Tucson vs. Santa Fe: Which Hyundai SUV Fits Your Needs? near Scottsdale, AZ

If you’re in the market for a versatile, feature-packed SUV in Arizona, two Hyundai models are hard to ignore — the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Both deliver style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, but each is tailored to different needs and lifestyles. Let’s see how they compare so you can choose the best fit for your next adventure.

Size & Space

Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a compact SUV that’s easy to maneuver whether you’re navigating Scottsdale streets, downtown Phoenix traffic, or tight parking spots at your favorite shopping center. It seats five comfortably and offers 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that provides more passenger and cargo space. You’ll get up to 44.1 inches of front legroom and up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, making it ideal for longer trips or hauling more gear.

Best for:

• Tucson → Urban commuters, small families, first-time SUV buyers.
  
  

• Santa Fe → Larger families, frequent road trippers, drivers needing more space.

  
  

Performance & Power

Hyundai Tucson
Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, the Tucson is fuel-efficient, offering up to 32 MPG highway—perfect for daily commutes or weekend drives across Arizona.

Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe steps up performance with available turbocharged engines producing up to 277 horsepower. While its fuel economy is slightly lower, it delivers more strength for towing, freeway merging, and long-haul comfort.

Technology & Features

Both SUVs offer:

• Hyundai SmartSense safety suite (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and more)
  
  

• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility
  
  

• Available premium audio systems and digital displays
  
  

Key differences:

• Tucson → Sleek, minimalist interior and easy maneuverability for city driving.
  
  

• Santa Fe → Available third-row seating (on select trims) and additional luxury touches like ventilated rear seats.

  
  

Which SUV Is Right for You?

• Choose the Tucson if you want a stylish, budget-friendly SUV with excellent fuel economy and nimble handling.
  
  

• Choose the Santa Fe if you need more space, more power, and premium features for road trips and family adventures.
  

Test Drive Both at Chapman Hyundai Scottsdale
 

The best way to know which Hyundai SUV is right for you is to drive them yourself. Visit Chapman Hyundai Scottsdale to explore our selection of new Tucson and Santa Fe models, compare trims, and find the one that fits your lifestyle.