2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

1. Exterior Design

Hyundai's vehicle lineup has always showcased vehicles that don't lacerate the eyes whenever you look at them and instead command pure visual respect. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson are no exception and both exude unique design language. Taking a look at the Santa Fe, gone is the typical boxy and squared off SUV design and in its place is a slick and highly modern design. The front end of the Santa Fe tapers off into a point while the rear of the vehicle does the same, giving the vehicle a long and sleek profile. From the side, the sharp and crisp lines definitely add visual emphasis to what Hyundai calls "architecture driven design". The aggressive front grille design is definitely eye catching and depending on trim level, the Santa Fe is equipped with 17, 18 or 19 inch alloy wheels. Moving onto the new 4th generation Hyundai Tucson, the design approach has done a complete 180 from its predecessor and also showcases a bold and swoopy design. Much like the Santa Fe, the sharp and crisp lines are found everywhere on the vehicle and definitely add visual interest. The front end is vastly different from typical SUV styling and features slim LED daytime running lights with the headlamps being mounted lower in the bumper. Complimenting the slim front lights is the aggressive grille design and angular fenders. The rear of the Tucson is where things take an interesting turn with its "half and half" rear glass design. The upper portion of the rear glass functions as the rear window while the bottom portion is the glass for the liftgate. This unusual design feature definitely increases the "cool" factor and not to mention, it is also a world first for any vehicle. With how competitive the crossover segment has become, design definitely plays a huge part in consumer purchasing decisions and with the unique design language for both the Santa Fe and Tucson, it should set them apart from the typically mundane looking SUV. (Tarasova and Semenova2021)

1.1. Santa Fe's sleek and modern styling

The frontal styling is not a break from Hyundai tradition and from some angles looks too homogeneous with the smaller ix35. However, the stance is bolder, and the grille, which features 'three-dimensional' treatment and plentiful brightwork, quickly asserts itself. Elite and Highlander gain HID headlights with auto-leveling function. From the rear, the Santa Fe almost looks like a butch wagon. A roof-mounted spoiler is standard across the range, and satnav and camera-equipped variants also have ParkAssist, which will be useful given their length.

Side panels are sophisticated and clean over a super long (for a mid-size 4WD) wheelbase. There’s no need for exaggerated wheel arch flares, but the Santa Fe rolls on 18" alloy wheels (17" on Elite) and with a choice of low profile or regular radials, the stance will be equally good. A 'raked' B-pillar and frameless (or more correctly thickly framed) door glass serve to further differentiate Santa Fe from the SUV hordes but may also mean the cost of crash repairs is higher than average.

The Santa Fe’s exterior design is sleek, modern, and bold. It sets it apart from rivals, and that was the primary goal. According to Luke Doncaster, Hyundai Australia’s GM for external affairs, the number one asked question people had about the Santa Fe was its brand. "We set out to design a vehicle that would be instantly recognizable as a Hyundai - even from a distance."

1.2. Tucson's bold and compact design

Apparent from its introduction at the 2019 Los Angeles auto show, the fourth-generation design of the Tucson presents a more daring approach to the compact SUV. Offering a design that maintains a balance of advanced technology and a distinct design aesthetic, the 2023 Tucson has entered the future. The daring design of the Tucson is led by a series of bold design techniques that expand to new potential customers, while changing the status quo on compact SUV design. "We pursued innovative solutions in design and utilized specialized methods to grant the Tucson a look that sets it apart from other SUVs," stated SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the Hyundai Global Design Center. "With the Tucson, we aimed to go 'somewhere we've never been before'. This is a revolutionary step in the model's design history." An advanced example of Hyundai's "sensuous sportiness" design identity, the Tucson design raises the bar for the entire SUV category. This starts with the parametric jewel pattern grille, integrated into the LED DRLs to offer an HMG signature, and takes a lead to the side featuring a massive wheel arch and a chiseled character line. Available in a huge spectrum of colors, including a few unconventional options, this is a design that Hyundai aims to offer a unique identity. This determination to express the individuality in the design transfers to the rear of the vehicle, featuring a unique full-width tail lamp integrating the wiper with a hidden wiper blade for an even cleaner look. This design is stretched to the limit with the future Tucson N-Line, a more powerful look featuring a blacker, darker look to offer the SUV a sportier look. All in all, this design leaps the norm of compact SUV design and thrusts the Tucson into a radical new image.

