Choosing between the new Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe means that no matter what, you’re gaining epic SUV style. Both models deliver top-class SUV power and efficiency, spacious interiors with agile handling, and innovative technology. Go futuristic and fabulous with the 2024 Santa Fe or contoured and captivating with the 2024 Tucson. Both turn heads with their modern design, and either model can be yours for an accessible price.
To help you choose the best-fit SUV for you and your family, the experts at Jim Ellis Hyundai have assembled this Santa Fe vs. Tucson guide. Let’s dive into the impressive specs and details of these two models before you visit our Hyundai dealership to test-drive your favorite – or both!
Comparing the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe means comparing two powerhouse sport utes. Both models are equipped with an eight-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission and get similar gas mileage, yet they differ in their towing performance.
Enjoy our competitive Santa Fe deals to lift the sleek hood of a new Santa Fe SUV, where you’ll find a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the major power boost, the Santa Fe SUV also gives you a higher towing capacity of 3,500 to 4,500 pounds,1 depending on the trim.
Leverage our Hyundai Tucson specials to get behind the wheel of a 2024 Tucson, which houses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The Hyundai Tucson can still tow up to 2,000 pounds,1 enough power to bring along small camping gear or a jet ski.
As for fuel economy, the Hyundai Tuscon engine delivers an EPA-estimated 25/32 MPG (City/Highway)2 in FWD and an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (City/Highway)2 in AWD. EPA estimates are yet to be released for the new Santa Fe trims, but the powertrain similarities to the 2023 Santa Fe make us believe this SUV should produce around 22/25 MPG (City/Highway)3 in all-wheel drive. This means that both the Santa Fe and the Tucson SUV would make great highway commuters or weekend road trip vehicles!
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2024 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 277 | 187 |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or HTRAC AWD | FWD or HTRAC AWD |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Wet Dual Clutch w/ SHIFTRONIC | 8-Speed Automatic w/ SHIFTRONIC |
| Drive Mode Select | Standard | Standard |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 – 4,500 lbs1 | 2,000 lbs1 |
| Passenger Seating | 7 | 5 |
Because the Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover and the Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact SUV that’s closer to midsize, their dimensions and cargo space will be different. The great news is that both models are spacious for their segments, so you and your passengers can stretch out and relax in either SUV.
If you’re a larger family or enjoy bringing all your friends along on adventures, you’ll likely prefer the seven-seater new Hyundai Santa Fe. The second and third rows of seats in the Santa Fe cabin can be folded down to give you a max cargo capacity of 79.6 cubic feet, or keep the second row intact and use the remaining 40.5 cubic feet of trunk space to store large boxes or bring home big grocery runs.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe measures 190.2 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 67.7 inches tall, and it puts its extra length to good use by giving front passengers 3 additional inches of legroom compared to front-seat Tucson occupants.
If your family is smaller or you’re an individual driver, you may prefer the compact and more easily maneuverable five-seater Hyundai Tucson, which measures 182.3 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and a maximum of 66.3 inches tall, depending on the trim.
The new Hyundai Tucson cabin has two rows of seats, and if you fold the back row, you can gain an incredible 80.3 cubic feet of max cargo space – even more than the three-row Santa Fe SUV. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson also has a larger standard trunk than the Hyundai Santa Fe: imagine opening the rear liftgate to find a generous 41.2 cubic feet of storage.
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2024 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Max Exterior Length / Width / Height | 190.2 / 74.8 / 67.7 in | 182.3 / 73.4 / 66.3 in |
| Max Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in | 40.1 / 39.5 in |
| Max Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in | 41.4 / 41.3 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 79.6 / 40.5 / 14.6 cu ft | 80.3 / 41.2 cu ft |
The Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe feature comparison has one clear winner: you! No matter which model you choose, you’ll drive home with luxe cabin upholstery, modern tech, and enhanced safety features that help keep you confident and relaxed on the road.
Both SUVs provide standard and available safety features like blind-spot assistance systems, Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. They also both offer a choice of four elegant trim levels, so let’s take a peek at what you could find inside a new Hyundai Santa Fe or Hyundai Tucson cabin.
It’s worth noting that although the Santa Fe trims come at a slightly higher price point than the Tucson models, the Santa Fe cabin carries more upscale standard amenities. The 2024 Santa Fe interior is fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a larger standard 12.3-inch touch screen with HD Radio™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, four standard USB charging ports, LED interior lighting, and rear privacy glass to help keep valuables safe. Choose an upper trim to gain a sunroof, wireless device charging, and Dynamic Voice Recognition.
If you want similar Hyundai cabin comforts at a slightly lower price point, choose a sophisticated Tucson trim. This SUV gives you standard features like heated front seats, a smaller 8-inch touch screen, two front USB ports, a Rear View Monitor, and remote-release folding rear seats. Move through the trim lineup to access a 10.25-inch touch screen with integrated navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a Hands-Free Smart Liftgate.
Whether a smaller, more affordable Tucson model is your perfect fit or you prefer the larger, more luxurious Santa Fe SUV, the Jim Ellis Hyundai team is here to give you all the delightful details you need to feel confident in your purchase or lease.
Visit our showroom today, where we can show you the complete benefits of each model with back-to-back Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe test drives.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is the larger sibling of the Tucson. As a three-row SUV, the Santa Fe model is 190.2 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 67.7 inches tall, with more front legroom. The two-row Tucson is 182.3 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and a maximum 66.3 inches tall, but it gives you the most maximum and standard cargo space.
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a two-row, five-seat SUV. However, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row SUV that seats seven. Other Hyundai models, like the luxurious Palisade SUV, will also fit if you’re looking for a family vehicle with third-row seating. Visit our dealership to explore the cabins and cargo areas of our new Hyundai SUVs and see which model best fits your family!
Any vehicle’s longevity will vary depending on critical factors like regular maintenance, weather conditions, and driving style. However, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a durable, high-quality SUV that can last 200,000 miles when properly cared for. Our new Hyundai SUVs are also backed by a five-year or 60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty4 and a 10-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.4
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.
3Preliminary estimates only. Subject to change without notice upon EPA testing.
4Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
