Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Santa Fe? You’re in good company. These two Hyundai SUVs are among Hyundai’s top sellers, and for good reason. They each bring their own strengths to the table, but knowing the differences can help you make the call that fits your life, budget, and, let’s face it—your style. In this Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

In this in-depth Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe comparison, we’ll answer the key question “Which is bigger, Santa Fe or Tucson?” and help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Powertrain Options

When it comes to performance, the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe each have their own strengths. Let’s talk engines, because power under the hood is where you’ll feel the difference.

Engine Choices and Power

The Tucson and Santa Fe both have solid options here. The Tucson comes with a standard 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, cranking out around 187 horsepower, which is plenty for most daily driving. If you’re looking for a bit more muscle, the Santa Fe steps up with the same 2.5-liter engine as its base, but it also offers a turbocharged option that delivers a beefy 281 horsepower. That extra kick might just make a difference if you’re doing highway merges or need some pull for towing.

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Options

Both SUVs offer hybrid versions, which is a win if you’re looking to save on gas without sacrificing power. The Tucson hybrid offers up to 226 horsepower with impressive fuel efficiency, while the Santa Fe hybrid is even more of a workhorse with 226 horsepower. There’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Santa Fe that brings the electric-only range up to 30 miles—a nice bonus if you’re keeping trips close to home.

Fuel Economy and Range

Fuel economy can be a big deal, especially if you’re driving daily or racking up highway miles on the weekends. Both the Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe options have made strides in fuel efficiency, but each has its own strengths depending on the model and engine you choose. 

The 2023 Santa Fe offers 25/28 mpg city/hwy with its base engine and FWD, or 22/25 mpg if you opt for AWD. As you'd imagine, it doesn’t match the fuel economy of the 2022 Tucson, which is rated at 24/29 mpg with AWD and 26/33 mpg with FWD.

Handling-wise, the Tucson feels nimble and quick, making it perfect for city driving and tight corners. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, has a sturdier feel that’s just right for longer trips or hitting some rougher terrain. If you’re more about comfort and cruising, the Santa Fe might be your ride, but for zipping around town, the Tucson’s agility is hard to beat.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and this is where you’ll start to see some real differences between the Tucson vs Santa Fe. Both bring Hyundai’s signature quality, but each has a unique vibe when it comes to space and features.

Interior Space

The biggest upgrade in the latest Hyundai Tucson is its interior space. Despite being 6.1 inches shorter than the Santa Fe, the Tucson actually offers more cargo space—38.7 cubic feet compared to the Santa Fe’s 36.4 cubic feet. So, whether you go for the Tucson or Santa Fe, your passengers will appreciate the extra legroom and headroom. The Santa Fe still shines with extra interior space for passengers, plus clever storage spots, including a compartment below the center stack and a deep, enclosed area beneath the center armrest for added convenience.

Seating Configurations and Features

Comfort is a priority in both models, but the Santa Fe has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. You can get the Santa Fe with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and even a massive panoramic sunroof that brings the outside in. The Tucson keeps it straightforward with comfortable seats and the essentials, though you can still get a heated seat setup in the higher trims. If creature comforts are high on your list, the Santa Fe just edges ahead.

Technology and Infotainment

Both SUVs bring the tech, no question. The Tucson gives you an 8-inch touchscreen that gets the job done, but the Santa Fe goes big with an available 10.25-inch display. Both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you’re covered on connectivity. The Santa Fe also offers a premium sound system that kicks things up a notch for audiophiles. It’s the little things, like crisp audio and easy-to-navigate tech, that can make your time on the road feel a bit more premium in the Santa Fe.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety’s no joke, and Hyundai doesn’t mess around with either of these SUVs. Both the Tucson and Santa Fe come with a solid lineup of standard and optional safety features that’ll keep you—and anyone riding shotgun—feeling secure on the road.

Standard Safety Features

Hyundai’s got you covered on the essentials, no matter which model you pick. Both the Tucson and Santa Fe come standard with things like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. These are great for keeping an eye out for you on busy streets, especially when dealing with the unpredictable (looking at you, city traffic). No cutting corners here—both SUVs offer these features right out of the gate.

Advanced Safety Options

Now, here’s where the Santa Fe starts to pull ahead with some extra bells and whistles. If you’re someone who appreciates tech that actively helps you drive, the Santa Fe has an optional Highway Driving Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor. These features are perfect for long hauls or heavy traffic. They’re designed to reduce the mental load of driving, so you can relax a bit more behind the wheel. Tucson has some solid optional packages as well, but the Santa Fe gives you a few more advanced choices for peace of mind.

Crash Test Ratings

When it comes to reliability, Hyundai’s reputation stands strong. Both the Tucson and Santa Fe have earned high marks in crash tests, proving that these SUVs aren’t just about looking good—they’re built tough. You can feel confident knowing both models rank highly in safety, making either choice a solid pick if you’re keeping your family or passengers’ safety top of mind.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson starts at an MSRP of around $28,000 for the base SE trim. This entry-level price makes it accessible for those wanting a stylish, tech-equipped SUV without a steep price tag. Moving up in trims, the Tucson Limited—a popular choice with additional comfort and tech features—runs about $38,000.

On the other hand, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe starts with an MSRP of approximately $30,000 for the base SE trim, just a bit higher than the Tucson. The Santa Fe’s higher-end Calligraphy trim, which includes luxury-level features like premium leather seats and advanced driver assistance, tops out around $44,000. So, while the Santa Fe offers a bit more space and premium feel, it does come with a higher price tag, especially at the top trims.

Both include Hyundai’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Trim Level Comparison

Both SUVs come in several trims that let you pick and choose based on what’s most important to you. Here’s a quick look:

Tucson Trim Options: Starting with the SE at around $28,000, the Tucson lineup includes the SEL (about $30,000), XRT (around $33,000), and Limited, which tops out at around $38,000. The Limited trim is a solid choice if you’re looking for a premium interior, leather seats, and additional tech like a surround-view monitor and a larger touchscreen.

Santa Fe Trim Options: The Santa Fe starts with the SE trim at around $30,000 and goes up with the SEL ($33,000), XRT ($36,000), Limited ($41,000), and finally, the Calligraphy trim at around $44,000. With the Calligraphy, you’re getting a high-end feel with extras like quilted leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Long-Term Value and Resale

When it comes to long-term value, both models offer solid resale potential thanks to Hyundai’s strong reputation and warranty. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty includes 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain, which adds confidence for buyers planning to keep their SUV long-term. Both the Tucson and Santa Fe have proven reliability, helping them hold their value better over time.

Tucson vs. Santa Fe: Which Is Better?

The Santa Fe isn’t just bigger. It brings midsize comfort and value that sits nicely between compact and midsize SUV pricing. You get more space and a touch of luxury, making it a fantastic option for those who want extra room without the hefty price tag of a full-size SUV. If we were choosing, we’d lean toward the Santa Fe in its base-engine form for that sweet spot of value and comfort.

That said, if budget and maneuverability are your priorities, the Tucson is hard to beat for its compact efficiency and city-friendly feel.

Find Your Perfect Hyundai in Waco Today

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe offer excellent options depending on what you prioritize—budget, size, or comfort. Whether you’re after the Tucson’s city-friendly agility or the Santa Fe’s roomier and more luxurious feel, Hyundai’s got you covered with two great SUVs.

If you’re still on the fence, why not experience both? Visit our Waco dealership and test drive each model to see how they feel on the road. And if you’re interested in learning more about other compact SUVs or new models, swing by Waco Hyundai and chat with our team today!