Choosing Your Perfect Hyundai SUV in Oklahoma
Here in Oklahoma, our driving needs are as diverse as the terrain.
One day, you are navigating the streets of downtown Oklahoma City, and the next, you are cruising down I-35 for a family trip, enjoying the wide-open spaces. You need a vehicle that can handle the daily commute, the weekend errands, and the family adventures that take you all across our beautiful state and beyond.
That's where Hyundai's impressive SUV lineup comes in, and two of its brightest stars are the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2025 Tucson. At first glance, they might seem similar, but they are designed with two distinct philosophies to fit two different Oklahoma lifestyles.
The all-new 2025 Santa Fe is the epically capable family SUV, a bold, spacious three-row vehicle built for those who need maximum room and a commanding presence on the road.
On the other side is the 2025 Tucson, the modern adventure SUV, a stylish and agile five-seater perfect for those who prioritize dynamic design, clever technology, and outstanding efficiency.
Making the right choice can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created this comparison.
We'll break down every detail, from engine performance on the Turner Turnpike to cargo space for a trip to the farmers market. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to confidently decide which of these incredible SUVs is the perfect fit for your life, your family, and your journeys.
What Sets the Santa Fe and Tucson Apart?
Before diving into the specifications, it's important to understand the core identity of each SUV, their fundamental purpose, and the type of driver they are designed to serve.
The Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has been completely reimagined with a clear mission: to be the ultimate hub for family life and adventure. Its identity is defined by a bold, distinctive design that prioritizes space and utility above all else. The upright, boxy shape is a deliberate engineering decision to maximize interior volume, providing generous room for passengers and cargo alike. This is a vehicle that makes a statement.
Think of the Santa Fe as your mobile command center. It's built for the family that needs standard three-row seating for the kids and their friends on the way to a Sooners game. It's for the driver who wants an "epically capable" vehicle that feels solid and secure on the highway, with a commanding view of the road ahead. The Santa Fe is designed for those whose lives require more space, more presence, and the versatility to handle everything a growing family throws at it.
The Tucson
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, embodies a different kind of versatility. Positioned as the "modern adventure SUV," its identity is rooted in dynamic style, intelligent technology, and agile performance. Its striking exterior, characterized by sharp lines and jewel-like hidden lighting, is designed to turn heads, whether you're pulling up to a restaurant in Bricktown or cruising through your neighborhood in Bethany.
As a five-passenger compact SUV, the Tucson is perfectly scaled for modern life. But its clever packaging means it doesn't sacrifice practicality. The Tucson is for the individual, couple, or small family who values a vehicle that is as stylish as it is smart, blending cutting-edge design with the everyday usability and efficiency needed for life in and around the OKC metro.
The core difference between these two SUVs comes down to their design philosophy. The Santa Fe's form is dictated by its function—its boxy shape is the most efficient way to create a cavernous, three-row interior. In contrast, the Tucson's form is more expressive and futuristic, prioritizing a dynamic aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency to appeal to a driver who wants SUV capability without sacrificing style.
Size and Space: How Much Room Do You Really Need?
The most obvious difference between the Santa Fe and Tucson is their size. But how do those numbers on a spec sheet translate to real-world convenience? Let's break down the dimensions to see how much room you really get and how you can use it.
Exterior Dimensions: Parking, Presence, and Practicality
The 2025 Santa Fe measures a substantial 190.2 inches in length with a 110.8-inch wheelbase, making it a true mid-size SUV. The 2025 Tucson is more compact, at 182.7 inches long with a 108.5-inch wheelbase. That 7.5-inch difference in length has a real impact on your daily drive.
Santa Fe
Tucson
For the Santa Fe, its larger size gives it a confident, stable presence on the road, which you'll appreciate when merging during rush hour. It feels planted and secure. However, that length means you'll need a bit more awareness when navigating tight parking garages or fitting into a spot at a busy shopping center.
The Tucson's smaller dimensions make it a master of maneuverability. It's noticeably easier to park, whether you're in a crowded lot or your own garage. For drivers who spend a lot of time in the city or in dense suburban areas, the Tucson's agility is a significant advantage.
