Hyundai Santa Fe vs Hyundai Tucson

5 Ways to Compare the 2026 Santa Fe vs Tucson SUVs

1. Passenger Space

   The 5-seat Tucson has 108.2 cubic feet of passenger space. This ensures that it has plenty of legroom and headroom on both rows. Hyundai Tucson SEL and Hybrid Blue trim levels add dual-zone automatic climate controls with multi-air capability and 2nd row air vents. 

   Adding a third row, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe claims 152 cubic feet of passenger space. This allows for three rows of people-worthy space. The SEL models add 3rd row air vents with dual-zone climate controls.

   Second row passengers in either model have reclining seats for a more comfortable perch. The driver can step up to a full 8-way power chair in the SEL models of either the Hyundai SUVs. Santa Fes offer the Relaxation Comfort Seat with available power leg rest.

2. Engine Choices

   The Tucson has the most fuel efficient choices whether its the gas-powered Inline 4, the Hybrid Blue or the Plug-in Hybrid. A Tucson PHEV can go for 32 miles on its electric power. In combined driving, it earns an excellent 80 mpg-e. Tucson Hybrids earn 37 or 38 mpg combined.

   For a larger vehicle with three rows, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe holds its own. With the Santa Fe Hybrid, fuel economy is approximately 36 mpg combined.

   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            268 hp, 258 lb-ft

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

    4. Tucson Hybrid Blue                231 hp, 271 lb-ft

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




3. Drivetrain Choices

   The gas models are both front-wheel drive. This provides a sportier, more carlike handling than most Phoenix drivers will appreciate.

   If you want all-wheel drive, the hybrids make it standard. Hyundai has HTrac AWD that knows how to adjust in seconds to the road conditions. It can move power from front to back axles in an effort to grab traction. Whether Tucson or Santa Fe, XRT models are meant to take you further down the trail.

   The 2026 Hyundai Tucsons offer more models with 8.3 inches of maximum ground clearance. However, you can find this on the Santa Fe XRT. Other Santa Fe trims claim 7 inches of ground clearance.

4. Towing Choices

   Typical tow ratings for these models is 2,000 pounds with added trailer brakes. So you can choose the 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid or Tucson PHEV and enjoy the ability to pull a camper. Find out about Tucson prices here.

   If you want to tow more, the Santa Fe V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Even tougher, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is rated for 4,500 pounds, making it the top choice in this list. Compare Santa Fe prices here.

   

5. Interior Choices

   The standard upholstery is a family-friendly cloth that is stain- and odor-resistant. You can choose H Tex or leather in the Tucson or Santa Fe SUV. XRT models offer a sport upholstery combination to liven up the cabin. The Santa Calligraphy steps into luxury territory with its quilted leather upholstery.

   Ambient lighting is optional or available on most Tucson models. It is standard on the new Santa Fe Limited and Calligraphy trims. Santa Fes offer dual wireless charging and UV-C Sterilization Compartment while Tucsons offer a fingerprint scanner on Limited trims.

   For 2026, the two SUVs now feature a large-format digital experience. Catching up with the Santa Fe, the Tucson has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Tucson SEL Premium+ and Santa Fe SEL+ add a second 12.3-inch screen. This digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel curves to meet the infotainment screen. Parents love this system because it is one of the few on the market that offers a rear seat quiet mode to help babies sleep.

   The larger Santa Fe has a standard hands-free power liftgate. It also has available sunshades which are not on the menu for the Hyundai Tucson. To learn more, check out the latest new Hyundai reviews. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for more seats, you’ll lean toward the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you want the maximum room in the cargo hold, you’ll lean toward the new Hyundai Tucson. For something upscale, the Limited of either model will be a favorite.

Now that you know more, look at these Hyundai SUVs and discover what’s most important to you. Schedule a test drive at Earnhardt Hyundai of North Scottsdale.