Which hyundai suv fits your needs? santa fe vs santa fe sport – a comprehensive guide

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a comfortable and spacious ride for families and individuals alike. While they share the same Hyundai DNA, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your buying decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, helping you make an informed choice.

Design and Dimensions

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a larger SUV compared to the Santa Fe Sport. It measures 193.4 inches in length, 76.8 inches in width, and 67.5 inches in height, while the Santa Fe Sport is 185.1 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 66.5 inches tall. The Santa Fe’s larger dimensions translate into more spacious interiors and cargo capacity.

In terms of design, the Santa Fe features a bold and rugged exterior with sharp lines and a prominent grille, while the Santa Fe Sport has a more streamlined and urban look. Both SUVs offer modern and stylish interiors with high-quality materials and advanced technology features.

Engine and Performance

The Hyundai Santa Fe is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe Sport, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Santa Fe with the V6 engine is more powerful and offers better acceleration and towing capacity, while the Santa Fe Sport with the turbocharged engine provides a more engaging and sporty driving experience.

Fuel Economy

The Hyundai Santa Fe‘s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive achieves up to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine with all-wheel drive gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Santa Fe Sport’s fuel economy is slightly better, with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive returning up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Features

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-equipped interior with seating for up to eight passengers in some configurations. The Santa Fe Sport has a more compact interior with seating for up to five passengers. Both SUVs feature comfortable seats, ample legroom and headroom, and a variety of storage compartments.

In terms of technology features, the Santa Fe comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. The Santa Fe Sport has a similar infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and four speakers.

Higher trim levels of both SUVs offer additional features such as a larger touchscreen, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system.

Safety Features

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist. Advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are available on higher trim levels.

The Santa Fe has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Santa Fe Sport has also received high safety ratings from both organizations.

Price and Value

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $29,000 for the base SE trim level, while the Santa Fe Sport starts at $27,000 for the base SE trim level. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels with varying features and price points.

The Santa Fe Sport is generally more affordable than the Santa Fe, but it also offers less space and fewer features. The Santa Fe provides a better value for buyers who prioritize space, power, and advanced features.

Which Hyundai SUV is Right for You?

The choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious and powerful SUV with a comfortable interior and advanced safety features, the Santa Fe is a great option. If you prefer a more compact and fuel-efficient SUV with a sporty driving experience, the Santa Fe Sport may be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Hyundai SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has more cargo space than the Santa Fe Sport, with up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 14.4 cubic feet behind the third row of seats.

Q: Which Hyundai SUV has more horsepower?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.5-liter V6 engine has more horsepower than the Santa Fe Sport, with 290 horsepower compared to 240 horsepower for the Santa Fe Sport with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Q: Which Hyundai SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport offer all-wheel drive capabilities, but the Santa Fe has a slightly higher ground clearance and a more rugged exterior design, making it better suited for off-road adventures.