What To Know
- Under the hood, both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a range of engine options that cater to diverse driving preferences.
- When it comes to interior space and cargo capacity, both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe offer ample room for passengers and their belongings.
- The Ford Escape features the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system.
In the fiercely competitive mid-sized SUV segment, two prominent contenders stand out: the Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both vehicles offer compelling features, impressive performance, and stylish designs. However, discerning buyers face a dilemma when choosing between these two exceptional SUVs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe, examining their key aspects to determine which one emerges as the superior choice.
Performance and Power: A Close Match with Distinct Personalities
Under the hood, both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a range of engine options that cater to diverse driving preferences. The Escape boasts a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine as its base powertrain, delivering a respectable 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine cranks out an impressive 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For a more spirited driving experience, the Santa Fe offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
While both SUVs offer comparable performance figures, their driving dynamics differ. The Escape feels more agile and responsive, with a sportier handling character. The Santa Fe, in contrast, prioritizes comfort and stability, providing a more relaxed driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency: A Tale of Two Cities
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe deliver impressive numbers. With its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, the Escape achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Opting for the more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine slightly reduces fuel economy to 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine sacrifices some fuel efficiency, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space: Room for Passengers and Belongings
When it comes to interior space and cargo capacity, both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe offer ample room for passengers and their belongings. The Escape provides 37.5 inches of front headroom, 40.4 inches of front legroom, and 39.3 inches of rear legroom. Its cargo space measures 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to a generous 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers slightly more spacious dimensions, with 41.4 inches of front headroom, 44.1 inches of front legroom, and 39.2 inches of rear legroom. Its cargo capacity is also more generous, offering 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and a cavernous 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Safety Features: A Commitment to Passenger Protection
Both the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe prioritize passenger safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The Escape comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Hyundai Santa Fe also boasts an impressive array of safety features, including Hyundai SmartSense, which offers similar features to Ford Co-Pilot360, such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping You Connected and Entertained
In today’s digital age, technology and infotainment play a crucial role in the driving experience. The Ford Escape features the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers the UVO infotainment system, which features a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Santa Fe also offers a premium Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers for an immersive audio experience.
Pricing and Value: Striking a Balance Between Cost and Features
When it comes to pricing, the Ford Escape holds a slight advantage over the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Escape starts at a base price of $26,495, while the Santa Fe starts at $27,700. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features, such as a larger touchscreen display, a more powerful engine, and more cargo space.
The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe boils down to personal preferences and priorities. Buyers seeking a sportier driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and a lower starting price may prefer the Ford Escape. Those who prioritize interior space, cargo capacity, and a more comprehensive suite of standard features may find the Hyundai Santa Fe a more compelling choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
In addition to the key aspects covered in this comparison, there are a few other factors that potential buyers may want to consider:
- Towing Capacity: The Ford Escape offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the Hyundai Santa Fe can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Off-Road Capability: Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive systems, but the Santa Fe offers a slightly more rugged design and slightly better ground clearance.
- Warranty Coverage: The Ford Escape comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
FAQ:
- Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape or Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Ford Escape offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Santa Fe, especially with its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.
- Which SUV offers more cargo space, the Ford Escape or Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more cargo space than the Ford Escape, with a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cubic feet compared to the Escape’s 65.4 cubic feet.
- Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Ford Escape or Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more powerful engine option, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower compared to the Escape’s 250 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.