Interior Volume and Seating
This is where the Santa Fe shines. It comes standard with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. If you opt for the luxurious Calligraphy trim, you get premium second-row captain's chairs, creating an even more comfortable six-passenger configuration. This makes the Santa Fe the undisputed choice for larger families or anyone who frequently handles carpool duty. It offers more headroom, shoulder room, and hip room in the first two rows, creating a more open and airy cabin experience.
The Tucson is exclusively a five-passenger SUV. While it doesn't have a third row, it provides a remarkably spacious and comfortable environment for its occupants. In fact, the Tucson offers an impressive 41.3 inches of rear legroom, which is nearly identical to the Santa Fe's generous 41.5 inches in its second row. This means that for a family of four or five, the Tucson provides ample room for everyone to stretch out and be comfortable, even on longer drives.
Cargo Capacity: From Groceries to Camping Gear
When it comes to hauling stuff, it gets even more interesting. With all three rows of seats in place, the Santa Fe offers a practical 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is perfect for a week's worth of groceries or a couple of backpacks. Fold that third row down, and the space expands to a massive 40.5 cubic feet, easily swallowing luggage for a family weekend getaway.
The Tucson, with its rear seats up, provides a best-in-class 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space (in gasoline models). This means that for everyday use, the five-seat Tucson actually offers slightly more usable cargo room behind its second row than the seven-seat Santa Fe does.
But the most surprising detail emerges when you fold all the rear seats down.
The Tucson (gas model) boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cubic feet, while the Santa Fe offers 79.6 cubic feet.
How is this possible? It comes back to the design philosophy. The Santa Fe's interior volume is distributed across three rows to maximize passenger capacity. The Tucson concentrates its volume in a dedicated two-row passenger and cargo area. This creates a critical decision point. If you don't need to carry more than five people, the Tucson might actually be the more practical choice for hauling bulky items. For a couple who loves antiquing or needs to transport large home improvement supplies, the Tucson's wide-open cargo bay could be more useful than the Santa Fe's people-focused layout. It challenges the simple assumption that the bigger vehicle always has more cargo space and encourages you to think about how you'll use that space.
| Feature | 2025 Tucson | 2025 Santa Fe | The Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 182.7 in. | 190.2 in. | Tucson: Easier parking |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in. | 110.8 in. | Santa Fe: Smoother, more stable ride on long highway stretches. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers | 6 or 7 Passengers | Santa Fe: The clear choice for large families and carpools. |
| Passenger Volume | Up to 108.2 cu. ft. (Gas) | 151.0 cu. ft. | Santa Fe: A more open and airy feeling for all passengers. |
| Cargo (Behind 2nd Row) | Up to 41.2 cu. ft. (Gas) | 40.5 cu. ft. | Tucson: Slightly more everyday cargo space for five-passenger trips. |
| Max Cargo Volume | Up to 80.3 cu. ft. (Gas) | 79.6 cu. ft. | Tucson: Surprisingly, more maximum space for hauling large items. |
Performance and Powertrains
The engine is the heart of your vehicle, and Hyundai offers a fantastic range of choices for both the Santa Fe and Tucson. Your decision here will define your driving experience, whether you're prioritizing raw power for highway dominance or maximizing fuel efficiency on your daily commute.
The Gasoline Engine Choice
This is where you'll find the most significant performance difference between the two models.
Santa Fe 2.5L Turbo
The 2025 Santa Fe comes standard with a potent 2.5L Turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, giving you effortless acceleration and confident passing power. When you're merging onto a busy I-35 with a car full of family and gear, that turbo muscle makes all the difference. This engine is paired with a quick-shifting 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. In terms of fuel economy, it achieves up to an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Tucson 2.5L Smartstream
The 2025 Tucson, in its gasoline form, is equipped with a Smartstream 2.5L GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine that produces a solid 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is tuned for a smooth, balanced, and efficient driving experience. It provides more than enough power for your daily drives around town and comfortable highway cruising. Where it truly shines is its efficiency, delivering an excellent EPA-estimated 33 MPG on the highway with FWD. This makes it a fantastic choice for drivers looking to minimize their fuel costs.
To explain it, the Santa Fe offers commanding power, while the Tucson offers outstanding everyday efficiency.
