2016 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan X-Trail: Midsize SUV Comparison

What To Know

  • In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe has a slight edge over the X-Trail, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the X-Trail’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
  • The Santa Fe features an all-wheel drive system with a locking center differential, while the X-Trail comes with a more advanced all-wheel drive system that includes a torque vectoring system.
  • The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan X-Trail, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the X-Trail’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan X-Trail are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right SUV for your needs.

Exterior Design

The Hyundai Santa Fe presents a bold and muscular exterior design, featuring a large grille, sleek headlights, and sharp body lines. In contrast, the Nissan X-Trail exudes a more rugged and utilitarian look, with a boxy silhouette, a prominent front bumper, and pronounced wheel arches.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin with premium materials and a user-friendly layout. It boasts features such as a large touchscreen display, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated seats. The Nissan X-Trail also provides a roomy interior with comfortable seating and a versatile cargo area. However, its materials and overall design feel less refined compared to the Santa Fe.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan X-Trail, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe has a slight edge over the X-Trail, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the X-Trail’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan X-Trail offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Santa Fe comes standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The X-Trail, on the other hand, offers additional features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control as part of its optional safety package.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan X-Trail are not designed for serious off-roading, they offer some capabilities for tackling light trails and rough terrain. The Santa Fe features an all-wheel drive system with a locking center differential, while the X-Trail comes with a more advanced all-wheel drive system that includes a torque vectoring system.

Towing Capacity

If you plan on towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher towing capacity than the Nissan X-Trail. The Santa Fe can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the X-Trail has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Price and Value

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan X-Trail are priced competitively within the midsize SUV segment. The base price for the Santa Fe starts at around $26,000, while the X-Trail starts at around $24,000. However, when it comes to value for money, the Santa Fe offers a more comprehensive package with its premium interior, powerful engine, and advanced safety features.

Summary: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan X-Trail depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, performance, and a premium driving experience, the Santa Fe is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more rugged and affordable SUV with decent off-road capabilities, the X-Trail is a solid option. Ultimately, the best way to determine which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and compare their features and capabilities firsthand.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more powerful engine with 290 horsepower compared to the Nissan X-Trail’s 170 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan X-Trail, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the X-Trail’s 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV offers more advanced safety features?
A: The Nissan X-Trail offers more advanced safety features as part of its optional safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Nissan X-Trail’s 3,500 pounds.

Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Nissan X-Trail has a lower starting price of around $24,000 compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s starting price of around $26,000.