Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe offer a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. The Tucson comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine boosts output to 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It also offers a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, as well as a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 277 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Tucson has a slight edge over the Santa Fe. The Tucson with the standard 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city and highway driving, while the Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter engine gets 25 mpg combined. The Tucson’s optional turbocharged engine has a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg, while the Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine is rated at 23 mpg combined.
Size and Space
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV, while the Tucson is a compact SUV. This difference in size is reflected in their interior dimensions and cargo capacities. The Santa Fe has a longer wheelbase and overall length, which translates to more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers. It also has a more spacious cargo area, with 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The Tucson, on the other hand, has 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
The Santa Fe offers the option of a third row of seats, which can accommodate two additional passengers. However, the third row is best suited for children or occasional use, as it is relatively cramped. The Tucson does not offer a third row of seats.
Which SUV is larger, the Hyundai Tucson or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is larger than the Hyundai Tucson. It has a longer wheelbase and a more spacious interior. The Santa Fe can seat up to eight passengers, while the Tucson can only seat up to five.
Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Hyundai Tucson or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more powerful standard engine than the Hyundai Tucson. The Santa Fe’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower, while the Tucson’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower.
Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Hyundai Tucson or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Tucson has a better fuel economy than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tucson gets an estimated 29 mpg combined, while the Santa Fe gets an estimated 25 mpg combined.
Which SUV has a lower base price, the Hyundai Tucson or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Tucson has a lower base price than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tucson starts at $26,450, while the Santa Fe starts at $30,850.

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: Comparative Overview
Feature | 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe |
---|---|---|
Engine Power | 187 hp | 191 hp |
Fuel Economy | 29 mpg combined | 25 mpg combined |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
Overall Length | 182.3 in | 193.5 in |
Cargo Capacity | 38.7 cu ft | 72.1 cu ft (with 3rd row folded) |
Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5-8 (depending on configuration) |
Standard Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen | 10.25-inch touchscreen |
Standard Safety Features | Forward collision warning, lane departure warning | Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring |
Available Features | Head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats | Head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats |
Base MSRP | $26,450 | $30,850 |
Top-Trim MSRP | $36,350 | $44,250 |
Key Differences:
- Size: The Santa Fe is significantly larger than the Tucson, offering more cargo and passenger space.
- Fuel Economy: The Tucson has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, returning better mpg in both city and highway driving.
- Price: The Santa Fe has a higher base MSRP, but also offers more standard and available features.
- Towing Capacity: The Santa Fe has a higher towing capacity, making it more suitable for hauling heavier loads.