Ford flex vs hyundai santa fe: the ultimate midsize suv showdown

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Ford Flex and Hyundai Santa Fe are two popular contenders. Both offer spacious interiors, advanced features, and a comfortable ride. However, there are some key differences between these two vehicles that may influence your decision.

Interior Space and Configuration

Ford Flex: The Flex boasts a cavernous interior with three rows of seating, providing ample room for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing for flexible seating arrangements.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also offers three rows of seating, but it has a slightly smaller interior than the Flex. The second-row seats can be folded flat to create a large cargo area.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Ford Flex: The Flex is available with a range of engine options, including a powerful 3.5-liter V6. The V6 engine provides strong acceleration and towing capability. However, fuel economy is not the Flex’s strong suit, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for the base model.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder engine prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the V6 offers more power. The Santa Fe’s fuel economy is slightly better than the Flex, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway for the base model.

Features and Technology

Ford Flex: The Flex comes well-equipped with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system. It also offers a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free liftgate.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and a premium audio system. It features a more advanced safety suite than the Flex, with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety

Ford Flex: The Flex received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earned a “Top Safety Pick++” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it only earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, due to its lower headlights rating.

Price and Value

Ford Flex: The Flex has a starting price of $31,680 for the base SE model. The Limited model starts at $43,680.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,850 for the base SE model. The Limited model starts at $41,100.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Ford Flex and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and feature-rich SUV. The Flex offers a more cavernous interior and a more powerful engine, while the Santa Fe provides better fuel economy and a more advanced safety suite. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

Additional Considerations

• Reliability: The Flex has a slightly lower reliability rating than the Santa Fe, according to J.D. Power.
• Resale Value: The Santa Fe typically has a higher resale value than the Flex.
• Towing Capacity: The Flex has a higher maximum towing capacity than the Santa Fe.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Which SUV has a larger interior?
A: The Ford Flex has a larger interior than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Flex.

Q: Which SUV has a more advanced safety suite?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more advanced safety suite than the Ford Flex.

Q: Which SUV has a higher resale value?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe typically has a higher resale value than the Ford Flex.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe is slightly more reliable than the Ford Flex.