2023: Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe

1. Introduction

The Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe have been popular midsize SUV contenders and are sold in good numbers. Much as it was for 2022, both are available with a choice of regular gasoline or hybrid powertrains. The Tucson is a smaller model, whereas the Santa Fe is actually labeled as midsize. Both have received substantial redesigns recently with the Tucson replacing a generation that dated back to 2016 and the Santa Fe replacing a generation that dates back to 2019. This comparison deals with the 2023 models of both. It's worth noting that a significantly different long wheelbase Santa Fe variant will be sold alongside the current model but will not be covered in this comparison. This separate Santa Fe XL replaces the sold only in North America 3-row Santa Fe from 2019-2022 and is mostly designed for the Chinese and American markets. Available only in China, a rebadged Santa Fe XL is also sold as the Kia Sorento Prime. Step back and using a higher level approach, the primary reason to consider either of these Hyundai's lies in the amount of features and warranty that can be obtained for the price. A detailed feature and warranty breakdown will be covered in the pricing section but given that it's a scattered topic throughout Hyundai's own media, a features comparison was shifted to a separate 3-part video analysis with part 1 focusing on the Tucson, part 2 focusing on the Santa Fe, and part 3 comparing Tucson and Santa Fe features side by side. Based on feature content, be sure to watch the feature comparison videos beyond what's written in the comparison itself. This is an informative blog intended to provide a broad overview of the new 2023 Tucson and Santa Fe with an intent to provide cross shopping buyers a comprehensive set of advice collected into a single location. The content here is a translation of multiple Hyundai media sources. The goal in this blog is not to touch on every single trim/package/engine option/release date; instead aiming to create a streamlined comparison aimed at how each model stacks up against the competition and older models that might still be on dealer lots. Step beyond this blog and my ultimate goal would be to create a detailed buying guide for the new Tucson or Santa Fe. This guide however is different from my older historical buying guides in that it is intended to be a regularly updated set of recommendations taking into account model year running changes and user feedback. The older buying guides will not have a part 2 for Tucson or Santa Fe. [1][2]

1.1. Overview of the Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson is a leading car which has set standards that have been tough to follow. It has not only redefined but also recreated a few benchmarks for Hyundai. For sure, the new Hyundai ix35 is the next benchmark in the SUV segment. It is elegant to look at, pleasant to drive, enjoyable to ride in, and easy to live with. It might as well seem we are overdoing the compliments but the fact is that it is indeed difficult to not compliment it. It is offered in 3 engines, the 2L and 2.4L petrol, and the 2L diesel. With the 2L petrol, you can choose whether to have AWD or 2WD whereas for an extra 20 grand roughly, the 2.4L petrol comes only with AWD. The Tucson replaces the Tucson Elite. Hyundai has stopped offering the 2L petrol Santa Fe and has dropped the price of the new Tucson to match the old Tucson's price and has released the new Santa Fe in only 2.2L diesel (5 seater or 7 seater) and the 2.4L petrol (7 seater) whereas before the new Santa Fe has been released, it was also the segment leader and had set the benchmarks tough to follow. The successful Santa Fe had set the benchmarks for the SUV market. Though why the choice to discontinue the Santa Fe 2L petrol (as it was a great car and timing with the fuel prices it is now a great option). This was due to the poor fuel economy compared to the diesel and a great load of customers have been opting out for the Santa Fe and going for the ix35. This suggests Hyundai has made a good choice pricing the Tucson near the old Tucson and replacing the Santa Fe with the Tucson and give people with smaller families the option to choose the ix35. Now is the timing for Hyundai to release the Tucson as the petrol price is soaring and is a great decision. High petrol price and a discontinuation of a segment benchmark SUV is tough to find success but Hyundai has made a correct decision to replace the Santa Fe with a new Tucson and bring the segment leader to another level.

1.2. Overview of the Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe has always been the middle child of the brand's SUV family, but with the introduction of the Tucson, it took on new significance. The Tucson will continue as the brand's vital entry in the CUV segment, meaning the Santa Fe will have a little more room to breathe in the very heart of the midsize crossover market. Details are still a little bit fuzzy, but Hyundai has revealed enough of the Santa Fe's future direction that we feel it's a good time to see how these two will compare. The Santa Fe has bowed out of the last decade of its life cycle with a refreshed 2020 model that did not change much from the 2019 version. It was a refresh nonetheless, implementing Hyundai's new design language as we saw on the Sonata and Elantra, and some minor changes to the interior and tech. The new models could not have more divergent designs—where the Tucson has taken a very radical, new-age design direction, the Santa Fe will be quite conservative. It appears that the Santa Fe will only be a couple of inches larger in certain key dimensional aspects, but that is to be confirmed at a later date. Both are built on new platforms, so expect solid technological upgrades across the board with a focus on comfort and safety.

