Suv showdown: hyundai santa fe vs acura rdx – the ultimate guide for informed buyers
What To Know
- The Santa Fe is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and a generous amount of cargo space.
- The RDX, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious and refined experience with better handling and a more advanced infotainment system.
- The Acura RDX has a more advanced infotainment system than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a surround-sound audio system.
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Acura RDX stand as two formidable contenders in the competitive midsize SUV segment. Both vehicles offer a blend of luxury, performance, and versatility, making them popular choices among discerning drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of both SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a bold and modern exterior design. Its angular lines and sharp creases create a striking presence on the road. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, exudes a more sophisticated and elegant aesthetic. Its sleek curves and signature Jewel Eye headlights give it a sporty yet refined appearance.
Interior Comfort
Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Acura RDX’s interior is equally impressive, with premium materials and a driver-centric layout. Its seats provide excellent support and the panoramic sunroof creates a bright and airy atmosphere.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower. A more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is available as an option, delivering 281 horsepower. The Acura RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that generates 276 horsepower. Both SUVs offer a smooth and responsive ride, but the RDX has a slight edge in handling thanks to its more advanced suspension system.
Technology and Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. The Acura RDX offers a more advanced infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a surround-sound audio system. Both SUVs also offer a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a generous 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. With the seats folded down, cargo capacity expands to a cavernous 72.1 cubic feet. The Acura RDX provides slightly less cargo space, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the RDX’s cargo area is more versatile, with a hands-free power liftgate and a hidden storage compartment under the floor.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many drivers. The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine returns 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Acura RDX gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Pricing
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,100. The Acura RDX starts at $40,300. While the RDX is more expensive, it offers a higher level of luxury, performance, and technology.
Final Note
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Acura RDX are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of features and capabilities. The Santa Fe is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and a generous amount of cargo space. The RDX, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious and refined experience with better handling and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has better fuel economy than the Acura RDX.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more spacious interior than the Acura RDX, with more legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Q: Which SUV has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Acura RDX has a more advanced infotainment system than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a surround-sound audio system.