Which hyundai suv is right for you? santa fe vs grand santa fe – let’s compare

When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe stand out as two exceptional options. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, practicality, and performance, making them highly sought after by SUV enthusiasts. However, with the Grand Santa Fe being larger and more expensive, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between these two models before making a decision.

Size and Dimensions

The most noticeable difference between the Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe is their size. The Grand Santa Fe is significantly larger, with a length of 196.9 inches compared to the Santa Fe’s 188.4 inches. This difference in length translates into more interior space, especially in the third row of seats. The Grand Santa Fe also has a longer wheelbase (116.3 inches vs. 110.2 inches), providing more legroom for passengers.

Seating and Interior

The Santa Fe offers seating for up to five or seven passengers, depending on the trim level. The second row of seats is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The third row of seats, however, is best suited for children or occasional use due to its limited space.

The Grand Santa Fe, on the other hand, offers seating for up to seven or eight passengers, with a spacious and well-equipped interior. The second row of seats is even more spacious than the Santa Fe’s, and the third row provides ample legroom and headroom for adults.

Engine Options and Performance

Both the Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe offer a range of engine options, providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Santa Fe comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The Grand Santa Fe, being larger and heavier, comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a more powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for SUV buyers, especially with rising gas prices. The Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Grand Santa Fe with the 3.5-liter V6 engine is less fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Technology and Features

Both the Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe come well-equipped with a range of technology and safety features. The Santa Fe offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Grand Santa Fe offers an even more advanced infotainment system with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium sound system. It also features a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Value

Pricing for the Santa Fe starts at $28,450 for the base SE trim and goes up to $40,950 for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim. The Grand Santa Fe, on the other hand, starts at $34,800 for the base SE trim and goes up to $47,700 for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim.

When comparing value, it’s important to consider the size, features, and performance offered by each model. The Santa Fe offers a great value for its price, especially for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and a more compact size. The Grand Santa Fe, while more expensive, provides a more spacious interior, more powerful engine options, and a more comprehensive suite of features.

Choosing the Right Model

Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a more compact size, and a lower price point, the Santa Fe is an excellent choice. If you need a larger vehicle with more seating capacity, more powerful engine options, and a more luxurious interior, the Grand Santa Fe is the better choice.

Alternatives to Consider

Before making a final decision, it’s worth considering some alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Grand Santa Fe. Some popular options include the Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. These vehicles offer similar features and performance, but may have different strengths and weaknesses that align better with your specific requirements.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which model has better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has better fuel economy than the Grand Santa Fe with the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Q: Which model has more seating capacity?
A: The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the Santa Fe offers seating for up to seven passengers.

Q: Which model has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe has a more spacious interior than the Santa Fe, especially in the third row of seats.

Q: Which model has more advanced safety features?
A: The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features than the Santa Fe, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Q: Which model is better for off-roading?
A: Neither the Hyundai Santa Fe nor the Grand Santa Fe is designed for serious off-roading, but both offer all-wheel drive for improved traction on slippery surfaces.