2. Exterior Design

Tucson and Santa Fe are very aggressive when it comes to looks. Hyundai has been producing cars with unique design and characteristics. The same goes for the new 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. The 2023 Tucson has taken a completely different path in terms of design compared to its predecessors, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The 2021 model has a round-shaped design, which is unusual for a compact SUV. This time, the Tucson has changed its shape to a futuristic arc design. It has different forms and also has a new look in some models in the grille. Hyundai sent two different concepts between the standard Tucson and the Hybrid models. In the standard model, the grille size is only standard size and has a 3D look. But in the Hybrid model, the grille size is the same but has a pattern that is simple but gives a 3D impression. Here we can see that the Tucson brand has a different concept grille for each model. It is different from Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tucson's sister has no fundamental difference for the grille and is not much different from the previous model. Next is the headlight. As the approach to futuristic, it has front headlights like this, which has become a standard for a vehicle derivative. The size of the Tucson's headlight is not too big and also has a sharp curve. The lights itself has two layers, looks nice but simple. Different from the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is a midsize SUV, the 2021 Tucson has a smaller headlight size compared to its sister. And in terms of design, the Santa Fe headlight design is not as sharp as the Tucson. In simple words, each sister has a headlight with a design that matches their size. The wheels become one of the most interesting things for the new 2023 Hyundai Tucson. By cooperating with a well-known wheel manufacturer "RAYS", here Tucson presents new Rays Aluminum wheel for the standard model and Rays "premium" wheel for the hybrid model. Both of them have unique and futuristic design compared to standard wheels in its class. For the standard model, it has 2 types, 2023MY Rays G025 and 2023MY Rays G025B, both with 19" as its standard tire size. And the Hybrid model also has 2 types, 2023MY Rays 3204H and 2023MY Rays 3204HB, both with 19" as its standard tire size. The same goes for the tire, still 19". The Santa Fe has a different shape and concept from the Tucson. As a midsize SUV, Santa Fe is changing its wheel to a trend nowadays, which is a big-sized wheel. The standard model has 2 types, 18" Alloy Wheel and 19" Alloy Wheel. And the Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid model has 19" wheels with Michelin tires. The Santa Fe's wheels may not be as unique as the Tucson, but its precision every type of wheels is the best for each model. [3][4][5][6]

2.1. Styling and Dimensions

The change in size dimensions gives the Tucson a new style and stance with shorter overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners. Wheel options are 2.0 and 2.5 with a 17-inch alloy standard and 19-inch alloy for the upper level. 2.0's have 225/65 R17 all-season tires and the 2.5 has 235/55 R19 all-season tires. Wheel options are the same as the current Santa Fe. Wheel options are 17, 18, and 19-inch alloy, and the 19-inch option has the same tire size as the Tucson. These wheel options and tire sizes give each vehicle a sporty and aggressive look while maintaining a high profile and comfort. The only downfall is that many tire options will be limited to one size given the specific tire size.

It seems that Hyundai has taken a page out of a successful product, or perhaps a page out of their own book on a previous successful product. The new Tucson looks eerily similar to the three-row Santa Fe from previous years. This is seen through the mid-size SUV's new dimensions. Compared to the previous generation, the wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer and 6.1 inches longer overall. This makes the vehicle look more like a "mini-me" Santa Fe than a separate vehicle in its own class. The dimensions are changing to match consumer preference, going from a smaller SUV to fit between the Kona and Santa Fe and now one that directly competes with the Santa Fe in terms of sizing. When comparing this to the current Santa Fe, the two vehicles are virtually identical in size, taking away from the Tucson's former "slightly larger compact SUV" position.

2.2. Grille and Headlights

Unfortunately, there is little information about the Santa Fe at the time of this publication. However, based on spy shots and earlier releases of information, there are still some worth comparing, and comparisons will be easier upon the full release of the new Santa Fe. At the base end, the grille has a similar unassuming shape with smaller crosses and more plastic housing around it. The biggest difference will be in the upper-end models. The diamond pattern grille on the 2023 Santa Fe appears to be less intricate than that on the Tucson, but a bold design statement is still being made with a massive grille that stretches down to the lowest point of the car. The shape of the grille also follows the body curves and leads to a set of eye-catching headlight assembly options. Based on spy shots, it is expected that there will be a separate Santa Fe design for the North American market and one for Europe or elsewhere. Both designs are interesting, with a huge headlight assembly and a pointed formation coming down the side of the vehicle, as well as a separate light bar. However, details are a bit hazy. All in all, the head-on comparison of these two Hyundai SUVs in 2023 is likely to be interesting. Both SUVs are keen to form an authentic identity not only for themselves but for the vehicle as a whole.

