2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Hyundai Tucson

Is the Santa Fe Cabin Big Enough for Three Rows?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson has exemplary headroom and legroom on both rows. Passenger space is calculated at 108.2 cubic feet.

 To handle a third row, the Santa Fe has to be truly bigger. There’s no problem there apparently. The passenger space is calculated at 152 cubic feet. That’s some 44 cubes more than the Tucson. This guarantees enough space at each position.

What is Cargo Space Like?

The Tucson has a large cargo hold, measuring 38.2 cubes with the seats in their normal places. However, you can edge that up to 41.2 cubes.

2024 Santa Fe models have some 40.2 cubes behind the second row and maintain almost 15 cubes behind the third row. Both SUVs can claim between 75 and 80 cubes when all the seats are folded flat. There are some differences depending on whether the model is a gas, hybrid or plug in hybrid.  

Which Hybrid Has the Best Gas Mileage?

The Tucson Hybrid Blue has the best fuel economy. It is rated 38 combined, and that breaks down to 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

 With the Tucson plug in hybrid system, the fuel economy is 35 mpg in gas, but you add 33 miles of pure electric range. This works out to an estimated 80 mpg-equivalent.

With the Tucson plug in hybrid system, the fuel economy is 35 mpg in gas, but you add 33 miles of pure electric range. This works out to an estimated 80 mpg-equivalent. 

 Santa Fe vs Tucson Engine Choices 

Ranked by Combined Fuel Efficiency

1. Tucson Plug in Hybrid 80 mpg-e

2. Tucson Hybrid Blue 38 mpg

3. Santa Fe Hybrid 36 mpg

4. Tucson 2.5L Inline 4 28 mpg

5. Santa Fe Inline 4 24 mpg

Which Engine Would You Rather Drive?

From the daily commuter to the family taxi, the driver wants to feel confident behind the wheel. So how do these rides actually drive?

 The most obvious choice would be the 277-horsepower gas engine on the Santa Fe. However, the Tucson Plug in Hybrid comes in close behind with 261 horsepower.

Santa Fe hybrids enjoy 231 horsepower while Tucson Hybrids generate 228 horsepower. All Hyundai hybrids can claim a good rate of torque to improve the response to a driver’s need for speed.  

Even the 187-horsepower gas engine on the Tucson is a good mover and shaker. It comes down to what the driver really wants for their daily drive. 

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Tucson Engine Choices 

Ranked by Horsepower  

1. Santa Fe 2.5L Inline 4       277 hp, 311 lb-ft

2. Tucson Plug-in Hybrid      261 hp, 258 lb-ft

3. Santa Fe Hybrid                 231 hp, 271 lb-ft

4. Tucson Hybrid Blue           228 hp, 258 lb-ft

5. Tucson 2.5L Inline 4          187 hp, 178 lb-ft

What Can Passengers Expect?

The two SUVs have smooth ride quality to take care of passengers. While the Tucson has a standard acoustic windshield, the Santa Fe includes acoustic front windows as well to give it an edge in keeping things quiet.

 You’ll have to step up a tier to get a power-adjustable driver’s seat, but these SUVs start you off with two-way power lumbar as well as multiple mechanical adjustments. Then the top trims add ventilated seats, a must-have here in Phoenix AZ summers.

 Santa Fes start off with two rows of air conditioning vents and add a third when you move up a tier. Tucson models add second row AC vents when you move up to the SEL. Either way you get dual zone automatic controls. As another cooling method, the Santa Fe offers side sunshades.

Second row seats can recline, giving your growing kids and teens a bit more wiggle room. Other second-row bonuses include available USB ports and a WiFi hotspot for smart devices. For more information about trim levels on these Hyundai SUVs, check out these 2024 reviews.

What’s Different on the Entry Level Santa Fe vs Tucson?

2024 Hyundai Tucsons start off with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver display. While they have many of the same features as the Santa Fe, the Santa Fe is a richer package.

The Santa Fe starts out with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Unique to this model, the armrest front console has a bi-directional opening to make it more useful to the second row. In another unique offering, the sophisticated sound system has a special quiet mode that parents can use to silence the rear sound when a baby is sleeping.  

A hands-free power liftgate is standard across the Santa Fe. However, you will need step up to the 2024 Tucson SEL to get that feature on the two-row Hyundai SUV.  

What’s the Most Upscale Santa Fe vs Tucson?

The Tucson Limited is packed with dual power chairs with heat and ventilation for the first row. Second row seats also gain a high-low power-heat function. Even better, upholstery is upgraded from H-Tex to leather in the 2024 Tucson Limited. Driver cockpits have a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited trims have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen in the driver’s cockpit. They offer leather or Nappa leather upholstery. A Melange headliner replaces the plainer cloth headliner. There are more driver aids, including Highway Driving Assist and a camera-based blind spot system.  

Now that you know more, look at them side by side and discover what’s most important to you. Schedule a test drive at San Tan Hyundai.