Nov 26, 2025

Which Hyundai SUV is Right For You?

If you’re comparing Hyundai SUVs, it’s likely that it will come down to a choice between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus Santa Fe. The main difference is size, with the Tucson being a compact two-row SUV, while the Santa Fe is a midsize three-row SUV. Gates Hyundai takes a closer look.

Exploring the Features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

Let’s start with the features of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The Tucson is a two-row SUV with room for five passengers. It’s considered a compact SUV, but it’s still quite spacious inside. The compact Tucson is best for driving in the city for individuals or small families. It offers agile handling, making it easier to park and maneuver. The modern cabin is well-equipped, but it’s ultimately smaller than the Santa Fe in terms of passenger volume.

How the Hyundai Santa Fe Differs From the Tucson

Now, let’s look at the Hyundai Santa Fe. This is a midsize Hyundai SUV with a standard third row and room for up to seven passengers. The Santa Fe works best for larger families or those who need more cargo room. You can always fold the third row down to expand the cargo hold. With its larger size, the Santa Fe feels somewhat less agile than the Tucson, but it’s still comfortable and smooth. The interior is more expansive and plush than the Tucson due to the larger overall size of the Santa Fe.

Ways These SUVs Are the Same

Are there any areas where the 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus Santa Fe match up similarly? The easiest answer is that they both come with the best warranty in the industry. The other surprising detail is that both SUVs actually have the same interior volume when you fold all the rear rows down. They’re also not that much different when it comes to fuel economy, even though the Santa Fe has the more powerful engine.

Reasons To Choose One Hyundai SUV Over Another

As mentioned before, the biggest difference between these two Hyundai SUVs is size. The Tucson only has two rows of seats, but its cabin is still spacious for the segment. If you prefer more agile handling and a smaller footprint, not to mention price tag, then the Tucson is probably the right SUV for you.

On the other hand, the Santa Fe is a family SUV with an extra row of seats. If you don’t always need the third row, you can easily fold it down for more cargo space. The Santa Fe has more power and space, making it better for families compared to the Tucson.

Compare the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Versus Santa Fe at Gates Hyundai

The easiest way to compare the 2026 Hyundai Tucson versus the Santa Fe is to visit us at Gates Hyundai. This allows you to see both models in person and get a feel for their cabin confines. You might prefer the more agile handling of the Tucson, or you might realize that you definitely want that third row of seats. At Gates Hyundai, we can help you choose the right SUV for your lifestyle.