2025 Hyundai Tuscon vs Santa Fe

2025 Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

Shopping for a new SUV in 2025? The Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are two of the most popular options in the Hyundai lineup. Both deliver comfort, capability, and cutting-edge tech-but they cater to different lifestyles. Whether you're commuting around Durham or planning weekend adventures, here's how the Tucson and Santa Fe compare.

 

Overview of the 2025 Tucson

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV built for efficiency and style. It's easy to maneuver in city traffic, offers generous tech features, and comes in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations. If you're looking for a daily driver with standout design and great fuel economy, the Tucson checks all the boxes.

Quick Facts

  • 5 passengers
  • ~80 cu. ft. (with seats down)
  • Comfortable Second-Row Seating

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    Overview of the 2025 Santa Fe

    Redesigned for 2025, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a rugged new look and a more adventurous attitude. As a midsize SUV with available third-row seating, it's perfect for growing families or anyone who needs extra space for cargo and passengers. It also offers enhanced off-road features and towing capabilities that make it road-trip ready.

    Quick Facts

  • Up to 7 Passengers
  • ~ 90 cu.ft. (with seats down)
  • Roomier Second-Row & More Legroom
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    Performance & Fuel Economy

    The Tucson is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and offers up to 38 MPG combined in its hybrid configuration. The Santa Fe also features a 2.5L engine but focuses more on utility, with higher towing capacity and a more rugged AWD system available.

    • Tucson: Better fuel economy, smoother city driving
    • Santa Fe: Stronger towing, more power, rugged capability

    If efficiency is your top concern, go Tucson. If you want a vehicle that can handle weekend getaways or small trailers, the Santa Fe is worth the upgrade.

     

    Technology & Safety Features

    Both models come standard with:

    • Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢
    • Digital instrument clusters (larger in higher trims)
    • USB-C charging and smart storage solutions

    The Santa Fe edges ahead in the top trims with features like a panoramic display, premium audio, and third-row climate controls.

    Who Should Buy the Tucson vs Santa Fe?

    Consider the 2025 Hyundai Tucson if you…

    • Drive mostly in urban or suburban areas
    • Prioritize MPG and affordability
    • Want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option

    Consider the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe if you…

    • Need more interior space and flexibility
    • Want to tow or go on road trips
    • Prefer a more rugged, adventure-ready SUV

    Still deciding? You can test drive both right here in Durham, NC at Sport Durst Hyundai.