Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe 2020

1. Introduction

Hyundai Motor Company is often considered as one of the best SUV car producers on the market. Many experts have said that the South Korean manufacturer is usually consistent in making the best SUV in various aspects. Even some time ago, one of their flagship cars, the Hyundai Tucson managed to get a change to become an electric car. With the 2020 Hyundai Tucson appearing with a myriad of changes on the side and the machine, of course, making Tucson declared ready to compete with another compact SUV. As is known, Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are both included in the All New Tucson. From information that has been around Tucson will be made in 2 versions namely standard and long wheelbase, long wheelbase itself is a Tucson with a larger size so that it can keep up with the larger SUV in the same class. This certainly makes Tucson have a better performance and power so as to be a tough car and be the best partner for families who want an SUV with the best features. When viewed from Santa Fe itself is one step ahead, Santa Fe has a special impression for every Hyundai lover. How not the mainstay features of making the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a luxurious car with advanced features. The mainstay of this latest Santa Fe is located on the top variant with the highest price is the CRDi variant. This car uses a 2.0 liter engine with CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology so that it can produce power up to 184PS. This machine is also planted on Kia cars made by Hyundai's sister, namely Kia. With a qualified engine, Santa Fe is also in great demand by automotive lovers, especially those who like diesel cars. Based on information from the official Hyundai, the Santa Fe Diesel variant is the most sought after by automotive consumers. Understandably, by carrying the real SUV and applying diesel fuel, of course, this will make a different sensation, moreover Hyundai is famous as the best SUV maker, making the best SUV with diesel fuel is a challenge for Hyundai. How come this Latest Hyundai Santa Fe is very suitable for adventurers who want a luxurious car with the best features and are tough in any field. Well, to find out the superiority of each type, the following we will provide an overview of the difference between Tucson and Santa Fe that we managed to quote from the official Hyundai.

1.1. Overview of Hyundai Tucson

The interior design is also attractive enough to increase emotional satisfaction among the car owners. It adopts high-quality soft touch materials on the dashboard, a sculpted leather steering wheel and ambient lighting on the SEL trim and higher. The second-row seats offer very good comfort and quality with special editions on the thickness of the seat padding. In terms of utility, every trim has a YES Essentials stain and odor resistant cloth, cargo floor has an adjustable loading floor and a dual level cargo floor and rear liftgate with an open it hands-free feature is also available. Last but not least, Tucson guarantees maximum safety for its user. It received a 2019 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlamps. With a five-star overall rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NHTSA), Tucson's including superior features of safety and convenient technologies ensures a peace of mind from the start of the journey until arriving home.

A pair of gasoline powertrains send power to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, while Eco, Sport and Limited trims are also available with a 1.6-liter turbo diesel 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. With the HTRAC All Wheel Drive system also available, giving a choice of selecting various grips on different terrains, one can confidently say that Tucson has a capability of providing driving experience tailored to one's personal lifestyle.

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is a bold and stylish compact SUV. Tucson offers excitement while riding from everyday city driving to seeking adventure at out-of-city destinations. Its elegant looks and design make driving it simply grin-worthy. A large group of sophisticated technologies are incorporated in Tucson that comprises of HTRAC 4x4 system, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, Smart Cruise Control and an All-around view monitor. A number of drive modes are available too such as Normal, Eco and Sport modes.

1.2. Overview of Hyundai Santa Fe

A significant change in the design philosophy has taken place for the Santa Fe, as Hyundai decided to offer a greater proportion of variation between the two sizes SUVs than previous generations. The new look is highlighted by a very bold front fascia featuring a distinctive 3-part headlight design and a cascading grille similar to that of the Kona. The Santa Fe looks broader and more aggressive than previous designs, featuring a prominent stance and side profile. The interior follows the exterior in philosophy. Featuring a broad, open cabin design, Santa Fe offers a premium feel highlighted by the use of soft touch and high-quality materials. A variety of seating options is available on different trim levels, with the possibility of a cleanly integrated second-row bench or captain chairs.

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is a change that is a lot more than it looks. In addition to shedding the previous Santa Fe Sport name just to confuse everyone, the current Santa Fe is now a 7-passenger with a very roomy third row. Sized just above the slightly modified Tucson, the new Santa Fe is built on the same platform that underpins the current Sonata. The latest Hyundai midsize SUV is significantly larger than the previous era and is showcased as a proper SUV option compared to the somewhat smaller Tucson. With this platform change, Santa Fe gets an immediate upgrade in both the performance and fuel economy sectors, offering an interesting option for those looking to step up from the smaller two-row compact crossover SUVs.

