The 2022 Hyundai Tucson vs. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
Two of the drivers of Hyundai’s emergence into one of the leading auto manufacturers in the world, the Tucson and the Santa Fe are two of the most popular vehicles in two of the most popular segments. Even though these SUVs sit in different categories – the Tucson is in the Compact segment while the Santa Fe sits in the lower range of midsize SUVs – they really don’t differ all that greatly in size. They have plenty of areas they do differ in though – so which one of these modern SUVs is the right fit for you?
Performance
Offered with a single drivetrain, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers reliable performance. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood is a stalwart and proven engine, and at 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque it gets off the line well. It’s helped by an eight-speed automatic transmission with excellent gearing. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available. 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway is above-average for a compact SUV, while all-wheel drive drops fuel economy to 24 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, only average for the segment.
With multiple engine choices, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe goes for medium, or extra spicy! The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the same as the one in the Tucson, but provides 191 horsepower in the Santa Fe. As the Santa Fe is a little bulkier, this hampers the pep a bit. But if you’re looking for that extra go-fast power, a turbocharged 281-horsepower powerplant is available. Either choice is paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The base engine offers 25 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, while the turbocharged engine still manages 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway despite the better power numbers. Both are available in front- or all-wheel drive, which of course will lower the mileage ratings slightly.
Both vehicles offer impressive driving dynamics that set them apart from many of the other entry-level SUVs on the market. They are stable and composed through turns, with well-weighted and responsive steering. The suspensions soak up smaller bumps and dips with ease. Braking is grippy in both. When properly equipped, the Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the Santa Fe can do 2,000 pounds with the base engine or up to 2,500 pounds with the turbocharged unit.
Design & Comfort
There’s not a massive difference inside these two vehicles. Both feature durable, hardworking materials and simple designs, with easy-to-navigate cockpits. Stain-resistant cloth and plenty of nooks and crannies for storage make the vehicle great for active drivers and families. Both the 2022 Tucson and 2022 Santa Fe seat five passengers. The Santa Fe does it with a little more roominess though – it provides an extra 3 inches of legroom up front, and extra 2 inches of shoulder and hip room in the second row. It may not sound like much, but on a long trip it can be the difference between an adult being comfortable in the second row, or starting to feel cramped.
All that passenger space does hamper the Santa Fe when it comes to cargo though. Despite being in the compact class, the Tucson offers midsize cargo space. With 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, it offers one of the largest cargo holds in the compact SUV class and gives plenty of midsize models a run for their money. The Santa Fe is merely average for a midsize SUV, with 36.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up, or 72.1 cubic feet with them stowed. Still plenty enough for a coffee table and chairs, mulch, or whatever else you need to haul!
Base models of the Tucson and Santa Fe are generally no-frills, with climate control, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and the usual power amenities. That’s part of Hyundai’s success story though – offering great entry level vehicles with minimal sticker shock, but with the ability to upgrade to your heart’s content. That being said, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a digital key, a hands-free power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof are available on both vehicles. Both can also be upgraded with leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated seating, ventilated front seats, and much more! The Tucson N Line gets unique styling tweaks – the Santa Fe XRT, meanwhile, gets rugged outdoorsy exterior add-ons.
Technology
Pretty much every vehicle these days comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration – our smartphones are our lifelines! The 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe are no exception, with these integrated through the standard 8-inch console touch screen on each. The Tucson includes two USB ports, HD Radio, and a six-speaker sound system – upgradeable to an eight-speaker Bose unit. A 10.25-inch touch screen is on offer, and wireless device charging, navigation, and two rear-seat USB ports can be added. In the Santa Fe, you can also upgrade to that 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless device charging. Instead of the Bose, the Santa Fe can be upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman-Kardon stereo. One really awesome piece of technology is the Hyundai Remote Smart Parking Assist system that uses sensors to park the Tucson or Santa Fe automatically, preventing any scrapes or bumping.
Safety
Hyundai’s vehicles are extraordinarily safe, and the company has consistently worked to develop new advanced safety features to push the envelope. Both the 2022 Tucson and 2022 Santa Fe benefit from this, with extensive advanced safety systems including rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, and high beam assist all standard. Rear seat alert, which ensures you don’t leave kids or pets in the vehicle accidentally, is standard on all Tucson and Santa Fe models. Blind spot monitoring and safe exit warning are standard on all Santa Fe models, but are options for the Tucson, only available on higher trim levels models. Both vehicles can also be upgraded to a surround-view parking camera system with blind spot view.
The Winner
You can’t really go wrong between the Tucson and the Santa Fe. They both offer plenty of tech and safety for the modern driver, along with powerful yet economic performance. They are both excellent vehicles – the only way to tell which one is best for you is to test drive both of them!
Test drive both of these modern SUVs at Jack Giambalvo Hyundai in York, PA and see them for yourself!
