Compare the 2024 SANTA FE & 2024 TUCSON

May 3rd, 2024 by

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in the wild

  • The 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE starts at $33,950 and is in stock here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA.
  • The 2024 TUCSON is also available, and starts at $27,500.
  • Read on to learn how these two stellar SUVs compare, and their strengths and weaknesses.

The SANTA FE is Roomier For People.

Heavily marketed as a roomy adventure vehicle that can tackle the suburbs and the wilds, the SANTA FE offers an airy experience for all occupants within. Providing 152.0 ft³ of total passenger space across all three rows, you’ll seldom, if not ever, stretch your sore limbs for relief. Unlike the mid-sized SANTA FE SUV, the TUCSON is a compact crossover and thus offers less space for passengers. Don’t get me wrong, the TUCSON is a great compact crossover, but the SANTA FE just offers more room.

Passenger Space 2024 SANTA FE (inches) 2024 TUCSON (inches)
Front Head Room 41.1 40.1
Front Hip Room 56.5 54.5
Front Shoulder Room 59.5 57.6
Front Leg Room 44.4 41.4
Rear Head Room 40.6 39.5
Rear Hip Room 54.9 53.9
Rear Shoulder Room 58.1 56
Rear Leg Room 42.3 41.3

If your drives typically consist of numerous passengers, the SANTA FE would be the most comfortable option.

The SANTA FE is Roomier for Cargo…Albeit Slightly

The SANTA FE’s redesign and marketing heavily focused on the terrace-like space in the rear, and it delivers. Offering up to 79.6 ft³ of cargo space, the SANTA FE bests the TUCSON’s 74.8 ft³ of max cargo space. If you can live without the ~5 cubic feet of cargo space, and you don’t drive frequently with passengers, the TUCSON is 100% the better deal. Especially with its lower starting price.

Cargo Space 2024 SANTA FE (ft³) 2024 TUCSON (ft³)
3rd Row Down 79.6 74.8
All Rear Seats Down 40.2 N/A

The TUCSON Is More Efficient

Smaller and lighter than the SANTA FE, the 2024 TUCSON offers better fuel economy than its heavier sibling. Offering up to 28 mpg combined, the TUCSON tops the SANTA FE’s 24 mpg combined.

Fuel Economy 2024 SANTA FE 2024 TUCSON
FWD 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 hwy) 28 mpg combined (25 city/32 hwy)
AWD 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 hwy) 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 hwy)

However, Both Offer Hybrid and PHEV Models

Although the TUCSON offers better fuel economy than the SANTA FE, both vehicles also offer Hybrid and PHEV models for increased efficiency. We’ll review the Hybrid/PHEV models separately, but it’s definitely worth looking into.

Both Offer Cutting-Edge Technologies

Both the Hyundai SANTA FE and TUCSON offer a wide range of convenience and safety tech. Standard and available equipment depends on each trim, but both models offer:

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Leather Upholstery
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • and more.

Many of the features are shared, but others, like the Head-Up Display, Power Captain’s Chair, UV Sanitizer, Dual Pane Sunroof are SANTA FE exclusives.

Concluding Thoughts

Both vehicles perform exceptionally well within their segment. When compared to each other, however, the SANTA FE definitely shines. But that’s to be expected. It’s newer, bigger, and also pricier. But that’s not to say the TUCSON should be ignored. In fact, I recommend the TUCSON over the SANTA FE if you don’t have a big family, and just need a reliable crossover. If you plan on long road trips and weekend adventures though, check out the SANTA FE.

Interested in our Hyundai crossovers and SUVs? We have plenty in stock here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA! Give us a call today!


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