Hyundai Tucson vs. Santa Fe: Key Differences Explained

Cross-shopping the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe at Napleton Palatine Hyundai? Both are popular SUVs with a gas and hybrid option, but they’re built for different families. Here are the key differences between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Size & Seating: The Biggest Difference

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row SUV. If you need room for more passengers, the Santa Fe is the one to look at.

Engine & Power

The 2026 Tucson’s gas engine is a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The 2026 Santa Fe steps up to a 277-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both offer a hybrid with 231 combined horsepower from a 1.6-liter turbo engine. Only the Tucson also offers a plug-in hybrid, with 268 combined horsepower and a 32-mile all-electric range.

Fuel Economy

The 2026 Tucson gets up to 28 mpg combined with front-wheel drive on gas models and up to 38 mpg combined on the hybrid. The 2026 Santa Fe is rated up to 24 mpg combined on gas models and up to 36 mpg combined on the hybrid. The Tucson plug-in hybrid is rated 35 mpg combined.

Safety

Both earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for 2026, the Institute’s highest honor. The 2026 Tucson also received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and it comes with Hyundai’s America’s Best Warranty, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, at Napleton Palatine Hyundai.

Pricing & Trims

Pricing, trim levels, and current offers for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe can be found on the Napleton Palatine Hyundai website. Browse our new inventory to see available trims and pricing for both models, or contact our team for the latest incentives.

Which Hyundai SUV Is Right for You?

If you want the best fuel economy or a plug-in hybrid option, the Tucson is likely the better fit. But if you need three rows and more power, the Santa Fe may suit you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe?

The Tucson is a compact SUV with better fuel economy and a plug-in hybrid option, while the Santa Fe is a larger three-row SUV with a more powerful turbocharged gas engine.

Does the Hyundai Santa Fe come as a hybrid?

Yes. The 2026 Santa Fe is offered as a hybrid with 231 combined horsepower and up to 36 mpg combined. Only the Tucson is also offered as a plug-in hybrid.