The grille is one of the most eye-catching elements on the front side of an automobile, and the 2023 version of the Hyundai Tucson seems to be pushing the envelope in terms of radical fashion and aesthetics. Lower-end models will have a modest grille, while higher trim levels will acquire a more intricate layout and materials. The diamond design patterning is bold and intricate, with chrome and silver adding color to the mix. One particular design of the grille takes structural design to another level, creating an authentic three-dimensional form. Hyundai has not been shy with the slashes and creases within the grille either, freeing up more space for provocative designing. The top line of the grille on high-end models will often converge with a large central portion and will hold the Hyundai emblem. The headlight design that accompanies the Tucson grille will contrast drastically depending on the trim level and market. The US market will receive a more traditional headlight housing with projector beams and LED accents. A European market headlight is more likely to be an all-LED unit with DRL, giving the vehicle a more fashionable and vague culture. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid Tucson are also expected to have different types of headlights. Some variants of the headlight include a side-looking assembly with two elements of the headlight separated by a gap in the hood, and a hooded assembly with the upper part of the headlight covered by a shelf-like extension from the body.

2.3. Wheel Options

When it comes to changing the overall look of your vehicle, changing its wheels could probably be one of the best ways to do so, providing that a set of wheels could affect your vehicle's overall stance and presence. Firstly, the frugal Tucson offers a selection of 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model, wrapped in 225/60 and 225/55 tires respectively. However, the larger engined automatic variants are particularly short-changed as they blend into the background looks-wise, with only the 18-inch alloys available on the 'Premium' model. In contrast, the larger Santa Fe offers a wider selection of wheels starting with the 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/60 tires, which are now standard equipment on the 'Style' model that comes with the newly available R series diesel engine. The R series diesel-engined 'Elite' model comes with the same-sized set of alloys but with a different design, while the fully loaded 'Highlander' model comes with 19-inch alloys. The Santa Fe's larger wheel and tire packages may generally offer a better look than the smaller Tucson, and it's good to see that Elantra's Coupe-styled 'Sport' model steering wheel make its way onto the Tucson's cockpit in this recent mid-model refresh. However, it would be nice to see the larger engined AWD Tucson variants get a look in with the 18-inch alloys at least.

3. Interior Features

More recent trends in portable technology can mean enhanced dashboard elements which complement the driver's own MP3 player. Over the years, these may become more effective. Both the 2023 Tucson and the 2023 Santa Fe have a complete integration of iPod/MP3 ports. The 2023 Santa Fe seems to enhance this by adding an option to install an Infinity Logic 7 sound system and floor glowing storage for the iPod, which shows practical elements for those who have an iPod, which is a surprisingly large number of individuals. Due to its extended internal dimension, the Santa Fe might over time become a better hub for mobile music in present players and devices than the Tucson, though both models bring a satisfactory quality sound environment to those looking to leave the olden days of car radio behind.

Compared to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is marketed specifically to families and indicates this by means of including an extra row of seats to develop a seating capacity for seven people, slightly than the general five in the Tucson. Interestingly, the Santa Fe manages to achieve this with only a slightly higher length, with the 2023 model measuring 184.6 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width, and maintaining a wheelbase of 106.3 inches. This doesn't significantly compromise the model's maneuverability and capacity, and in return, the additional row of seats offers sufficient cabin space and better ease and fortitude for individuals and extended rides due to this buildup.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are firmly rooted as SUVs and, as a result, are optimized for the desires of families and passengers who are looking for room and versatility in their vehicle. First of all, the cabin area and seating capability are optimum for the native driver. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson easily seats five passengers but has a usual length of 176.4 inches and a wheelbase of 105.1 inches. The extra height acquired by the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, in comparison to old models, is virtually useful as it increases the cabin space which was once limited in prior models.

