Hyundai Tucson Vs. Santa Fe: SUV Comparison Guide
Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe at a Glance
- The Hyundai Tucson is a two-row SUV, while the Santa Fe sports a third-row.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe is longer, wider, and taller than the Tucson.
- The Tucson has a smaller curb weight and agile frame, making it easier to traverse urban landscapes.
- Both models come with excellent available comfort with heated front seats and leather upholstery on higher trims.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson
If you're trying to decide on a new SUV that best suits your growing family, daily commute, and adventurous spirit, our Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe comparison is the perfect starting point. We'll thoroughly explore these models below so you can compare their performance, size, interior perks, and safety technology. When you're ready to see how the two-row Tucson and the three-row Santa Fe handle, contact our McGee Hyundai Barre team.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Specs & Performance
The first stop we'll make on our Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Tucson matchup is a look at performance specifications. Both models operate smoothly on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but the Santa Fe offers turbocharged capability. The Hyundai Tucson produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Sante Fe makes 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
The disparity in power may make the Santa Fe like the better choice at first glance, but the Tucson keeps pace with the Santa Fe thanks to its lighter curb weight. Either way, you'll be getting a powerful SUV. A more important consideration is how much towing power you need.
The turbocharged engine in the Santa Fe is able to tow more – 3,500 pounds1 on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims and 4,500 pounds1 on the XRT Trim. The Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds1 across its trim lineup, which is respectable for its segment.
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | vs. | 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cyl |
| FWD (standard) AWD (available) | Drivetrain | FWD (standard) AWD (available) |
| 187 | Horsepower | 277 |
| 178 lb-ft | Torque | 311 lb-ft |
| 2,000 lbs1 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 4,500 lbs1 (XRT trim) |
| 25 / 33 / 282 (FWD) 24 / 30 / 262 (AWD) | EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 29 / 242 (FWD) 20 / 28 / 232 (AWD) 19 / 26 / 222 (XRT trim) |
| 14.3 gal | Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal |
Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Dimensions
As one might expect, the Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe size difference is significant since the Santa Fe is a three-row SUV and the Tucson only has two rows. As a result, the Santa Fe measures 190.2 inches long, while the Hyundai Tucson measures 182.7 inches long. That's a difference of 7.5 inches of extra space on the Hyundai Santa Fe. Similarly, the Santa Fe is 1.4 inches wider.
Both models deliver excellent ride height, with the Hyundai Tucson measuring 65.6 inches of height on FWD models and 66.3 inches on AWD models. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe height varies based on trim instead of the drivetrain, with the base model SE measuring 67.7 inches tall and the remaining trim levels measuring 69.7 inches tall.
Turning our attention inside, we'll compare the Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe cargo space. Surprisingly, the Hyundai Tucson offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 80.3 cubic feet despite being smaller. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a total of 79.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the second and third rows folded, so it's really not far behind.
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | vs. | 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Maximum Seating Capacity | 7 |
| 108.2 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 152 cu ft |
| 80.3 / 41.2 cu ft / no third row | Cargo Volume (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Rows) | 79.6 / 40.5 / 14.6 cu ft |
| 182.7 in | Length | 190.2 inches |
| 73.4 in | Body Width | 74.8 inches |
| 65.6 in (FWD) 66.3 in (AWD) | Height | 67.7 inches (SE trim) 69.7 (all other trims) |
| 40.1 / 39.5 in / no third row | Maximum Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in |
| 41.4 / 41.3 in / no third row | Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in |
| 57.6 / 56 in / no third row | Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 59.5 / 58.1 / 53.5 in |
| 54.5 / 53.9 in / no third row | Hip Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 56.5 / 54.9 / 42.7 in |
Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe Interior
As we've learned, the Tucson is a two-row SUV, while the Santa Fe sports three rows. That's a major difference for the two interiors, but there are others. For example, the Tucson offers an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror earlier in its lineup than the Santa Fe. However, there are also many similarities between both vehicles. Here are some standard and available options you can find in either model:
- Standard stain-resistant cloth seating
- Available 12-inch Head-up Display
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available leather upholstery
- Available Bose® premium audio system
- Available rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Available ambient interior lighting
Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Tech & Safety
When it comes to the Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe, you expect advanced safety technology. The new Hyundai Tucson hasn't been rated by the IIHS for the 2025 model year yet, but the 2024 iteration was a Top Safety Pick+ winner.3 The 2024 Hyundai received the Top Safety Pick award.3 Similarly, neither the 2025 Hyundai Tucson nor the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fey have been given an NHTSA rating, but the 2024 Tucson has a five-star NHTSA rating.4
You can feel safe and peaceful inside either model. Both come with extensive standard and available driver-assistance and safety features, such as the following:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Safe Exit Warning/Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert
- Parking Distance Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
Explore the Tucson & Santa Fe at McGee Hyundai Barre
We hope you've enjoyed our Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe comparison. These two SUVs stun with their appealing frames, excellent engine specifications, and cozy interior dimensions. When you're ready for a three-row model that can tackle the next family road trip, visit our dealership to see the new Hyundai Santa Fe.
If a two-row SUV with a nimble frame is more your speed, consider using one of our Hyundai Tucson specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Tucson and the Santa Fe?
There are several differences between these two feature-rich SUVs, but the most significant of them is that the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a two-row SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row SUV. The Hyundai Santa Fe is longer and slightly wider because of this. You'll also benefit from more headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room with the Hyundai Santa Fe.
How big is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the 2025 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson overall. The Santa Fe is longer, wider, and has much more passenger volume than the Tucson. However, the Hyundai Tucson offers more maximum cargo volume with 80.3 cubic feet available, while the Santa Fe offers a total of 79.6 cubic feet. That being said, the Santa Fe has more seating than the Hyundai Tucson.
How many miles per gallon does the Hyundai Santa Fe get vs. the Tucson?
The fuel economy you'll get for either model can change slightly depending on the drivetrain you choose. With standard FWD, the Hyundai Tucson offers an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 while the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 AWD will bring these down a pinch, but garners smoother handling and better traction over rough terrain.
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1Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
2All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov
