Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Santa Fe

   Hyundai Tucson
                                      Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Compare Hyundai SUVs in Salem, OR

Crossover SUVs are great for adding extra space and versatility without compromising city-friendly maneuverability, and Hyundai offers two of the most well-rounded and appealing nameplates in their respective segments. Though similar at first glance, the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe  have unique attributes that make them better suited to different needs. So, to help you with your decision, we've outlined their distinguishing characteristics below.

If you'd like more information about these two models and their available options, offers, and financing opportunities, please feel free to contact Withnell Hyundai in Salem at your convenience. We'll be happy to assist and set you up with a test drive.


Dimensions and Capacities

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover situated between the smaller Kona and large Santa Fe in Hyundai's SUV lineup. Despite its classification, the Tucson is pleasantly accommodating and impressively spacious, with one of the roomiest cabins in its class. Headroom and legroom measure 40.1"/41.1" in the first row and 39.5"/41.3" in the second. You'll have 38.7 cubic feet for cargo behind the second row. And with the rear seats folded, capacity grows to 80.3 cubic feet. The Tucson's exterior dimensions measure 182.3"L x 73.4"W x 65.6"H.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover that lines up between the Tucson and Telluride. The Santa Fe offers a little less cargo space than the Tucson (36.4/72.1) but leverages its larger dimensions to provide roomier accommodations, a higher vantage point, and even better sound insulation. Headroom and legroom measure 41.2"/44.1" in the first row and 39.0"/41.7" in the second. Plus, you'll have extra shoulder room and hip room. The Santa Fe's exterior measures 188.4"L x 74.8"W x 66.3"H.

Performance

The Hyundai Tucson finds its motivation in a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (EPA-est. 29 mpg combined) that sends 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available across the lineup for enhanced handling and inclement-weather control. If you're looking for more power and efficiency, you can select an available 226-horsepower 1.6-liter hybrid (38 mpg est.) or  261-horsepower plug-in hybrid (80 MPGe) with an estimated 33-mile electric-only range.

The Hyundai Santa Fe gets a slightly higher-tuned 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft; 26 mpg est.) with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.  If you're looking for even more motivation under the hood, Limited and Calligraphy models add a turbocharger for 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft.

The Santa Fe is also available with the same 226-hp hybrid (34 mpg) or 261-hp plug-in hybrid (76 MPGe; 31-mile electric range).

Standard Features

The Hyundai Tucson's entry-level trim covers the basics, plus a few desirable tech and safety features for good measure. SE models get amenities like:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights with High Beam Assist
  • Remote release folding rear seats (from cargo area)
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Front Dual USB outlets
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist


 

The Hyundai Santa Fe moves some of Tucson's optional equipment to the base tier for an even more well-equipped driving experience, including larger wheels, additional USB charge ports, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. Standard features for the Santa FE SE include:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights with High Beam Assist
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Dual front and two rear USB ports
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Following Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Rear Occupant Alert
  • Safe Exit Assist