2. Exterior Design

17-inch wheels are standard, not 19-inch wheels. The Tucson has an assortment of fashionable improvements, including LED headlamps and DRL (daytime running lamps) that should include one impressively aimed shot. The Santa Fe has additional chrome trim and slightly more complicated-looking wheels compared to the Tucson. LED rear lighting and a panoramic sunroof are shared features. The Santa Fe is 160mm longer than the Tucson, providing additional space. Both cars have maintained the popular grille and headlamps from previous versions, but they have now introduced back lighting, resulting in a more modern look. Both cars now have a higher quality design, with the Santa Fe offering a darker design compared to the Tucson. With a small size difference, they both have the ideal proportions for a large SUV.

2.1. Hyundai Tucson exterior features

To understand the differences between Tucson and Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover that is significantly smaller than the Santa Fe. One of the marked differences between Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson is in the design and size. The Santa Fe is longer and taller than the Hyundai Tucson and offers an optional third row of seats. The exterior features of the Tucson are indeed different from that of Santa Fe. The size alone makes the two vehicles distinguishable, but the actual design of each vehicle is very unique. The Tucson is considered a value-engineered vehicle and offers a sleek yet simple design. The Santa Fe is more rugged and offers a virtual blend between the Tucson and the luxury crossover Vera Cruz also built by Hyundai. The most noticeable similarities between Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson are the aggressive headlight designs. This signifies Hyundai's new design approach to implement an aggressive look to its vehicles. The Santa Fe and Tucson offer optional Xenon headlights and LED tail lights. The Santa Fe offers 18-inch wheels as a standard with 19-inch wheels being optional. The Tucson, however, offers 17 or 18-inch wheels, which can be essential to the actual vehicle size. The Santa Fe offers a panoramic sunroof as an option and can have roof racks installed to add a backend cargo storage. Overall, each vehicle offers a different yet refreshing look for the SUV crossover segment, a segment with much uniformity.

2.2. Hyundai Santa Fe exterior features

The current generation Hyundai Santa Fe is set apart in SUV design. The bold and broad body creates an unmistakable presence with a fresh and modern twist befitting for an innovative flagship SUV. In the front, the full LED headlamps are newly positioned above the composite lamps, and separated from the daytime running lights. The large composite lamp now sits below, in an oversized and intricate fixture that is sure to draw attention. The athletic and modern design is furthered by the wide set bumper and aggressive mesh grill. The unique bumper styling flows to the rear with a separated dual exhaust and skid plate look; 20-inch wheels and a larger tire sidewall complete the rugged look. The side sill molding creates a lowering effect for a sleek and slender impression of the vehicle. The new Santa Fe accommodates to the European taste for a mid-size SUV, with broader dimensions for a more assertive stance. The new design evokes an emotional and confident expression for a vehicle that is truly cutting edge.

2.3. Comparison of exterior designs

Step back, Tucson's rear end is really today's trend. The combination of a rear spoiler and sharp-angled rear glass is a really sporty and modern step that other competitors still don't have. Overall, Tucson's design is really modern, sleek, and futuristic compared to Santa Fe.

Another thing is the front fascia. Although both of these vehicles have a hexagonal front grille, the headlamp design between these two models is different. Santa Fe uses a square-shaped headlamp and fog lamp with a large grille, giving the vehicle rugged and square looks. The plan is to achieve elegant flying all around the world with ease and confidence. But for Tucson, the headlamp is divided into a two-tier design, separated with the main lamp on top and LED daytime running lights on the bottom. This design is more like a crossover, between a hatchback and an SUV.

If you see Tucson's design, it is like a scaled-down Santa Fe with sharper angles at some profiles. The front and the rear angle of the vehicle are almost similar to Santa Fe, the only difference is in the middle. It appears in the form of smooth-flowing character lines, which really underlines Tucson's fluidic sculpture. This design makes Tucson more aerodynamic and modern, different from Santa Fe, which looks rugged.

Being from the same family, Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe share some design elements together. Like their fluidic sculpture, which has become a mainstay in Hyundai's products. But, despite sharing the design cues from Santa Fe, Tucson differentiates its design. Now, let's take a deeper look at these design elements.

