai Tucson follows with a 108.5-inch wheelbase. To continue, the Hyundai Santa Fe's overall length is 190.2 inches and its width is 74.8 inches. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, delivers an overall length of 182.7 inches and a width of 73.4 inches.

If interior space, passenger capacity, and overall size are priorities, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the winner. If you prefer a more maneuverable compact SUV with nearly identical maximum cargo capacity, the Hyundai Tucson remains an excellent choice.

Does The Hyundai Santa Fe Pack More Power Than The Hyundai Tucson

Yes. The Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with a 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder Turbo engine that produces up to 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 311 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm and 178 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. As a result, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers significantly more horsepower and torque than the Hyundai Tucson. Both SUVs come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Which SUV Offers The Best Fuel Economy: Hyundai Santa Fe or Hyundai Tucson?

When compared side by side, the Hyundai Tucson has an advantage over the Hyundai Santa Fe when it comes to fuel economy. The Hyundai Tucson earns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. In comparison, the Hyundai Santa Fe achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. Drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency may prefer the Hyundai Tucson, while those seeking stronger performance may find the Hyundai Santa Fe to be the better fit.

Which SUV Offers The Best Max Towing Capacity: Hyundai Santa Fe or Hyundai Tucson

If you're looking for the best way to haul all of your extra cargo, the new Hyundai Santa is our first choice. The Hyundai Santa Fe's max towing capacity is 3,000 lbs. and the Hyundai Tucson's max towing capacity is 2,000 lbs.

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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Hyundai Tucson Interior Features: What's the Difference

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson share many modern interior features, but the differences become more noticeable as you move up through the trim levels. Take a look at some of the key interior features available in each SUV below:
Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Tucson
Rear Seat Quiet Mode Standard Not Available
Driver seat 2-way power lumbar Standard Not Available
Driver seat 4-way power lumbar Available Not Available
Driver seat leg cushion extension Available Not Available
Relaxation Seat Driver w/ 1-touch setting Available Not Available
Heated front seats Standard Available
Ventilated front seats Available Available
2nd-row captain's chairs (including power fold & dive, power reclining & tilting) Available Not Available
Heated rear seats Available Not Available
Touchscreen 12.3-inches 12.3-inches
Bose® premium audio with 12 speakers Available Not Available
12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) (windshield type) Available Available
Wireless device charging (for supported devices) Available Available
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Available Available
Power door and liftgate locks Available Not Available
Dual Pane Sunroof Available Not Available

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Hyundai Tucson Safety Features

For drivers seeking a dependable SUV, both the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Both models have earned strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are engineered to help provide confidence behind the wheel.

When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson are both excellent choices. Both SUVs come standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes:

  • Lane Following Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Safe Exit Warning
  • Rear Occupant Alert

Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa Fe Price

As far as price goes, the Hyundai Santa Fe cost more than the Hyundai Tucson. To shop and compare prices browse our new Hyundai SUV inventory online.

Hyundai Santa Fe or Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV Should You Buy?

All in all, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Tucson are both stand-out vehicles. Therefore, it all comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a new SUV with more room and comfort, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect Hyundai SUV for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for an affordable crossover SUV with more features, and a better fuel-economy, the new Hyundai Tucson is the best SUV for you. To learn more about the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Tucson call or visit us today and let us help you with find your next Hyundai SUV today.

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