The Hybrid Options
When you look at the hybrid models, the performance story changes dramatically. Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and the Tucson Hybrid are powered by the same advanced powertrain: a 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This combination produces a robust total system output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This shared powertrain is a game-changer because it completely neutralizes the power gap seen in the gasoline models.
A buyer who test drives a gas Tucson and wishes for a bit more punch doesn't have to jump all the way to the larger Santa Fe. The Tucson Hybrid offers a significant 44-horsepower boost over its gas counterpart, resulting in a much quicker, more responsive, and more engaging driving feel. It reframes the hybrid not just as an "eco" choice, but as a compelling performance upgrade within the same agile package.
The key differences lie in their application.
Every 2025 Tucson Hybrid comes standard with Hyundai's HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, giving you exceptional traction and confidence in all of Oklahoma's unpredictable weather conditions, from sudden downpours to slick winter roads.
The Tucson Hybrid Blue trim stands out as the champion of the entire lineup, achieving a remarkable EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined.6 This makes it the ultimate choice for a long-distance commuter.
The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid offers you the choice between FWD for maximum efficiency or the added capability of HTRAC AWD.It delivers the same powerful and smooth 231-horsepower performance but in a larger, three-row package. It still achieves an excellent EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined with FWD, proving that you don't have to sacrifice efficiency to get the space your family needs.
| Powertrain | 2025 Tucson | 2025 Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Gas Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder |
| Gas Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 RPM | 277 hp |
| Gas Torque | 178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM | 311 lb.-ft. |
| Hybrid Engine | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid |
| Hybrid System HP | 231 hp | 231 hp |
| Hybrid System Torque | 271 lb.-ft. | 271 lb.-ft. |
| Available Drivetrain | FWD or HTRAC AWD (Gas) HTRAC AWD Standard (Hybrid) |
FWD or HTRAC AWD (Gas & Hybrid) |
| Gas MPG (FWD) | Up to 25 City/33 Hwy/28 Combined | Up to 20 City/29 Hwy/24 Combined |
| Hybrid MPG (FWD) | N/A (AWD Standard) | Up to 36 City/35 Hwy/36 Combined |
| Hybrid MPG (AWD) | Up to 38 City/38 Hwy/38 Combined (Blue Trim) | Up to 35 City/34 Hwy/34 Combined |
Interior Comfort and Features: A Trim-by-Trim Breakdown
Now, let's step inside. Hyundai is renowned for packing its vehicles with incredible features and technology, and this is where you can truly tailor your SUV to your exact needs and desires. We'll take a virtual tour up the trim ladder for both the Tucson and Santa Fe, highlighting the value you get at every level.
The 2025 Tucson Experience: From Essential to Extravagant
The Tucson offers a wide range of trims that let you choose between ultimate efficiency, sporty style, or full-blown luxury.
SE & Blue Hybrid
The SE (gas) and Blue (hybrid) trims prove that "base model" is anything but basic. From the moment you sit inside, you're greeted by a stunning 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. You also get the full Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features, Proximity Key with push-button start, and Hyundai Digital Key 2, which lets you use your smartphone as a key. The SE is the smart, affordable entry point into the Tucson family, while the Hybrid Blue gives you all these features plus the powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain and its class-leading 38 MPG combined fuel economy. These trims represent a fantastic value for any budget-conscious buyer in the OKC area.
SEL & SEL Convenience
Stepping up to the SEL trim adds popular features like heated front seats and rear A/C vents. The real sweet spot for many buyers, however, is the SEL Convenience trim. This package elevates the entire cabin experience by adding premium H-Tex® seating surfaces, a beautiful 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that merges seamlessly with the infotainment screen, a large panoramic sunroof, and the advanced Highway Driving Assist system. This trim adds a significant touch of luxury and technology that you'll appreciate every single day.