3. Interior Features

Hyundai Santa Fe Interior Features The Santa Fe interior is also a high-quality environment that will exceed expectations. There is a clear improvement over the previous model, with a more premium design and extra features. The Elite and Highlander models have a new large-caliber cluster ionizer that freshens the air in the cabin. A driver's seat extension function has been added, providing better thigh support, and Elite models now feature a power-adjustable front passenger seat which is rare in this class. In terms of convenience, there's a hands-free smart tailgate that opens when the proximity smart key is detected for more than three seconds, for when your hands are full. The feature comes with a height adjustment function, which is handy if your garage roof isn't so high. All Santa Fe models come with an electric park brake and auto hold, adding to driver convenience and ease of use. Just like Tucson, the Highlander features a panoramic sunroof and a series of Vision Features. Dual-zone climate control air conditioning also features with the addition of a cluster ionizer to ensure the cabin air is kept clean and with a pleasant smell. The second and third-row seats of Santa Fe also get the convenience of their own air conditioning outlets with separate fan speed adjustment. All designed to ensure that the built-for-purpose implementation of Santa Fe will make life more convenient and enjoyable.

Hyundai Tucson Interior Features The interior of Tucson is a class above and one of the most inviting ones on the market. Special attention is paid to the workmanship of the interior, both in design and quality. The application of soft-touch material on the instrument panel, center console pad, door trims, and glove box enhances the quality of the interior. A premium soft-touch material is also applied to the crash pad on Elite and Highlander models. The neatly designed dashboard features a new center stack design which is both modern and ergonomic, and the tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel means getting comfortable is easy. The interior ambiance is bright and airy, with the extensive use of glass and a full-length panoramic sunroof available on Highlander models. Convenient features available to further enhance driving comfort and enjoyment include a push-button electric park brake, auto hold, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, and automatic rain-sensing wipers. All designed to ensure that life with Tucson is an easy one. Dual-zone climate control air conditioning is standard across the range with inbuilt rear air vents allowing second-row passengers to set their desired temperature.

3.1. Hyundai Tucson interior features

In its most recent blooming petrol, the Hyundai Tucson is a wagon that is created on an extraordinary range of traveling apparatus and guarantees an exceptional driving experience. Moreover, its interior space, it has front-wheel drive yet rear-drive related cases, and there is no choice of manual transmission. Despicable of a false name that is gotten from a unibody car specification, the Tucson is definitely not an SUV AWD imitator. Tucson's interior has an open airy feel and is sourced with useful and convenient equipment. At the front, the driver has access to a handy console storage bin and a dual-tier dash. The upper level incorporates an air conditioning outlet and audio, and the lower level contains the gear shift, hand brake, a further storage bin, and a double cup holder. The audio unit is an in-dash 6 stacker CD player and an AM/FM radio. The top of the range model comes with a subwoofer and external amplifier which are vital in delivering quality sound. All dash, door, steering, and center console controls are easy to use and in good position. The Tucson's front seats are comfortable and in the higher-level models, the leather-appointed seats are heated. The seat move and fold as part of a 'one-touch walk-in' system to allow access to the rear seating. Upper-level models have a dual sunroof which further adds to the spacious feel. Depending on the model and whether it be a 5 or 7 seater, there are many different seating configurations. The 5-seater has a fold and tumble second-row bench seat and both 7-seaters have the same for the second and third row. All seats are cushioned well and have ample support, however, can feel a bit flat. A big positive for the Tucson are manual rear door sunshades which are vital in blocking harmful UV rays from rear occupants. All doors can comfortably house a 1L bottle in addition to other items and have a pocket for extra storage.

3.2. Hyundai Santa Fe interior features

The mid-size Santa Fe has grown recently in size and ambition. The two-row Santa Fe is now significantly larger and comes with an opportunity of a third-row seat. Santa Fe has a handsome and intuitive interior, just like the Hyundai Tucson. An advantage of the Santa Fe is the interior space. The Santa Fe feels larger and provides more interior space for people and cargo. The front seats are supportive and there is an easy-to-adjust driver's seat and steering wheel. The 2nd row bench or captain's chairs are comfortable and intended for adult-sized occupants. The optional 3rd row comes with benches that can seat up to people and easily fold into the floor for desired cargo space. The infotainment system is perfectly placed and easy to use and understand. All controls are easy to find and the Santa Fe is equipped with many standard features. There are many small item storage spaces and the seats are covered in high-quality fabric. An advantage of the limited trim is the option to equip leather seating. A panoramic sunroof adds to the Santa Fe's interior ambiance as well. Overall, the mid-size Santa Fe demonstrates Hyundai's continuous improvement of interior quality.

