What To Know
- 5-liter engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
- The Santa Fe features a modern and intuitive dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a host of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
- 5-liter four-cylinder engine has a better fuel economy than the Nissan Pathfinder, with 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two prominent contenders emerge: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Pathfinder. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and style, making them popular choices among families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Hyundai Santa Fe against the Nissan Pathfinder, exploring their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of engine options, including a 185-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 277-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 380-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, comes standard with a 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.
In terms of fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Pathfinder, with its V6 engine, achieves 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Technology
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Pathfinder offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. The Santa Fe features a modern and intuitive dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a host of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Pathfinder also boasts a roomy interior with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Nissan Pathfinder provides 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Both vehicles offer versatile seating configurations, with the Santa Fe featuring a standard 60/40 split-folding second row and an optional 50/50 split-folding third row. The Pathfinder also offers a 60/40 split-folding second row and a 50/50 split-folding third row.
Off-Road Capability
While both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Pathfinder are primarily designed for on-road driving, they both offer some off-road capability. The Santa Fe features an all-wheel drive system with a locking differential and hill descent control, while the Pathfinder offers an all-wheel drive system with a terrain management system.
Price and Value
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,200, while the Nissan Pathfinder starts at $34,410. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Santa Fe Calligraphy costing $45,850 and the top-of-the-line Pathfinder Platinum costing $50,920.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Pathfinder depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and value-oriented SUV with a spacious interior and advanced technology, the Santa Fe is a great option. If you prioritize off-road capability and a more luxurious interior, the Pathfinder is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder has a more powerful engine with 284 horsepower, compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s most powerful engine with 277 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has a better fuel economy than the Nissan Pathfinder, with 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder has a larger cargo capacity with 87.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down, compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 72.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down.