Page Loading

Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Hyundai TUCSON

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE and Hyundai TUCSON contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai SANTA FE and the Hyundai TUCSON.

When we compare the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Hyundai TUCSON's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $35,754 to $50,129 while a used 2024 Hyundai TUCSON is priced between $26,134 to $37,565. For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $36,405 and $50,125, with the Hyundai TUCSON priced between $28,937 and $39,829.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the Hyundai TUCSON loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai TUCSON retains 6.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.7 out of 10 while the Hyundai TUCSON's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 6 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai TUCSON being ranked 33 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Hyundai TUCSON the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE an advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai TUCSON.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 277 horsepower, and the Hyundai TUCSON base engine makes 187 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The TUCSON is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles.This gives the Hyundai TUCSON the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Hyundai TUCSON, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SANTA FE has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai TUCSON, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.68 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.

See More See Less
Model & Pricing
Hyundai SANTA FE
Hyundai TUCSON

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2024 Hyundai TUCSON
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Hyundai TUCSON for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$36,405 - $50,125

Starting MSRP:

$33,950

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$37,697

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$31,990 - $43,320

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$28,937 - $39,829

Starting MSRP:

$27,500

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$27,871

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,860 - $30,300

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$42,365

Price Range:

$35,754 - $50,129

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$47,563

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$40,678 - $66,020

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,788

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

2,916

# Good or Great Deals:

270

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$31,360

Price Range:

$26,134 - $37,565

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$33,244

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$29,649 - $36,546

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,655

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

13,621

# Good or Great Deals:

303

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$15,611

Depreciation %:

46%

Resale Value $:

$18,339

Residual Value %:

54%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

46.3%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27.5% - 53.5%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$11,139

Depreciation %:

40.5%

Resale Value $:

$16,361

Residual Value %:

59.5%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)

42%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)

29.1% - 47.3%

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.0 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.3

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.6 - 13.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

20.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai TUCSON

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

11.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

10.9

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

9.9 - 13.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

16.8%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.6 - 14.8

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

6.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.8 - 18.3

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 7

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 6

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

2 / 6

Safest Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 28

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 39

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

8 / 16

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 67

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

13 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

17 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

18 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

22 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

23 / 30

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 59

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

50 / 67

Hyundai TUCSON Rankings

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

2 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

6 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

6 / 6

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

7 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

7 / 13

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

8 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

9 / 30

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

11 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

11 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

12 / 14

Best Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

14 / 20

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

18 / 59

Best Off-road Small SUVs

19 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

20 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

25 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

28 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

32 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

32 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

37 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

44 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

45 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

54 / 67

Summary Review

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

See More See Less

Summary Review

The Hyundai Tucson is a five-passenger SUV with an upscale cabin and plenty of room for cargo and people. The current Tucson was redesigned for the 2022 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,524 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,667.

See More See Less

Pros and Cons

  • New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
  • Cutting-edge infotainment
  • Excellent safety ratings

  • Only two rows for 2021

Pros and Cons

  • High quality cabin materials
  • Plenty of standard safety equipment
  • Comfortable ride

  • Tricky capacitive infotainment controls
  • No volume knob
  • No wireless Apple CarPlay with large screen

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

Hyundai TUCSON Trim Levels

Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.68 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

TOP SAFETY PICK

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

277 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.064 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

187 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.056 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

2000 lbs

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 29 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

354 / 513 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


25 / 32 / 28

Range (city/hwy):

358 / 458 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

166.6 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.6 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56 inches

Cargo Space:

38.7 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

74.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

146.9 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4343 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

67.7 inches

Length:

190.2 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3346 lbs

Width:

73.4 inches

Height:

65.6 inches

Length:

182.3 inches

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Hampton Gray Metallic / Portofino Gray Metallic / Titan Gray

Silver

Curated Silver Metallic / Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Deep Sea Metallic / Intense Blue Pearl

Red

Ultimate Red Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Popular SANTA FE Model Year Comparisons

Popular TUCSON Model Year Comparisons

Related Car Comparisons

Popular SANTA FE Trim Comparisons

Popular TUCSON Trim Comparisons

Popular Car Comparisons