3.3. Comparison of interior features

Hyundai's initial interior design theme for the Santa Fe was precision and when production began, it truly showed. The Santa Fe has a light and airy feel with an abundance of space. High quality plastics, soft touch surfaces and leather seating surfaces with French seams are found on all Santa Fe models. A two-tone interior is available on the SE and Limited models. The Limited itself has an espresso brown and black interior color scheme. All Santa Fe models come standard with a 7-passenger seating configuration with two seats in the 3rd row. The Santa Fe is also equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column and a dual automatic temperature control for the driver and front passenger. The ample use of storage is convenient for the driver and passengers. A cell phone storage pocket with a padded sliding cover is located just in front of the center console. Also located in the center console is a 12-volt power outlet, a USB auxiliary input jack and an auxiliary cable outlet for iPod interface. This accompanies standard features such as a rearview mirror with a built-in HomeLink and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on children in the backseat. Audio options are plentiful on the Santa Fe to include an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 system with 6 speakers and iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks. An optional navigation system with a 6.5" screen and rearview camera can replace the standard audio system on SE and Limited models. An exclusive feature to the Santa Fe Limited is the dimension audio system with 10 speakers and an external amplifier. This is Hyundai's first audio system designed by Lexicon and has been said to dramatically upgrade the standard audio system by offering high-quality audio to make it sound as if the artist is performing live. This audio system is also found in the brand new Equus.

Noise reduction features are abundant on the Tucson. Carpet fibers are denser and softer. The floorpan and firewall use more absorptive materials and sealing coverage. These are added to the motor driven power steering column, applied foam for the A and B pillars and plush-seal weatherstrip to help reduce road, wind and engine noise for not only a quieter cabin but a more refined ride. Special attention was given to the aerodynamics of the Tucson to keep wind noise to a minimum. A rear spoiler and aerodynamic side sills were added along with optimizing the design of the mud guards and air flow from the front bumper to minimize air flow resistance and increase fuel efficiency. All Tucson models come standard with amplitude selective dampers for more controlled body motion and a smoother ride over rough roads. High tech options that can be found on the Limited include: a panoramic sunroof, roof side rails and solar control front glass to help reduce cabin temperature.

The compact Tucson has an open, airy feel with plenty of window area. Spacious front and rear seating is paired with a sizable rear cargo area. Available dual zone automatic climate control provides more precise temperature control. Front and rear passengers are afforded plenty of head and leg room, and rear seatbacks recline and fold flat at a 60/40 split for seating flexibility and added cargo space. A rear center armrest with cupholders and adjustable headrests are standard features for rear passengers.

Overall, the Hyundai Tucson interior appeals with upscale materials and intuitive controls. A handsome dashboard incorporating flowing lines has an upscale ambience. The Limited has a two-tone interior with a blue and black color scheme.

3.4. Cargo space comparison

Hyundai Tucson has a cargo space of 31.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Whereas Hyundai Santa Fe's smaller size gives it an advantage in terms of better handling, greater economy, and more manageable dimensions. This, of course, limits interior space - there's no Santa Fe XL anymore, replacing it is the new 3-row Santa Fe model we already showed you, a slightly longer version of the Santa Fe. As you would expect, we have prepared a full review of how the new 3-row model differs from the 2-row version. Today we will compare the cargo space of Hyundai's two most popular SUV models. Coming in 10 inches longer than the Tucson, the Santa Fe has 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This means that even with the Tucson, which is smaller than average for the class, is just 4.9 cubic feet short of the larger Santa Fe. Busy families who no longer have the need or desire to own a minivan will find that even roomy compact crossovers sometimes lack the space for extra gear and have difficulty fitting some smaller strollers in between the wheel wells, so this slight edge in cargo space could be a deciding factor for many buyers. But keep in mind that for the 2020 model year, the 3-row Santa Fe will be retaining the current model's architecture and thus offering a larger alternative for those considering the new 2-row model.

