Hyundai Santa Fe 84·Hyundai Tucson 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Tucson about $7,869 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,869 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with more power (277 vs 187 hp) and seating for 7.
Go with the Hyundai Tucson for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Santa Fe if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
Metric
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Tucson
MotiveGrid Score
84
79
Cost of Ownership
81
79
Powertrain
62
60
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
71
57
Safety
97
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$53,690
$45,821
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,997
$14,211
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$12,027
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,320
$10,630
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,274
$4,408
Registration (5-yr)
$1,000
$880
Starting Price
$35,050
$29,300
Horsepower
277 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
14.6 cu ft
38.7 cu ft
Seating
7
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$764
$45,821 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai Santa Fe scores higher overall.
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
Hyundai Tucson
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
Tucson
79
Winner: Santa Fe
$7,869 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
Tucson
60
Winner: Santa Fe
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
Tucson
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
Tucson
57
Winner: Santa Fe
+14 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Tucson is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,869 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Santa Fe still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Tucson
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Tucson
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Tucson
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Tucson
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
Hyundai Tucson
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$764
$45,821 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$764/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Tucson comes out about $7,869 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
