The Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are two popular SUV models from the South Korean automaker, Hyundai. Both vehicles have gained a significant following worldwide due to their reliability, feature-packed interior, and sleek exterior designs. When it comes to choosing between the two, one of the key considerations for many buyers is the size of the vehicle. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe, comparing their dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity to determine which one is smaller.
Introduction to Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has been in production since 2004. It is known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and generous list of standard features. The Tucson is an ideal choice for small families, couples, or individuals who want a versatile and practical vehicle for daily driving.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV that has been around since 2000. It is larger than the Tucson and offers more passenger and cargo space, making it a popular choice for larger families or those who need a vehicle for road trips and outdoor adventures.
Determining the Size of Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe
To determine which vehicle is smaller, we need to look at their exterior dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity. The length, width, and height of a vehicle are crucial factors in determining its overall size.
The Hyundai Tucson measures 176.2 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and 64.8 inches in height. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe measures 188.4 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width, and 66.3 inches in height. Based on these dimensions, it is clear that the Santa Fe is larger than the Tucson.
Exterior Dimensions Comparison
Here is a summary of the exterior dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe:
| Vehicle | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson | 176.2 | 72.8 | 64.8 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 188.4 | 74.2 | 66.3 |
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
While the exterior dimensions give us an idea of the overall size of the vehicle, it is also essential to consider the interior space and cargo capacity. The Hyundai Tucson offers 38.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 80.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The Santa Fe also offers more passenger space, with 110.7 cubic feet of interior volume compared to the Tucson’s 102.2 cubic feet. This translates to more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers in the Santa Fe.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity Comparison
Here is a summary of the interior space and cargo capacity of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe:
- Hyundai Tucson: 38.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 102.2 cubic feet of interior volume
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 80.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 110.7 cubic feet of interior volume
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hyundai Tucson is smaller than the Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of exterior dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity. While the Tucson is an excellent choice for small families or individuals who want a compact SUV, the Santa Fe is a better option for those who need more space for passengers and cargo.
When choosing between the two vehicles, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smaller vehicle with a more agile driving experience, the Tucson may be the better choice. However, if you need a larger vehicle with more space for passengers and cargo, the Santa Fe is the way to go.
Ultimately, both the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are excellent vehicles that offer a range of benefits and features. By understanding their size differences, you can make an informed decision and choose the vehicle that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
What are the key differences in size between the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are both popular SUV models, but they differ significantly in terms of size. The Tucson is a compact SUV, while the Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV. In terms of length, the Tucson measures around 176.2 inches, while the Santa Fe measures around 187.8 inches. This difference in length is also reflected in their wheelbases, with the Tucson having a wheelbase of around 105.1 inches and the Santa Fe having a wheelbase of around 108.9 inches.
The size difference between the two models also affects their interior space and cargo capacity. The Tucson offers a cargo capacity of around 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to around 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. In contrast, the Santa Fe offers a cargo capacity of around 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to around 71.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Overall, the Santa Fe is larger and more spacious than the Tucson, making it a better option for families or individuals who need more interior space.
How do the exterior dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe compare?
The exterior dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe reveal some significant differences between the two models. The Tucson has a length of 176.2 inches, a width of 72.8 inches, and a height of 64.8 inches. In contrast, the Santa Fe has a length of 187.8 inches, a width of 74.4 inches, and a height of 66.1 inches. These dimensions indicate that the Santa Fe is not only longer but also slightly wider and taller than the Tucson.
The exterior dimensions of the two models also affect their ground clearance and approach/departure angles. The Tucson has a ground clearance of around 6.4 inches, while the Santa Fe has a ground clearance of around 7.8 inches. The approach angle of the Tucson is around 16.7 degrees, while the departure angle is around 24.7 degrees. In contrast, the Santa Fe has an approach angle of around 18.6 degrees and a departure angle of around 21.7 degrees. These differences in exterior dimensions and angles can affect the models’ off-road capabilities and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Is the Hyundai Tucson smaller than the Santa Fe in terms of interior space?
Yes, the Hyundai Tucson is smaller than the Santa Fe in terms of interior space. The Tucson has a passenger volume of around 102.2 cubic feet, while the Santa Fe has a passenger volume of around 110.7 cubic feet. The Tucson also has less cargo space than the Santa Fe, with a cargo capacity of around 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. In contrast, the Santa Fe has a cargo capacity of around 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 71.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The difference in interior space between the two models is also reflected in their seating capacities. The Tucson is available as a five-seater, while the Santa Fe is available as a five-seater or seven-seater, depending on the trim level. The Santa Fe’s larger interior space and optional third-row seating make it a better option for families or individuals who need to transport multiple passengers. However, the Tucson’s smaller size can make it more maneuverable and easier to park in tight spaces, which may be a priority for some buyers.
How do the fuel tank capacities of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe compare?
The fuel tank capacities of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe differ slightly, with the Tucson having a fuel tank capacity of around 16.4 gallons and the Santa Fe having a fuel tank capacity of around 18.8 gallons. The difference in fuel tank capacity is relatively small, but it can affect the models’ driving ranges and fuel efficiency. The Tucson’s smaller fuel tank capacity may require more frequent fill-ups, especially for drivers who travel long distances or have heavy footprints.
The fuel tank capacities of the two models also reflect their different engine options and fuel efficiency ratings. The Tucson is available with a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. The Santa Fe is also available with a range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. The fuel efficiency ratings of the two models vary depending on the engine option and drivetrain, but the Tucson generally has better fuel economy ratings than the Santa Fe.
Can the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe accommodate the same amount of cargo?
No, the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe cannot accommodate the same amount of cargo. The Tucson has a cargo capacity of around 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to around 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. In contrast, the Santa Fe has a cargo capacity of around 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to around 71.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Santa Fe’s larger cargo capacity makes it a better option for families or individuals who need to transport large or bulky items.
The difference in cargo capacity between the two models is also reflected in their cargo area dimensions. The Tucson has a cargo area length of around 37.5 inches, a width of around 41.3 inches, and a height of around 28.5 inches. In contrast, the Santa Fe has a cargo area length of around 40.9 inches, a width of around 43.1 inches, and a height of around 30.9 inches. The Santa Fe’s larger cargo area dimensions and capacity make it a better option for buyers who need to transport large or bulky items, such as furniture, appliances, or sports equipment.
Are the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe suitable for off-road driving?
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are capable of handling light off-road driving, but they are not designed for extreme off-road adventures. The Tucson has a ground clearance of around 6.4 inches, while the Santa Fe has a ground clearance of around 7.8 inches. The Tucson also has an approach angle of around 16.7 degrees and a departure angle of around 24.7 degrees, while the Santa Fe has an approach angle of around 18.6 degrees and a departure angle of around 21.7 degrees. These dimensions and angles indicate that the Santa Fe is slightly more capable off-road than the Tucson.
However, both models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, which can improve their traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Tucson’s AWD system is designed to send power to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, but it can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels when needed. The Santa Fe’s AWD system is more advanced, with a torque vectoring system that can send power to individual wheels to improve traction and stability. While neither model is designed for extreme off-road driving, they can both handle light off-road adventures, such as dirt roads or gravel trails.