Hyundai Tucson Vs. Santa Fe: 2026 SUV Comparison
Our 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe comparison puts two versatile, efficient, and feature-packed SUVs side by side to see their similarities and differences. The Hyundai Tucson is a compact five-seat sport-ute that prioritizes fuel economy and comfort. Meanwhile, the compact Santa Fe has three rows and delivers more output, excelling in passenger volume and towing capacity. Learn more about how these two sport utility vehicles stack up with our 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe guide below, and don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Tucson Engines & Specs
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| 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 | 2.5L turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 187 | 277 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 2,750 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
The Santa Fe and Tucson both offer powerful engines for their sizes. The Hyundai Santa Fe uses an energetic 277-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 turbo engine, producing 311 pound-feet of torque to get you a smooth start. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifts as you merge onto the highway or roll onto your favorite trail. Choose between FWD for improved efficiency or consider AWD for better traction, especially when conquering challenging conditions. When properly equipped, the Santa Fe has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which increases to 4,500 pounds with the adventurous XRT trim.
Alternatively, the Hyundai Tucson utilizes a 2.5-liter I-4 engine, a more efficient option that makes 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. The smaller Tucson gets a maximum towing capacity of 2,750 pounds when properly equipped, which is still enough for a small fishing boat if you want to spice up a weekend excursion. Like the Santa Fe, it also offers standard FWD and HTRAC AWD as an option.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
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| 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Recommended Fuel Type | Regular | Regular |
One area where the 2026 Tucson really shines is its fuel economy. Its maximum EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with FWD means you can spend more time on the road and less time at the pump. While the Santa Fe may not quite reach these numbers, it still provides up to a reliable EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with FWD. The AWD MPG ratings show a similar theme as well, with the Tucson earning an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 and the Santa Fe achieving up to an EPA-estimated 20/28/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) fuel economy rating.2
Both models will save you money when it comes time to fill back up, thanks to their reliance on regular fuel instead of premium. While the Tucson has the MPG advantage, the Santa Fe comes with a larger gas tank, so they have similar maximum gas-only range estimates.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Tucson Dimensions & Features
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| 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7 in | 190.2 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 74.8 in |
| Height | 65.6 - 66.3 in | 67.7 - 69.7 in |
| Min. Ride Height | 7.1 - 8.3 in | 7 - 8.3 in |
| Turning Diameter | 38.6 ft | 37.9 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 6 or 7 |
| Passenger Volume | 108.2 cu ft | 152 cu ft |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.4 / 41.3 / - in | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) |
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| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 57.6 / 56 / - in | 59.5 / 58.1 / 53.5 in |
| Hip Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 54.5 / 53.9 / - in | 56.5 / 54.9 / 42.7 in |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) | - / 41.2 / 80.3 cu ft | 14.6 / 40.5 / 79.6 cu ft |
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What are these efficient engines lugging around? As shown in the comparison chart, the Tucson is a little more than 7 inches shorter than the Santa Fe. This gives them sizable passenger stats, with both vehicles having over 40 inches of leg space for both the front and second rows. Don't forget that the Santa Fe offers more in the way of seating, thanks to a third row, while the Tucson gives you a slightly greater maximum cargo capacity. Since it only has five seats, the Tucson has more standard cargo space, too.
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe cabins hold similar features, like a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, smartphone connectivity, and a six-way adjustable driver seat. However, each has unique standard features the other doesn't have, such as a dual-level cargo floor in the Tucson and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Santa Fe.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe Safety Technology
We can't forget to cover the abundance of safety and driver-assistance options. Both vehicles have robust systems ready to help you wherever you go. In fact, you'll find the following standard driver aids in both sport-utes via their Hyundai SmartSense technology suites:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Driver Attention Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Safe Exit Warning/Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert
Available features for both vehicles, such as a Surround View Monitor, a 12-inch Head-Up Display, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, further fortify your peace of mind. The Santa Fe does offer a few more systems that the Tucson doesn't have, including Highway Driving Assist 2 and Hillstart Assist Control, but you'll feel confident and secure behind the wheel of either of these sport utility vehicles.
In terms of safety ratings, the 2026 models have not been evaluated yet. However, for the 2025 model year, the IIHS named both the Tucson and the Santa Fe as Top Safety Pick+ award winners.3,4 We expect similar ratings for the 2026 iterations.
2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe Pros & Cons
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| 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | |
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Choosing between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Hyundai Santa Fe can be tricky. As noted above, the Tucson is the less expensive vehicle at the financing desk and on the road, while providing more cargo space. However, the Santa Fe has additional seating flexibility, a higher maximum towing capacity, and more available safety tech.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Tucson: Which Should You Pick?
A new Hyundai Santa Fe is the ideal pick if you have a large family or travel often. The extra third row is perfect for bringing more friends or cargo along. It also allows more freedom for what you can hitch up with its higher towing capacity.
If you have a small family or like to explore, a new Hyundai Tucson could be the better choice. It offers better EPA-estimated MPG ratings and a larger cargo bay, whether the seats are up or down. It's also the more affordable option.
Discover Both Hyundai SUVs at Potamkin Hyundai
No matter which model calls to you in our 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe comparison, you can check it out here at Potamkin Hyundai. We're proud to offer the Tucson and Santa Fe in our selection of new Hyundai vehicles. If you happen to be in the area, stop by today to learn more about how these SUVs compare and take a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe?
The main difference between the Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe is that the Tucson is a two-row compact SUV, and the Santa Fe is a three-row midsize SUV. That gives the Santa Fe the edge in passenger capacity and total passenger volume. However, the Hyundai Tucson has more cargo space and higher MPG ratings. Both are excellent, so the choice comes down to your priorities.
Which is more spacious: the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Tucson?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more seating capacity and passenger space than the Tucson. It has seating for six or seven and 152 cubic feet of passenger volume vs. the Tucson SUV's five-passenger capacity and 108.2 cubic feet of passenger space. The Tucson, however, has a higher standard and maximum cargo capacity with 41.2 cubic feet and 80.3 cubic feet, respectively.
Which has better gas mileage: the Hyundai Tucson or the Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Tucson has better gas mileage than the Santa Fe. Its EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 rating with FWD surpasses the Santa Fe SUV's EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 rating with FWD. Both Hyundai models use regular fuel, but the Santa Fe has a larger fuel tank than the Tucson.
About The Author
Potamkin Hyundai is a premier Hyundai dealership located in Miami Lakes, FL, near Miami, and proudly recognized as one of the Top 12 Hyundai Dealers in the Nation. As the only Hyundai-exclusive dealer in the area, Potamkin Hyundai is a trusted authority on all things Hyundai. Their factory-trained technicians, knowledgeable sales experts, and commitment to customer satisfaction set them apart. Through the exclusive Potamkin Hyundai Advantage Program, customers enjoy benefits like free weekly car washes, diagnostic scans, and service discounts. With a reputation built on integrity, innovation, and exceptional care, Potamkin Hyundai continues to elevate the Miami car-buying experience.
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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.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Hyundai/tucson-4-door-suv/2025
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/santa-fe-4-door-suv/2025
