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.

In comparing 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 and base engine power. The Hyundai TUCSON has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and overall quality score. 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: For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $37,209 and $51,800, with the Hyundai TUCSON priced between $31,771 and $43,249.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Hyundai TUCSON loses 45.9 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai TUCSON retains 2.4 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 8.1 out of 10 while the Hyundai TUCSON's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 13 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai TUCSON being ranked 9 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 7.7 out of 10. For the Hyundai TUCSON the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight 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.

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 TUCSON has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 4.70 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.

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

2026 Hyundai SANTA FE
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2026 Hyundai TUCSON
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
Hyundai TUCSON for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

37209 - 51800

Starting MSRP:

34800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

31771 - 43249

Starting MSRP:

29200

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

29401

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

24635 - 34995

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

33932

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

31731 - 35755

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10

Hyundai TUCSON Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.4 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.7 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.145

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai TUCSON

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.6

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

11.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

9.6 - 15.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.04



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 3

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 3

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 7

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 7

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 67

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 28

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

3 / 5

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

3 / 5

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

4 / 30

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 30

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 28

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

8 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

9 / 32

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

11 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

13 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

14 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

18 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

20 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

22 / 56

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

24 / 32

Safest Crossover SUVs

25 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

26 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 34

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

33 / 56

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

41 / 67

Hyundai TUCSON Rankings

Best Family Small SUVs

1 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

1 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

1 / 9

Best Small SUVs for Teens

1 / 7

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

4 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

5 / 20

Best Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

6 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

7 / 67

Most Affordable Small SUVs

7 / 18

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

8 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

8 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Towing

9 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

9 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

12 / 13

Best Small SUVs for the Money

13 / 18

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

14 / 20

Most Reliable Small SUVs

14 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Off-road Small SUVs

16 / 19

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

19 / 56

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 56

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

25 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

27 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

35 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

44 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

53 / 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, SEL Premium, 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):

4.69 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):

4.70 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

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):

0.055 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

2750 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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

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

Navigation System:

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

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:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

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

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Standard

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:

3429 lbs

Width:

73.4 inches

Height:

65.6 inches

Length:

182.7 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

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Atlantis Blue

Green

Rockwood Green

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