Hyundai Tucson Vs. Santa Fe: 2025 SUV Comparison
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe comparison puts two versatile, efficient, and feature-packed SUVs against one another. The Hyundai Tucson is a compact five-seat SUV that prioritizes fuel economy and comfort. Meanwhile, the Santa Fa is a three-row midsize SUV that excels in passenger volume and towing capacity.
Learn more about how the 2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe stack up, then visit us at Potamkin Hyundai for a test drive of your preferred pick.
Quick Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe Comparison
- The Hyundai Tucson is a two-row compact SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row midsize SUV
- The Hyundai Tucson has more cargo space and higher fuel economy than the Santa Fe
- The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more passenger volume and higher towing capacity than the Tucson
- Both Hyundai SUVs are incredible options for their classes, offering robust performance, comfortable cabins, and advanced technology
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Tucson Engines & Specs
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| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 | 2.5L I-4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 | 277 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Max Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
The Santa Fe and Tucson both offer powerful engines for their segments. The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a 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 Wet Dual Clutch Transmission with SHIFTRONIC for engaging performance. Drive confidently with standard FWD or available HTRAC AWD, and bring up to 4,500 pounds of cargo when properly equipped.
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. The smaller Tucson gets a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 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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| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal | 17.7 gal |
| EPA-Est. Total Range | 400 mi3 | 425 mi3 |
| Recommended Fuel Type | Regular | Regular |
Where the 2025 Tucson really shines is its fuel economy. Its EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with FWD is significantly higher than the 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 for the Santa Fe with FWD. The AWD MPG ratings show a similar theme, with the Tucson coming out ahead with a higher fuel economy. This is to be expected, though, as the Santa Fe has a bit more weight to carry.
Both models will save you money between fill-ups, thanks to their reliance on regular fuel instead of premium. However, the Santa Fe SUV boasts a larger fuel tank, which means it has a longer EPA-estimated range than the Tucson.3
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Tucson Dimensions & Features
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| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7 in | 190.2 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 74.8 in |
| Height |
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| Max Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 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 (front / second / third row) | 41.4 / 41.3 / -- in | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in |
| Headroom (front / second / third row) |
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| Cargo Space | 41.2 cu ft | 14.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 80.3 cu ft | 79.6 cu ft |
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What are these efficient engines lugging around? As shown in the 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. While the Santa Fe may have some extra room to stretch in, the Tucson gives you a slightly more maximum cargo capacity. Due to the lack of a third row, the Tucson has more standard cargo space, too.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe cabins hold similar features, like a standard 12.3-inch touch-screen 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
And then there are the safety and driver assistance options. Both vehicles have robust systems ready to help you wherever you go. With standard safety features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Driver Attention Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist, you can feel the Tucson and Santa Fe keeping you safe during long or short drives.
Available programs, like the Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist, further enhance your peace of mind. The Santa Fe offers a few more features that the Tucson doesn't have, including Highway Driving Assist 2 and Hillstart Assist Control.
In terms of safety ratings, the 2025 models have not been evaluated yet. However, for the 2024 model year, the IIHS named the Hyundai Tucson a Top Safety Pick+4 and the Santa Fe a Top Safety Pick.5 We expect similar ratings for the 2025 iterations.
2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe Pros & Cons
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| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7 in | 190.2 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 74.8 in |
| Height |
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| Max Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 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 (front / second / third row) | 41.4 / 41.3 / -- in | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in |
| Headroom (front / second / third row) |
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| Cargo Space | 41.2 cu ft | 14.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 80.3 cu ft | 79.6 cu ft |
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Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe is 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 more seating flexibility and a higher towing capacity.
2025 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 everyone or more 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 2025 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. 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, making both worth a look.
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.
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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.
3Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.
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/tucson-4-door-suv/2024.
5Reference 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/2024.
