2024 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe

Which SUV is Right for You?

We've got good news if you’re trying to decide between the 2024 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe. Both these SUVs have excellent reputations, so the decision is just a matter of determining which will best fit your needs.

At Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury, we want all our customers to drive away in SUVs that suit them perfectly. Instead of arguing for either the 2024 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe, we’ll go over the key differences between them objectively so you can make an informed decision.

How the Two SUVs Measure Up in Size

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV, while the Tucson is a compact. However, these two Hyundai SUVs are relatively similar in dimensions. The Santa Fe has an extra inch on the Tucson in width and height and eight inches of additional length.

This distinction is important not because of how large the two four-door SUVs are but because of what they can do. While the Tucson has seating for five, you can fit seven people in the Santa Fe. The trade-off is in cargo space. The Tucson has 38.7 cu ft to the Santa Fe’s 14.6.

What Powers the Tucson and Santa Fe?

The FWD Tucson and Santa Fe are powered by different engines, which impacts their handling and capabilities. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is powered by a 187 hp 2.5L I-4 that puts out 178 lb-ft of torque. This configuration gets the job done just fine on city streets and highways.

The Santa Fe is a little more powerful, with a 2.5L I-4 good for 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, the extra power comes at the price of fuel economy. The Santa Fe gets an EPA-estimated 24 combined MPG to the Tucson’s 28.

The Question of Pricing and Ownership Costs

If the primary defining factor guiding your decision between the 2024 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe, that makes things simple. The Tucson is the more affordable of the two. This smaller, slightly less powerful SUV has a starting MSRP of $27,500 to the Santa Fe’s $33,950.

For the additional investment, you’ll get more than an extra couple of seats. The Santa Fe also comes standard with features that are optional in Tucson, such as satellite radio and keyless ignition.

Should I Buy the 2024 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe?

We love both these capable, comfortable SUVs at Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury. You'll get many different answers if you ask each of our team members which is their favorite and why. The best way to decide between the 2024 Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe is to check out each for yourself.

That said, you might want guidance on which one to look at when you come to our showroom. The Santa Fe is the clear winner if you need the extra seating. If you’re working with a strict budget, go for the Tucson. Otherwise, reserve your judgment until you see both.