3.1. Cabin Space and Seating Capacity

Based on the preliminary information we've received, there isn't much change in terms of passenger space between this year's vehicles and last year's. The outgoing Tucson boasted 102.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and could seat up to 5 passengers depending on the available configurations. This isn't bad for a small crossover, but as we'll see the Santa Fe has it beat. The new 2023 Tucson has grown larger in every dimension, and now has 108.2 cubic feet of passenger volume which is more on par with a midsize SUV. Not only is it larger, but the way it packages its passenger space is more versatile with a 6 passenger seating layout available thanks to a bench seat in the 2nd row. Headroom and legroom is competitive, and the Tucson boasts best-in-class rear legroom. This is all despite the fact that the vehicle's overall height has been reduced to give it a sleeker appearance. The new 2023 Santa Fe is also larger than its predecessor with 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, and seating for up to 7 passengers thanks to an available 2nd row bench seat. This makes it larger and roomier than the Palisade, which as we mentioned replaces the outgoing Santa Fe as a larger 3-row SUV. The extra room and passenger capacity gives the Santa Fe an edge over the Tucson, but people cross-shopping the two should still seriously consider what each vehicle has to offer.

3.2. Infotainment System and Connectivity

Hyundai Santa Fe 2023 infotainment system is also an 8.0-inch touchscreen on the base models, and it is a floating display like the current model. However, higher trims of Santa Fe have a 10.3-inch touchscreen that is far bigger than the Tucson's. The Santa Fe's touchscreen will move the standard HVAC controls and buttons to below the screen, which allows for more screen to be in an arm's distance and enhances the overall appearance of the center console. The Santa Fe's infotainment system receives a four-star rating as although it is a pretty simple system to navigate, it is a bit laggy to respond to touch inputs.

Hyundai Tucson 2023 offers a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster which comes standard on every model, and this feature is really good for a base model as it is hard to find features like this on competitors' base models. The infotainment system itself is an 8.0-inch touchscreen or a 10.3-inch touchscreen, available on higher trims. The only physical button is the home button, and the screen is easy to navigate throughout each screen.

3.3. Comfort and Convenience Features

The 2023 Santa Fe comes with the choice of three proven powertrains, which include both traditional internal-combustion and plug-in hybrid approaches to best serve the needs of SUV customers. The Santa Fe HEV and PHEV models share a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injected hybrid power plant paired with a 44.2 kW electric motor powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The HTRAC AWD system is available with the Santa Fe HEV. The popular two-row Santa Fe is also offered with the Nu 2.5 GDI engine with an estimated 277 horsepower and 311 Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new engine offers estimated best-in-class highway fuel economy. HTRAC AWD is also available for Santa Fe models with the 2.5 GDI engine. With the new Calligraphy AWD model, standard AWD with the 2.5 engine will be featured.

Our final major criteria, Comfort and Convenience Features, includes powertrain options, durability, and a coin holder. Because a comfortable and convenient experience is what everyone wants from a new car. On the train side of the equation, both the Tucson and Santa Fe offer a variety of engines designed to help meet consumers' specific needs. The Tucson engine lineup includes a 2.0-liter and a 2.7-liter V6 engines, and for the first time ever, Hyundai offers a 2.4-liter Theta II direct injection (GDI) engine. All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tucson is also available as an eco-friendly vehicle which has a 1.6-liter GDI turbo with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and a 44.2 kW electric motor. HTRAC AWD is available on all trims and engines for the Tucson.

3.4. Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

Information about crash avoidance features is becoming increasingly important to new car buyers. A 2023 Santa Fe with top safety technologies can only be compared to a higher trim level Acura, Audi, BMW, Volvo, or Mercedes. A necessary base price increase would be justified and may well succeed in a market where luxury brand purchase is based as much on crash safety technologies as it is on brand image. This analysis makes Santa Fe more favorable when cross-shopping with other midsize CUVs, provided an audience willing to set aside their brand bias and search for direct comparisons.

Both the Tucson and Santa Fe will offer adaptive cruise control. The Tucson will be the first Hyundai CUV to offer a surround view system, which is currently only available on its luxury sedans. Other key safety features on the Tucson and Santa Fe will likely be blind spot detection and lane departure warning.

On the whole, all Santa Fe models come standard with front and rear airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbag sensors. Active head restraints are also standard. In terms of safety features, Hyundai has made a market push to standardize its advanced safety technologies and the Santa Fe is the main beneficiary. This is seen by segmented ratings among models with similar crash safety ratings. The Santa Fe SE and Limited come standard with a rearview camera and Hyundai's innovative Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) System to optimize safe driving dynamics. An upgraded crash avoidance feature comes with the addition of driver-selectable steering (DSS) and HID headlights with dynamic bending light (DBL) that help to make turns visible during nighttime. The top Santa Fe Limited Ultimate comes equipped with advanced safety features too numerous to cover, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and a Multi-view Camera System. A best-in-class ten-year unlimited mileage warranty package on these vehicles makes the ownership of a 2023 Santa Fe even more attractive.

