2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE

On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE wins on $4,045 less, 90 more hp, 133 more lb-ft torque. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 187 vs 277 hp, 26 vs 23 MPG.

The short answer

The Tucson Limited leads on 3 MPG better. The Santa Fe SE leads on $4,045 less, 90 more hp. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
90 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited
Starts at $40,145
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
Starts at $36,100

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
277 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
311 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
23 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,801 lbs
vs
4,486 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$40,145Tucson Limited
$36,100Santa Fe SE
Engine
2.5L I4Tucson Limited
2.5L I4 TurboSanta Fe SE
Horsepower
187 hpTucson Limited
277 hpSanta Fe SE
Torque
178 lb-ftTucson Limited
311 lb-ftSanta Fe SE
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticTucson Limited
8-speed automated manualSanta Fe SE
City MPG
24Tucson Limited
20Santa Fe SE
Highway MPG
30Tucson Limited
28Santa Fe SE
Combined MPG
26Tucson Limited
23Santa Fe SE
Fuel Tank
14.3 galTucson Limited
17.7 galSanta Fe SE
Curb Weight
3,801 lbsTucson Limited
4,486 lbsSanta Fe SE
Wheelbase
108.5"Tucson Limited
110.8"Santa Fe SE
Length
182.7"Tucson Limited
190.2"Santa Fe SE
Width
73.4"Tucson Limited
74.8"Santa Fe SE
Height
66.3"Tucson Limited
67.7"Santa Fe SE
NHTSA Overall
5/5 starsTucson Limited
4/5 starsSanta Fe SE

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
Pricing
MSRP$40,145$36,100
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower187 hp277 hp
Torque178 lb-ft311 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed automated manual
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2420
Highway MPG3028
Combined MPG2623
Fuel Tank14.3 gal17.7 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,801 lbs4,486 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"110.8"
Length182.7"190.2"
Width73.4"74.8"
Height66.3"67.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars4/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k5yr/60k
Powertrain10yr/100k10yr/100k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited7yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $36,100, $4,045 less than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited at $40,145. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $71/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,045 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs; the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited rates 26 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 90 more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited at 187 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 7.5″ longer at 190.2″ vs 182.7″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 2.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims

Official sources

How the Tucson and Santa Fe Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited ($40,145) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ($36,100) solve similar problems in different ways. The $-4,045 gap adds up to $71/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Tucson vs Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 90 more hp (277 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 133 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 685 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when you want to keep $4,045 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.

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