Hyundai has a respectable crossover SUV lineup, which includes the Santa Fe and Tucson. See how the two models measure up in this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson comparison.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson: What are the differences?

In this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 hp), a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (277 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (260 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). The Santa Fe has a higher base engine horsepower and maximum horsepower.

For efficiency, the gas-powered Santa Fe gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 combined mpg, and the Santa Fe Hybrid has a gas mileage of 32 combined mpg. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets an estimated fuel efficiency of 76 MPGe when driving in electric-only mode and 33 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the Tucson has a fuel-efficiency rating of 29 highway mpg for the gas-powered model and 38 highway mpg for the hybrid model. For the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, the gas mileage is 80 MPGe in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode. The Tucson has the advantage for efficiency.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Towing

Do you need a crossover SUV that can tow? The Santa Fe has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Off-road capabilities

While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the Santa Fe is the better choice for off-road use. For one, it has higher ground clearance than the Tucson (up to 8.2 vs. 7.1 inches). Also, unlike the Tucson, the Santa Fe has an off-road-focused model with the XRT trim.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Safety

Both the Santa Fe and Tucson are safe vehicles. Both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Passenger and cargo space

The Santa Fe provides slightly more space for passengers than the Tucson. It has a total passenger volume of 111.5 cu-ft, compared to 108.2 cu-ft for the Tucson. However, the Tucson has the advantage for storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft, compared to 72.1 cu-ft for the Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Interior features and technologies

The Santa Fe and Tucson have a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes a sunroof/moonroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a dual-zone climate control system, and heated and cooled seats. However, unlike the Tucson, the Santa Fe offers a head-up display.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Santa Fe and Tucson have very generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Tucson is more reliable than the Santa Fe. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 88/100, compared to 80/100 for the Santa Fe.

Santa Fe vs. Tucson: Price

Which Hyundai crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Santa Fe or the 2022 Tucson? The starting price of the 2022 Santa Fe ranges from $27,200 MSRP for the SE trim up to $46,010 MSRP for the Limited Plug-In Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Tucson ranges from $24,950 MSRP for the SE trim up to $43,200 MSRP for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson: Which Hyundai crossover SUV is better?

In this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson comparison, each Hyundai crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2022 Santa Fe, advantages include performance, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger space, and a head-up display. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Tucson include efficiency, cargo space, reliability, and a lower price.