4. Performance and Safety

The new Tucson offers two engines, both of which are more powerful and fuel-efficient than the 2021 model year. The standard 2.0L four-cylinder delivers 164 hp with 151 lbs.-ft. of torque. It is offered with a 6-speed automatic and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This engine features an estimated 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway on FWD models, and 22/25 with AWD. The 2.0L also offers a substantial increase in power, with an estimated 20-30 hp more than the current engine. Tucson's 2.0L GDI engine delivers a peak output of 164 horsepower and 151 lbs.-ft. of torque which is 10 more horsepower and 8 more lbs.-ft. of torque than the current model, increases fuel economy and improves real-world fuel economy. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. An all-new 1.6L turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine is equipped with the next generation of Hyundai's gasoline direct injection technology. This new powerplant delivers 175 horsepower with best-in-class 195 lbs.-ft. of torque. The 1.6T engine is mated to a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission, with an estimated 25-30 percent boost in fuel economy over the 2.0L GDI model. Step inside the cabin and the redefined Tucson boasts a spacious interior which is more than 133 cubic feet, offering a smooth ride with improved handling and cabin quietness. It will provide greater ride comfort with front and rear suspension changes to minimize road input of bumps and rough pavement surfaces. A Motor Driven Power Steering system reduces weight and increases fuel economy as it enhances the driving feel, responsiveness and stability, for a real-world driving experience that is smooth and confident. With enhanced safety, vehicle dynamics and reduced NVH, the Tucson remains focused on a premium driving experience at a cost that is affordable to all.

4.1. Engine options and performance of Hyundai Tucson

The base model Hyundai Tucson will have a 2.0L, 164hp, 151 lb ft torque engine. This is identical to the current model Tucson, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Tucson has been praised since 2016 for maintaining its fuel efficient 23 city, 30 highway MPG and 28 combined MPG rating. The new 2020 Tucson will have a 6-speed automatic transmission and be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The larger, more powerful engine option for the 2020 Tucson is actually a downgrade from the currently available 1.6L turbocharged engine found in higher trim 2019 Tucson models. This engine has a rating of 175hp, 195 lb ft torque. Hyundai seems to have made the decision to slowly phase out the turbocharged Tucson models over the few years. This could have been due to various different reasons such as the cost of production, consumer demand, or fuel efficiency standards among other things. The new Santa Fe base model will have a 2.4 Inline 4 engine which is generating 185 hp, 178 lb-ft torque through the use of an 8-speed automatic transmission, an improvement over the current model Santa Fe Sport which is using a 2.0L turbocharged engine with a 6-speed transmission. This new model is aimed at maximizing performance when ascending hills, while maintaining optimal fuel efficiency during highway driving. This is something Tucson owners can definitely appreciate, which is why a 2.4L AWD Santa Fe would be an excellent alternative for anyone looking to transition from a 1.6T AWD Tucson. The new 2020 Santa Fe will also be available with a 2.0L turbocharged engine which is capable of doing 235hp and 260 lb ft torque. Buyers can choose between an AWD or the new HTRAC adaptive shift control for the FWD model. Once again, this can be a great alternative for someone looking to upgrade from a Tucson as it will provide better performance at the cost of slightly decreased fuel efficiency.

4.2. Engine options and performance of Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 comes with three powertrain options to similar the Tucson. Essential variation is the top level engine is the 2.0T on both cars. The Santa Fe's base engine is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that produces 185 horsepower while the more powerful 2.0T has a 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder to make a solid 235 horsepower. Shoppers can upgrade to the 2.0T all-wheel drive but a 2.4-liter engine comes standard with front-wheel drive. This lineup is very similar to the Tucson but there are still more engine choices. The limited and ultimate Santa Fe models come with the third engine choice which is the most powerful of the six engines on the two cars. This third engine is the impressive Theta II 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder which is the same to the 2.0T but on the Santa Fe spouts a maximum 265 horsepower which is ten more than the 2.0T on the top line Tucson. This is the best engine available for the two cars but if more power is what you are after, the Theta II GDI 3.3-liter V6 engine will be your best option. This larger engine has the capacity to produce 290 horsepower but is only given that .3 horsepower per thousand dollars spent are the 2.0T engine. This engine comes AWD and is only available on the limited Santa Fe costing just under $40,000.

4.3. Safety features comparison

This system is an upgrade from the Tucson's Downhill Brake Control for slippery roads. However, the 2020 Tucson offers a Downhill Brake Control on all models, so this feature comparison can be weighted equally.

The Santa Fe's rear-view monitor provides models that move in the direction the steering wheel is moved, and the trajectory lines adjust accordingly. This system also includes a full 360-degree view around the vehicle.

The 2020 Santa Fe provides Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which is an improvement from the conventional cruise control system.

The advanced forward-collision system with detection features of the Hyundai Santa Fe can sense a collision with a pedestrian or vehicle and applies automatic braking. This feature is standard on the Tucson.

- Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection - Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go - Rear View Monitor with Parking Guidance - High Beam Assist - Driver Attention Warning