N Line
If you want your SUV to have a bold, athletic personality, the N Line trim is for you. This model is all about style. It features an aggressive and unique front and rear fascia, exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, and a sporty twin-tip exhaust. The interior is just as special, with black sport seats that combine leather and cloth, a black headliner, alloy sport pedals, and vibrant red accent stitching throughout. To complete the experience, the N Line comes standard with a rich-sounding Bose® Premium Audio system, making it the perfect choice for the driver who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Limited
At the top of the lineup, the Tucson Limited offers a true luxury experience. It builds on the SEL Convenience with supple leather-trimmed seats, cooling ventilation for the front seats, and heating for the rear seats and steering wheel. The technology is also top-tier, featuring the innovative Blind-Spot View Monitor, a Surround View Monitor for effortless parking, and the incredible Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to pull the Tucson in or out of a tight parking space using just your key fob. The Limited is for the tech-savvy buyer who wants all the best features in a stylish and efficient package.
| Key Feature | SE / Blue | SEL / SEL Conv. | N Line | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Surface | Cloth | Cloth / H-Tex® | Sport Leather/Cloth | Leather |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 4.2-inch LCD | 4.2-inch / 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch |
| Heated Front Seats | No / Yes (Blue) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Front Seats | No | No | No | Yes |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | Yes (SEL Conv.) | Yes | Yes |
| Bose® Premium Audio | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | No | No | No | Yes |
| Remote Smart Parking | No | No | No | Yes |
The 2025 Santa Fe
The Santa Fe's trim walk is designed to take you from an incredibly capable family hauler to a full-fledged luxury vehicle.
SE
The Santa Fe SE sets an impressively high bar for a base model. It comes standard with the powerful 2.5L Turbo engine, three rows of seating for seven, the large 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a hands-free smart liftgate—a feature you'll love when your arms are full of groceries. From the very first trim, you get the core power and space that define the Santa Fe, making it a highly functional and valuable choice for any growing family.
SEL: The Well-Equipped Adventurer
The SEL trim adds a layer of comfort and refinement that enhances the daily drive. It upgrades the interior with durable and stylish H-Tex® seating surfaces, adds the convenience of a wireless device charging pad, and provides an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support for personalized comfort on long trips. This trim represents a significant step up in everyday luxury and convenience.
XRT: The Rugged and Ready Explorer
The XRT trim is both functionally and stylistically equipped for adventure. It comes standard with HTRAC AWD, 18-inch wheels with higher-profile all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance, making it ready for unpaved roads and trails. Its rugged exterior styling, including dark chrome and black accents, gives it a tough, go-anywhere look. This is the perfect Santa Fe for exploring the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge or confidently handling rougher terrain.
Limited: The Premium Family Cruiser
The Limited trim transforms the Santa Fe into a premium vehicle perfect for comfortable, long-haul family road trips. It rides on stylish 20-inch alloy wheels and elevates the cabin with luxurious leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.4 A Bose® premium audio system provides the soundtrack for your journey, while a massive dual-pane sunroof opens up the cabin to the sky. It also adds advanced tech like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Calligraphy: The Pinnacle of SUV Luxury
The Santa Fe Calligraphy is the absolute pinnacle of the lineup, designed to compete with luxury-brand SUVs. It features exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, an interior swathed in exquisite Nappa leather, and second-row power-reclining captain's chairs that create a first-class experience for rear passengers. The driver is treated to a full-display digital rearview mirror, a Head-Up Display, and Hyundai's most advanced driver-assistance suite, Highway Driving Assist 2. The Calligraphy is for the discerning family who wants the absolute best in comfort, technology, and refinement.
| Key Feature | SE | SEL | XRT | Limited | Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Surface | Cloth | H-Tex® | H-Tex® | Leather | Nappa Leather |
| 2nd Row Seating | Bench | Bench | Bench | Bench | Captain's Chairs |
| Digital Gauge Cluster | 4.2-inch LCD | 4.2-inch LCD | 4.2-inch LCD | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch |
| Ventilated Front Seats | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | No | No | No | Dual-Pane | Dual-Pane |
| Bose® Premium Audio | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Smart Parking | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Highway Driving Assist | HDA 1 | HDA 1 | HDA 1 | HDA 1 | HDA 2 |
Safety and Driver Assistance: Both Strong, but Is One Smarter?