As touchstone vehicles for the Hyundai brand, both the Santa Fe and the Tucson present new looks for the company's direction in 2023. The Santa Fe holds true to previous renditions, while the Tucson has taken a complete turn on its design. Although the Santa Fe offers a fresh design of its own, the Tucson captivates its audience with a never-before-seen style.

2. Interior Features

Hyundai Santa Fe's interior theme is called "Universal Island", which is by definition a place where anyone can find comfort at any time. This motif goes hand-in-hand with Santa Fe's homeowner demographic family lifestyle. Santa Fe uses premium quality materials and finishing throughout the interior. Lots of soft touch materials on the upper and center regions of the dash, and door panels. Color choices for the interior include black, gray, and burgundy. The option of burgundy only brought Santa Fe's higher trim level "Calligraphy" which is above Limited, but it is a great choice to bring a color choice rarely seen in midsize SUVs and can be a differentiating reason for someone to upgrade to the higher model. The burgundy interior will also come with quilted Nappa leather seating surfaces, adding that extra layer of luxury. The top Calligraphy trim will also bring a HTRAC AWD snow and mud drive mode for added capability, feature a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a full-color Heads-Up Display. Other interior features such as the type of steering wheel, what kind of screens or displays, and an option of bench seating or captain's chairs will depend on the trim and option package. Overall, high-value packages are spread out across all the different Santa Fe models, but the Calligraphy is special in the sense that it will bring the most overall value and features compared to previous Santa Fe tops. (Courcoux et al., 2023)(Ferré Gras, 2023)

Some notable features that establish Santa Fe's interior from Tucson would be Santa Fe's spacious characteristics and luxurious cabin. Concerning space, both vehicles are fairly close, but Santa Fe is bigger in length, wheelbase, and has just a tad more in height. As a result, Santa Fe has more interior space than Tucson. This is important for growing families as the children become bigger and you need to cart everyone and their friends around. A more space efficient vehicle helps avoid needing to upgrade to something larger unnecessarily later. Both vehicles also offer more passenger space compared to the previous generation.

2.1. Santa Fe's spacious and luxurious cabin

The interiors of the new Santa Fe and the Tucson are designed to maximize the sense of space, whether you're in the driver's seat or the rear seat. Premium materials provide the best-in-class illumination for a great ambiance. Navigation route will be displayed on the television screen, which is part of the inventions and first for the automotive world. A navigation route driving through a valley will be expressed in the valley scene mode. Audio sound quality is achieved by tuning the internal logic of the audio system and advanced stages and phase processing technology. This might as well be English for the epitome of listening to sweet music to ears. Due to the expansion of the models, wider and longer dimensions, the Santa Fe and Tucson have been the first to boast of best-in-class legroom. SX 2009 Santa Fe has 109.1 cu.ft and for the Tucson 2010 (ZAR spec) has 102.2 cu.ft. Headroom for Santa Fe is 39.5/41.0 and for Tucson is 39.4/39.2 respectively. Customers can relax knowing that they will be purchasing space for their next adventure in both these Hyundai SUVs. Best of all, both these models offer great safety features through a touch screen, which lists a rear view camera display mode in the navigation system. This will help drivers to reverse and park into limited spaces. Realizing that both these cars in North America will be purchased by people of all ages, Hyundai model organizers have done well to provide easy entry and exit with a hip point and pictures/graphics that will suit all generations. This has been achieved using premium materials with edge-to-edge construction and the system itself can be upgraded remotely via WiFi and Mobile Data Communication. A great step for more internet-dependent generations.

