What To Know
- When it comes to towing capacity, the Dodge Durango takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
- However, the Santa Fe’s superior fuel efficiency makes it a more economical choice for everyday driving, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Durango’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features to ensure the well-being of occupants and enhance peace of mind on the road.
When it comes to three-row SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango stand out as two of the most popular choices in the market. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and style, making them ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning SUV buyers.
Performance and Power: Unleashing the Beasts
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces a more potent 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Dodge Durango boasts a powerful 3.6L V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, along with an available 5.7L V8 engine that unleashes a formidable 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Dodge Durango takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. However, the Santa Fe’s superior fuel efficiency makes it a more economical choice for everyday driving, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Durango’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort: A Haven for Passengers
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to seven passengers. The Santa Fe’s cabin is known for its modern design, high-quality materials, and user-friendly infotainment system, while the Durango’s interior exudes a more rugged and muscular aesthetic.
In terms of cargo space, the Santa Fe provides 36.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum cargo capacity of 80.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. The Durango offers slightly more cargo space, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum cargo capacity of 85.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting What Matters Most
The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features to ensure the well-being of occupants and enhance peace of mind on the road. Standard safety features on both vehicles include airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.
The Santa Fe offers additional advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, while the Durango comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Off-Road Capability: Conquering the Untamed
The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango offer different levels of off-road capability. The Santa Fe features an all-wheel drive system with a terrain management system that allows drivers to select different driving modes for various conditions, such as snow, mud, and sand. The Durango, on the other hand, boasts a more robust four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case and an optional rear locking differential, making it more capable in challenging off-road situations.
Price and Value: Weighing the Options
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,985, while the Dodge Durango starts at $33,995. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features and a better warranty coverage, making it a more value-oriented choice. The Durango, on the other hand, provides a more powerful engine lineup and a higher towing capacity, which may be worth the extra cost for buyers who prioritize those capabilities.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a comfortable interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent choice. However, if you need a more powerful engine, a higher towing capacity, and enhanced off-road capability, the Dodge Durango is the way to go.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Champions
In the realm of three-row SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Dodge Durango stand as formidable contenders, each offering unique strengths and appeals. The Santa Fe captivates with its refined performance, fuel efficiency, and value-oriented pricing, while the Durango impresses with its muscular engine options, impressive towing capacity, and rugged off-road prowess. Ultimately, the decision between these two exceptional SUVs rests upon the individual preferences and priorities of the discerning buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Dodge Durango?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers superior fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Durango’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
2. Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Dodge Durango?
A: The Dodge Durango offers slightly more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum cargo capacity of 85.1 cubic feet compared to the Santa Fe’s 36.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum cargo capacity of 80.4 cubic feet.
3. Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Dodge Durango?
A: The Dodge Durango has a higher towing capacity, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 lbs compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.