Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Tucson: 2024 Comparison

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson can be challenging given their unique strengths and features. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two 2024 models to help you make an informed decision based on performance, design, technology, and value.

Table of Contents

Overview

Both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson are designed to meet different needs. The Santa Fe is a midsize SUV, offering more space and power, making it suitable for families and long trips. The Tucson, a compact SUV, excels in urban settings with its agility and fuel efficiency.

Performance

Engine Options and Power:

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of a standard 2.5L inline-4 engine producing 191 horsepower, and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower. It also includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, providing options for enhanced fuel efficiency and performance.
The Tucson comes with a 2.5L inline-4 engine generating 187 horsepower and has hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. While slightly less powerful than the Santa Fe, the Tucson’s turbocharged engine balances power and efficiency well.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Santa Fe’s hybrid models achieve up to 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, offering a combined 34 mpg. Non-hybrid versions provide around 25 mpg combined.
The Tucson’s hybrid variants boast up to 38 mpg combined, making it a more fuel-efficient choice for eco-conscious drivers.

Interior and Comfort

Space:

The Santa Fe offers more interior space with a total passenger volume of 111.5 cubic feet. It provides 44.1 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the rear, making it comfortable for longer journeys.
The Tucson, while smaller, still offers a spacious interior with a passenger volume of 108.2 cubic feet and ample legroom of 41.4 inches in the front and 41.3 inches in the rear.

Cargo Capacity:

With rear seats up, the Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded.
The Tucson provides 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space, extending to 74.8 cubic feet with the seats down, slightly more than the Santa Fe in some configurations.

Technology and Features

Infotainment and Connectivity:

Both models come with an 8-inch touchscreen standard, upgradable to a 10.25-inch display. They support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Santa Fe offers a more luxurious feel with available features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium sound system by Harman Kardon.

Safety Features:

Both the Santa Fe and Tucson are equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, including features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Santa Fe adds more advanced features in higher trims, such as blind-spot view monitor and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.

Driving Experience

Handling and Ride Quality:

The Santa Fe, with its larger size and more powerful engine options, provides a smooth and stable ride, ideal for highway cruising and long-distance travel.
The Tucson, with its compact size and agile handling, excels in city driving, offering a nimble and responsive driving experience.

Towing Capacity:

The Santa Fe has a higher towing capacity, capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, making it better suited for hauling trailers and larger loads.
The Tucson’s maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, sufficient for lighter loads and smaller trailers.

Pricing and Value

Cost:

The base price for the Santa Fe starts slightly higher than the Tucson, reflecting its larger size and additional features.
The Tucson offers excellent value for those seeking a balance between affordability and advanced features.

Warranty:

Both models come with Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty, including a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Final Verdict

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson are excellent choices in their respective segments. The Santa Fe is ideal for those needing more space, power, and advanced features, making it perfect for families and long trips. The Tucson is a compact, efficient, and agile SUV, suited for urban environments and daily commutes. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.

This comparison should help you decide which Hyundai SUV best fits your lifestyle. Both vehicles reflect Hyundai’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, ensuring you can’t go wrong with either choice.