2.2. Tucson's innovative technology and comfortable seating

Tucson earns high points for its range of features, but the system is primarily based around an 8.0-inch display with the larger 10.25-inch screen reserved for top-spec models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as well as a digital key that enables a smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Blue Link and parallel/reverse remote parking assist are also available. This impressive array of technology is supported by a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers on Limited and Calligraphy models. On the dynamic front, Tucson uses a new open-air cockpit design which integrates the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system into a singular curved display. This new approach to ergonomics allows for better intuitive interaction with the vehicle's features and more effectively minimizes distractions while driving. Lower trims utilize a traditional gauge cluster and 8.0-inch display. A shift-by-wire push-button gear selector on automatic transmission models has also enabled storage space beneath the center console.

Standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability management, and traction control. A forward collision-avoidance assist system is also available on the Santa Fe, as is blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. All-wheel drive is also available. This sophisticated AWD system can direct traction to only one wheel, and the vehicle is rated to tow trailers up to 3500 lbs when properly equipped. A multi-link rear suspension, larger front and rear disc brakes, and an available load-leveling suspension make for a capable and compliant driving experience. SACHS shock absorbers are even available on higher trims. With all the advantages of a modern platform, the all-new Santa Fe also improves on its predecessor's best-in-class safety with a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features...what did I tell you?

2.3. Comparison of cargo space and passenger capacity

Although both vehicles offer different approaches and styles, the 2023 Santa Fe and 2023 Tucson are currently at the top of their class in terms of cargo space and passenger capacity, with no rivals offering more space for the price than the new Santa Fe and a more usable and convenient space than the new Tucson.

The 2023 Santa Fe takes a different avenue by offering quality and space for the price and focusing more on appealing to the modern family. With one of the quietest and best-insulated cabins in the segment, the 2023 Santa Fe provides a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for the driver and passengers. Dual-zone front and rear climate controls, as well as available sunshades for the rear seats, add to passenger comfort. In addition to comfort, the Santa Fe appeals to modern families through the implementation of features oriented towards serving children and progressing their development. This is achieved through available features such as a Rear Occupant Alert system, which monitors for children and pets being left in the vehicle unattended, and safe exit assist to prevent accidents with rear seat passengers opening doors in the path of approaching traffic.

Both the 2023 Tucson and Santa Fe have their own unique designs and approaches toward creating a spacious interior. The 2023 Tucson offers substantial space for a family of four between the front and rear seats. Underseat floor ducts and reduced front seat backs contribute to an open footwell feel in the 2023 Tucson. Headroom and legroom have both increased for front and rear passengers. In the rear cargo space, convenient storage and power connections such as a 12V DC power socket and a tailgate lamp make the 2023 Tucson the best in class for usability. The additional storage and connection space is also designed to be very user-friendly. These additions give the 2023 Tucson a competitive edge in cargo space and passenger capacity over the previous model and current rivals.

3. Performance and Engine Options

Aside from the power and efficiency gains, a new 8-speed wet double clutch transmission and HTRAC AWD system will ensure that the Santa Fe is still capable in a variety of on and off-road driving scenarios. From towing and suspension to large and small tires, the systems give drivers driving mode optimization and control. The AWD system also has the ability to gradually send power to the rear wheels when acceleration and torque demands require it.

The crown jewel of the new Santa Fe line-up will be the potent 2.5-litre Turbo, that upgrades the 2.0-litre Turbo and further enhances the vehicle's status as the flagship of the Hyundai range. This bold powertrain choice will be standard on the Santa Fe in the US, whilst available in other selected regions.

The new Santa Fe will be available with plenty of powerful engine choices, including the brand new Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. With the Hybrid model paired with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and the Plug-in Hybrid matching a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo engine to a 13.8 kW electric motor. Rounding out the updated engine options will be a 2.2-litre diesel with some tweaks to add more power and efficiency.

