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If you’re interested in one of the Hyundai SUVs, you might wonder which costs more. Although the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson may seem similar, they’re actually quite different. With different cars come different prices, so one is more expensive than the other. Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV or 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact SUV more expensive?

What’s the difference between a Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson?

A dark colored 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV, parked in front of an ocean scene.
2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai Motor Company

Firstly, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV, and the Santa Fe is a midsize model. In addition, according to Consumer Reports, the Tucson is the second-best overall SUV of its size. However, the Santa Fe falls far behind competitors, placing eighth out of 11 in CR’s rankings. As a result, the expert reviewers recommend the smaller of the two options.

Despite being larger, the Santa Fe has a weak base engine. It’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that reached 60 mph in 10 seconds, which didn’t please CR. In addition, the publication says the smaller Hyundai model is quite roomy inside. Any compact SUV with good fuel economy, performance, and a surprisingly spacious interior is an excellent choice.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is more expensive

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is more expensive than the Hyundai Tucson. Compact SUV or midsize SUV?
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai

Most importantly, how much is a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson? Each SUV has desirable features, but will you need to break the bank? Firstly, the Santa Fe is more expensive, starting at $27,700 for the base model. Alternatively, the cheaper Tucson starts at $25,800. However, both models are offered as hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which are more costly.

Buying a hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV is a great way to increase fuel economy without committing to electrification. Not everyone is ready to make the switch to using zero gasoline just yet. These vehicle types are the perfect alternative, providing most of the benefits of an EV without the downsides, like road trip range.

Hyundai ModelPrice
Tucson$25,800
Tucson Hybrid$29,750
Tucson Plug-in Hybrid$35,400
Santa Fe$27,700
Santa Fe Hybrid$34,300
Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid$40,000

Which Hyundai SUV is the better buy?

A blue 2022 Hyundai Tucson small plug-in hybrid SUV is parked outside.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV | Hyundai

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, we recommend buying the Tucson. However, for 2022, it might be best to skip the Santa Fe for another midsize option. Consumer Reports gave the Tucson perfect ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, which is rare. In addition, it found very few things to complain about overall. Handling, braking, ride quality, roominess, controls, and hybrid performance/fuel economy are highlights of the compact model.

On the other hand, the Santa Fe suffers from many more problems. Most importantly, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction are less-than-stellar. However, that’s not the only problem CR had with its Santa Fe experience. An underpowered base engine, poor ride quality, and wonky gear selector made up the lows of the road test.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson more expensive?

In conclusion, the larger 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is more expensive than the Hyundai Tucson. Since it is a midsize SUV and the Tucson is a compact SUV, this should be no surprise. The larger of the two segments is generally always more expensive. Each Hyundai SUV has hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which get even more costly. The Tucson is an excellent purchase if you’re interested in a compact model, but the Santa Fe might not be the best choice. The experts at Consumer Reports don’t recommend the midsize SUV over many other options.

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