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Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Jeep Wrangler: Which Off-road King Reigns Supreme?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a versatile and capable SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler stand out as formidable contenders.
  • In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Wrangler, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV best suits your needs and preferences.
  • The Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.

When it comes to choosing a versatile and capable SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer unique strengths and appeal to different types of drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Wrangler, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV best suits your needs and preferences.

Performance and Power:

Engine Options and Powertrains:

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Efficiency:

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe holds an advantage over the Jeep Wrangler. The Santa Fe’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged 2.5L engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.5L V6 engine offers 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Jeep Wrangler, with its standard 3.6L V6 engine, provides an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Capability and Off-Roading:

4WD Systems:

The Hyundai Santa Fe features an advanced HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. The Jeep Wrangler, renowned for its off-road prowess, comes standard with a Command-Trac 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, allowing drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes.

Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers 8.2 inches of ground clearance, while the Jeep Wrangler boasts a more impressive 10.8 inches of ground clearance. The Wrangler also excels in approach and departure angles, with 44 degrees and 37 degrees, respectively, compared to the Santa Fe’s 18.5 degrees and 21.5 degrees.

Interior Comfort and Features:

Seating and Cargo Space:

The Hyundai Santa Fe provides seating for up to eight passengers, while the Jeep Wrangler offers seating for five. In terms of cargo space, the Santa Fe offers 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 72.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Jeep Wrangler provides 13.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Technology and Infotainment:

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. The Jeep Wrangler offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and an Alpine premium audio system.

Safety and Reliability:

Safety Features:

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Jeep Wrangler also provides a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Reliability:

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler have received positive reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. The Santa Fe has been praised for its overall dependability, while the Wrangler has been recognized for its durability and off-road capabilities.

Pricing and Trims:

Starting Price:

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $27,200, while the Jeep Wrangler starts at $29,995.

Trim Levels and Options:

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers six trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, XRT, and Hybrid. The Jeep Wrangler offers eight trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon 392, High Altitude, High Altitude 4xe, and Unlimited.

Takeaways:

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler are both excellent choices for SUV buyers seeking versatility, capability, and comfort. The Santa Fe stands out with its fuel-efficient engines, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler excels in off-road performance, with its rugged design, impressive ground clearance, and legendary 4WD system. Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Wrangler depends on your specific needs, preferences, and driving style.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Jeep Wrangler?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers better fuel efficiency than the Jeep Wrangler. The Santa Fe’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engine achieves up to 31 mpg on the highway, while the Wrangler’s 3.6L V6 engine provides a maximum of 23 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has more seating capacity, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Jeep Wrangler?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Jeep Wrangler offers seating for five.

Q: Which SUV provides better off-road capability, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Jeep Wrangler?

A: The Jeep Wrangler offers superior off-road capability compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Wrangler features a Command-Trac 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, providing excellent traction and control in challenging off-road conditions.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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