Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe: Which SUV is Right for You?

This article aims to provide a detailed comparison between the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs, focusing on their performance, interior features, safety aspects, and overall value. By analyzing these key factors, it helps potential buyers make an informed decision on which vehicle suits their specific requirements.

In the world of SUVs, Hyundai offers two popular options: the Tucson and the Santa Fe. Both vehicles have their unique attributes, and choosing between them can be a challenging decision. Let's delve into the specifics to determine which one is the right fit for you.

Performance Comparison

The performance of both the Tucson and Santa Fe varies based on the engine options and drivetrains available.
 
SUV Model Engine Options Horsepower Torque Transmission
Tucson 1.6L Turbo, 2.0L naturally aspirated 177 - 155 265 - 192 7-speed dual clutch, 6-speed automatic
Santa Fe 2.5L naturally aspirated, 2.5L Turbo 191 - 277 221 - 311 8-speed automatic
 
The Tucson offers a balance of fuel efficiency and performance, while the Santa Fe provides more power, especially in its turbocharged variant. However, the Santa Fe may consume more fuel.

Interior and Space

When it comes to interior comfort and space, both SUVs have their strengths.

The Tucson provides a modern and functional cabin with decent materials and good seating. However, the Santa Fe offers more legroom and cargo space, making it ideal for families or those who need extra room.

SUV Model Front Legroom (inches) Rear Legroom (inches) Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)
Tucson 41.3 38.2 31.0
Santa Fe 41.8 40.9 36.4

Safety Features

Both the Tucson and Santa Fe come equipped with a range of safety features to ensure the protection of occupants.

Common safety features include anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking are available in higher trims of both models.

Value and Pricing

Pricing plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.

The Tucson is generally more affordable, starting at a lower price point. However, the Santa Fe offers more upscale features and larger dimensions, which may justify its higher price for some buyers.

Hyundai Tucson 

Engine Performance

The engine options available for the Hyundai Tucson vary, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies.
Engine Model Displacement (cc) Power (hp) Torque (Nm) Fuel Efficiency (km/L)
1.6L Turbo 1591 177 265 15.5
2.0L Naturally aspirated 1999 155 192 13.2
 
The 1.6L Turbo engine provides a punchy performance, making it suitable for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. It offers quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. On the other hand, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine is more focused on fuel efficiency and provides a decent balance of power for everyday driving.
 
One of the notable advantages of the Tucson's engines is their relatively low maintenance costs. Hyundai has a good reputation for building reliable engines that require less frequent servicing. However, some users have reported issues with engine noise at high RPMs, especially in the turbocharged variant.

Interior Features

The interior of the Hyundai Tucson is designed with comfort and functionality in mind.

The cabin materials used are of decent quality, with soft-touch plastics and upholstery that give a premium feel. The seats are well-padded and offer good support during long drives.

In terms of space, the Tucson provides ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo capacity is also impressive, making it suitable for families or those who need to carry large items.

However, some users have found the center console layout to be a bit cluttered, and the infotainment system can be slow to respond at times.

Safety Aspects

Hyundai has equipped the Tucson with a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure the protection of occupants.
 
Safety Feature Availability
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Standard
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Standard
Multiple Airbags Standard
Lane Departure Warning Available in higher trims
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Available in higher trims
 
The standard safety features provide a basic level of protection, while the availability of advanced safety technologies in higher trims adds an extra layer of security. Crash test ratings for the Tucson have been impressive, with it achieving high scores in various safety evaluations.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:
  • Stylish exterior design.
  • Good fuel efficiency in some engine options.
  • Spacious and comfortable interior.
  • Comprehensive safety features in higher trims.
Cons:
  • Engine noise in certain models.
  • Cluttered center console layout.
  • Infotainment system response could be improved.

Reference

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/tucson-4-door-suv/2022
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/compare?trims=14661-425130_14507-416047
https://www.chhyundai.com/hyundai-tucson-reliability/
https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2021/review/