When it comes to protecting you and your loved ones, Hyundai makes safety a top priority. Both the Santa Fe and the Tucson are built with a high-strength steel chassis and are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
The Standard SmartSense Suite
One of the most compelling aspects of owning a Hyundai is the incredible array of safety technology that comes standard on every single trim. Whether you choose a Tucson SE or a Santa Fe Calligraphy, your vehicle is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense. This includes crucial features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT), which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision. You also get Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA) to help you stay centered in your lane. Furthermore, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go comes standard, making highway driving in traffic less stressful by automatically maintaining a set distance from the car ahead. This commitment to standard safety means you never have to compromise on what matters most.
Advanced Assistance
As you move up the trim levels, Hyundai's safety technology evolves from pure protection to offering incredible levels of driver convenience and support. Higher trims of both models unlock a suite of advanced features that can make your drive easier and less fatiguing.
The Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), available on Limited and Calligraphy trims, is a standout feature. When you activate your turn signal, it displays a live video feed of your blind spot directly in the digital instrument cluster, giving you a clear view of what's next to you before you change lanes on I-44. The Surround View Monitor (SVM) uses multiple cameras to create a 360-degree bird's-eye view of your vehicle, making it incredibly easy to navigate tight parking spots without worrying about curbs or obstacles.
For the ultimate in convenience, there's Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). Available on the highest trims, this system allows you to stand outside the vehicle and use your Smart Key to remotely guide it into or out of a tight parking space—a true lifesaver in crowded lots.
Finally, Highway Driving Assist (HDA) makes long road trips down the Turner Turnpike a breeze. It works with Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist to help you maintain your speed, stay centered in the lane, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The most advanced version, HDA 2 (standard on the Santa Fe Calligraphy), adds even more capability, including the ability to assist with lane changes. Hyundai's safety systems are designed as a ladder of support: they start with foundational collision avoidance, progress to enhanced driver awareness, and culminate in luxury-level features that actively reduce driver fatigue and add remarkable convenience to your daily life.
Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for the Money?
A smart vehicle purchase is about more than just the sticker price; it's about the total value you receive over the life of your ownership. This is where Hyundai truly excels, offering a combination of competitive pricing, industry-leading warranty coverage, and complimentary services that make owning a Santa Fe or Tucson an incredibly smart financial decision.
The 2025 Tucson lineup starts with the SE trim at an accessible price $28,593 while the larger 2025 Santa Fe begins with its well-equipped SE trim at $34,300. While these prices are already competitive, they are just the beginning of the value story. The true advantage lies in what Hyundai includes with every new vehicle.
This value is built on three pillars:
America's Best Warranty
Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance
Bluelink+ Connected Car Services
Ideal Buyer: Who Should Choose the Santa Fe — and Who Should Go for the Tucson?
After breaking down all the details, the choice comes down to you and your lifestyle. Let's create some profiles of Oklahoma drivers to see who fits best behind the wheel of each SUV.
Team Tucson
The Tucson is for those who need flexibility, style, and efficiency.
Team Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the command center for busy families.
Final Thoughts: Tucson or Santa Fe — Which Hyundai SUV Wins for You?
We've explored every angle, from powertrain performance and cargo dimensions to interior technology and long-term value. The choice between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson isn't about which one is "better"—it's about which one is better for you.
The Tucson is your stylish, efficient, and agile partner. It's a master of versatility, perfectly suited for navigating city streets, saving fuel on long commutes, and offering a surprising amount of space for your gear. It's the smart choice for individuals, couples, and small families who want cutting-edge design and technology in a right-sized package.
The Santa Fe is your spacious, powerful, and commanding hub for family life. It's built to carry more people, handle bigger tasks, and provide a premium, comfortable experience on grander journeys. With its standard three-row seating and potent turbo engine, it's the definitive choice for larger families or anyone who needs maximum space and capability.
Ultimately, there is no single winner. The best SUV is the one that seamlessly integrates into your daily routines, supports your weekend adventures, and fits your unique lifestyle.
At Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City
Our team is ready to help you explore the full lineup, answer your questions, and arrange a test drive that lets you feel the difference firsthand.
Visit our showroom at 6601 SE 29th St, Midwest City, call us at (405) 733-1611, or browse our new and used inventory online. We're here to make your experience as straightforward and informative as possible, helping you find the trim and features that best serve your family's needs.