3.1. Santa Fe's powerful engine choices and towing capacity

The Santa Fe offers a choice of two powerful and fuel efficient engines. The new 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder GDI engine with 185 horsepower (20 more horsepower than the previous 2.4-liter engine) is standard on SE and SE Ultimate trims. These engines can operate on an Atkinson cycle and feature a long-stroke/narrow-bore design for greater efficiency. The 2.4-liter engine has an estimated 21 city/27 highway fuel economy rating for FWD models. Ultimate models offer exclusive standard next-generation high-efficiency 2.0T turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and an estimated 20 city/28 highway fuel economy rating for FWD models (the most fuel-efficient Santa Fe powertrain). This improved engine response and low-speed and high-load efficiency, with a high specific output for outstanding fuel economy and reduced emissions, and its estimated 20 city/27 highway fuel economy rating. All engines are paired with the new, efficient and smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter engine is also capable of a robust 3,500 pounds of towing, compared to 2,000 pounds (trailer with brakes) for the former 2.4-liter engine. The 2.0T engine can handle 3,500 pounds of towing, up from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, depending on AWD and trailer brakes; greatly enhancing trailer-towing capability. In total, these represent substantial improvements in both Santa Fe horsepower and fuel economy. Combined with an enhanced ride and handling package, the Santa Fe continues to offer tremendous value for CUV customers.

3.2. Tucson's fuel efficiency and agile handling

Customers who choose the new Tucson can select between either a 2.0 liter, 140 horsepower, four-cylinder engine or a 2.7 liter, 173 horsepower, V6 engine. Tucson's with four-cylinder engines will be able to reach 23 miles per gallon, while V6 engines will achieve 22 miles per gallon. All models come standard with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. Those looking for front-wheel drive combined with excellent fuel economy will choose the Value Package (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive), able to reach 24 miles per gallon. A little more costly is the GLS four-cylinder front-wheel drive, which will also get 24 miles per gallon. For the eco-conscious consumer, the most efficient Tucson is the Blue HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) which will reach an outstanding 35 miles per gallon. On the other hand, all Santa Fe models will be powered by a 2.5 liter, 187 horsepower V6 engine. Though fuel stops will likely be a more frequent expense, all Santa Fe models will feature an additional 3 gallons in its fuel tank, holding 17 gallons. With an estimated fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon, Santa Fe owners can expect fuel economy comparable to their vehicle's size and power. Overall, Tucson's smaller, lighter build and economically focused four-cylinder models will be a more fuel-efficient choice.

4. Safety and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The updated Santa Fe comes with many notable safety features, like its ding angle monitor which, when turning, will give you an alert if it recognizes oncoming traffic that may be missed. The rear passenger alert is designed to remind drivers to check the back seat by providing a message on the center display to "Check rear seats" if the rear doors were opened and closed prior to the trip. This is to ensure valuables or passengers are not left in the rear seat. One of the most notable safety features in the Santa Fe is the new safe exit assistance. Safe exit assistance works by using sonars to detect approaching vehicles from the rear. If a passenger attempts to open the door while a vehicle is approaching from behind, the vehicle will give a warning to the driver and will not allow the rear doors to be disengaged. This safety feature has never been implemented in a vehicle and could help prevent accidents with opening doors. The Santa Fe offers a standard rear occupant alert that can remind you if a passenger is left in the rear seat, which has been a common situation with new parents. Finally, the Santa Fe has new HDA (Highway Drive Assist), which was only available in limited trims in prior models. HDA will use sensors and map data to control the acceleration, braking, and steering on the highways for drivers between 0-110 mph. HDA incorporates lane follow assist and smart cruise control for drivers, helping them to stay centered in the lane and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. HDA is a step towards semi-autonomous driving and it starts with the Santa Fe.

