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Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE and Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid 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 Plug-in Hybrid.

When we compare the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of 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 Plug-in Hybrid'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 Plug-in Hybrid is priced between $33,999 to $47,594. For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $36,405 and $50,125, with the Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid priced between $39,865 and $48,069.

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 Plug-in Hybrid loses 44.2 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 277 horsepower, and the Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid base engine makes 261 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles.This gives the Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in maximum range. The SANTA FE uses regular unleaded, and the TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid uses electricity, 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 Plug-in Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Hyundai SANTA FE has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.

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Model & Pricing
Hyundai SANTA FE
Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE
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Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2024 Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid
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Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid 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:

$39,865 - $48,069

Starting MSRP:

$38,725

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

$35,591

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

$28,220 - $43,690

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:

1,725

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

2,973

# Good or Great Deals:

265

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$39,557

Price Range:

$33,999 - $47,594

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

$39,761

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

$33,760 - $51,180

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

636

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

3,532

# Good or Great Deals:

50

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 $:

$17,692

Depreciation %:

45.7%

Resale Value $:

$21,033

Residual Value %:

54.3%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

33%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

30.5% - 50.8%

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 Plug-in Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

Not available



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 Plug-in Hybrid

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

11.2

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

10 - 12.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:



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:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)

2 - 8.6

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 Plug-in Hybrid Rankings

Best Hybrid Small SUVs for Towing

2 / 12

Hybrid Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 12

Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) with the Most Legroom

3 / 16

Best Off-road Hybrid Small SUVs

3 / 12

Best Hybrid Small SUVs for Tall People

3 / 12

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

4 / 32

Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 16

Most Affordable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV)

4 / 15

Hybrid Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 12

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

5 / 27

Hybrid Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid Small SUVs

5 / 12

Hybrid Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 12

Best Off-road Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV)

6 / 16

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 27

Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) for Towing

7 / 16

Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) for Tall People

7 / 16

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

8 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 27

Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) with Best Resale Value

8 / 16

Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) with the Most Horsepower

8 / 16

Most Affordable Hybrid Small SUVs

8 / 11

Most Comfortable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV)

9 / 16

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

12 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

12 / 32

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 27

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 27

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

12 / 27

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

13 / 32

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 27

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

14 / 32

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

14 / 30

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

14 / 26

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

15 / 27

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

16 / 32

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

17 / 32

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Plug-In Hybrid

Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

Hyundai TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid Trim Levels

Limited, SEL

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):

Not yet available

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:

261 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm

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

0.063 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:

1.6 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

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


35 / 35 / 35

Range (city/hwy):

422 / 422 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Electricity, 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:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

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

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

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:

39.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56 inches

Cargo Space:

31.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

137.8 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:

4115 lbs

Width:

73.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

182.3 inches

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.3 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:

19.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/55R19

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Gray

Amazon Gray Metallic

Silver

Curated Silver Metallic / Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Creamy White Pearl / Serenity White Pearl

Blue

Deep Sea Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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