Hyundai has worked hard to create a model lineup that scores well in crash tests and mechanical reliability. Both Tucson and Santa Fe received the top Good rating in all crash test categories. The Tucson also won a Top Safety Pick qualification while the Santa Fe earned the highest honor, the Top Safety Pick award. The difference between the two is based on how they help drivers avoid a crash in the first place. The Tucson received a basic rating for front crash prevention, while the Santa Fe received a Top Advanced rating, the second highest score.

4. Performance and Engine Options

The Hyundai Tucson appears to have a wider set of engine alternatives in comparison to the Santa Fe. The Tucson has 4 alternatives in total: a 2.0L 4-cylinder, an improved 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, and a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo. Compare that to the Santa Fe which comes with 3 variations to choose between: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 2.0T with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 2.2L CRDi turbo diesel. With regard to gasoline engines, the base model Tucson has a comparable engine to the Santa Fe, however the THETA-II engine is less powerful than the Santa Fe's G4KD engine. On the other hand, the 2.4L Tucson engine is an upgrade from the base models and is similar to the 2.4-liter Santa Fe in terms of power. Throughout the board, the Santa Fe engines tend to be more powerful. This results in the Santa Fe having higher towing capacities than the Tucson for every engine tier.

4.1. Engine Specifications

The Santa Fe will come equipped with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an estimated 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Across the board is an 8-speed automatic transmission with different tuning assigned to FWD and AWD models. The Tucson will also feature a 2.5-liter, but it will be a revised version known as the "Smartstream" which uses a design Hyundai claims will optimize efficiency and performance. However, no specific horsepower or torque ratings have been released yet, and Hyundai has also stated there will be a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version available which will likely have a different setup compared to the base engine. All Santa Fe engine setups have the capability to tow 2,000 pounds. The base Tucson engine can also tow up to 2,000 pounds through an all-wheel-drive model, but front-wheel-drive is restricted to 1,500 pounds. Note that the Tucson will still be available with a 181 horsepower Value trim involving the carryover 2.4-liter engine, but details on future production of this model are unclear.

4.2. Transmission and Drivetrain Options

The transmission and drivetrain options available for each vehicle are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of variety. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with more options, but there are some apparent trends. The Santa Fe offers several options of an 8-speed automatic transmission. This includes a traditional automatic model and an auto-shift manual. The new Santa Fe also offers an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. As for drivetrain, there are also several options, but most are unique to the engine choice. All 2.5L engines come with HTRAC AWD as an option, which is an updated and revised AWD system that can have a max 50/50 torque split. The Santa Fe Calligraphy comes standard with the 2.5L turbo engine and second-gen HTRAC AWD, which has a 65/35 torque split and a snow mode. The 2.5L trim levels also offer an on-demand AWD model. The only FWD exclusive model is the Santa Fe hybrid, which uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor for an on-demand AWD option.

4.3. Fuel Efficiency and Range

Upcoming this year, Tucson installed the latest 2.4L GDI, combining the greater torque and alleviating the demand for gasoline consumption, which is the easiest way to identify the car owners' gas efficiency level. With the figures 181 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 23/28 miles per gallon city/highway for FWD models, and 22/26 miles per gallon for AWD, this is basically the beginning of the era for SUV customers worldwide. With the increase in driver's confidence on the current road conditions and acceleration from the fuel efficiency, this will leave a great impact. Independent research by Tucson buyers has mostly been positive overall. This is basically the great foundation for everything. Hence, SUV is not just about having great performance; there is also a great demand for fuel efficiency and the ability to handle.

The performance and engine options signify the anticipations from SUV. Tucson, even though carrying out excellently with the 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch system transmission for 1.6L turbo and 2.0L motor respectively, is not just becoming gratifying to SUV enthusiasts. However, from the comprehensive market analysis, more SUV customers, including SUV in its true sense, like the capability to possess or pull around, seeking better acceleration and velocity with a rate of energy-efficient energy consumption. With the better response of Hyundai Santa Fe sales, which is around 7,400 units for six months, last year's release increased fuel economy with AWD program; Tucson is a step up with providing a better performance product with Tucson 1.6 Turbo. However, approaching with the same motor, this sacrifices more fuel consumption to acquire higher power. This may not be the perfect alternative for clients.

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