4.1. Santa Fe's comprehensive safety features

Also available on the regular Santa Fe, but standard on Highlander, is Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCTCAA) to provide visual and audible warnings, notifying the driver to apply braking to prevent a collision. Likewise, there is Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) to monitor the rear seats, reminding the driver to check the rear seats with a message on the centre cluster display if a user is detected in the rear seats having entered the vehicle prior to the journey. Again, useful for those with kids but also an important reminder to avoid leaving pets or other belongings in the vehicle.

The regular Santa Fe comes with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) which functions at all speeds, including pedestrian detection capabilities and Junction Turning Detection. Lane Following Assist (LFA) is pretty self-explanatory, and the Lane Keeping Assist system (LKA) includes centring capabilities to keep the vehicle from zig-zagging between lines. Last of all for car-based systems, there is Safe Exit Assist to prevent rear passengers from stepping out into traffic, another useful feature for those with kids.

The Santa Fe takes its responsibility as a family vehicle seriously with Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite coming as standard. This means you get the latest in crash prevention technology, rear occupant alerts, front centre side airbags, and a range of driver assist technologies which we will detail separately.

4.2. Tucson's advanced driver-assistance technologies

The advanced driver-assistance technologies in the 2023 Tucson include several systems that work together to help prevent accidents from happening. The first is the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which is designed to detect vehicles and pedestrians on the road with the use of a camera and a radar sensor. It warns the driver visually and audibly, and if necessary, it activates the emergency braking to slow or stop the vehicle. The next system is Lane Keeping Assist, which is designed to detect the lane on the road with a camera. When the vehicle is about to deviate from the lane without using a turn signal, the system will warn the driver. If no action is taken, the Lane Following Assist will automatically make a corrective steering adjustment to keep the vehicle in its lane. When driving on the highway or using Smart Cruise Control, the 2023 Tucson has the Highway Driving Assist system. This feature uses the navigation information and the camera and radar sensors to automatically adjust the vehicle's speed, and it will maintain a set distance from the vehicle detected in front of you. It will also keep you centered in your lane, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and accelerating based on the traffic flow. Highway Driving Assist is also able to switch to the appropriate local speed limits using the machine learning from the navigation and traffic sign detection. The navigation-based information can also be used to alert the driver of potential hazardous areas using the Remote Smart Parking Assistant. This is a feature that can park and retrieve the vehicle autonomously without the driver needing to be in the vehicle.

4.3. Comparison of crash test ratings and safety awards

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the 2021 Santa Fe received a 3 out of 5 star rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model is also a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. With the 2023 model change, Hyundai expects similar or better results. The Santa Fe is considered above class average, due to its myriad of standard safety features, and the availability of the Calligraphy edition to add even more safety features. Santa Fe models offer an array of modern safety features to put your mind at ease, such as their forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. These features contributed to it being recognized as a top safety pick by the IIHS. The Tucson also expects to achieve a high safety rating. Earlier this year, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson completed its safety test by the IIHS, earning the title of IIHS Top Safety Pick. This is due to an array of advanced vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention tests where the Tucson showed "Superior" performance. Although, for the NHTSA crash test ratings, the 2022 Tucson received a 4-star overall rating. Without any speculation for the 2023 crash test rating, the next Tucson will continue to be a Top Safety Pick, due to all Tucsons above base SE models having the Hyundai SmartSense safety feature technology bundle. This includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention warning. Overall, both vehicles have proven to be safe options for you and your family.

References:

Tarasova, Krystyna, and Kateryna Semenova. "ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION COMPONENT OF MARKETING TERRITORIAL STRATEGIES." Publishing House “Baltija Publishing” (2021). baltijapublishing.lv

Courcoux, P., Faye, P., and Qannari, E. M. "Free sorting as a sensory profiling technique for product development." Rapid sensory profiling techniques (2023). [HTML]

Ferré Gras, M. "Desarrollo de una web segura." (2023). ub.edu