What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe with the base engine returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The RAV4, meanwhile, achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
- However, the Santa Fe offers a few more standard features than the RAV4, such as heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two names that inevitably come to mind are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4. These two vehicles have long been popular choices for families and adventurers alike, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Efficiency: Power and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe with the base engine returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RAV4, meanwhile, achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: Space, Features, and Refinement
Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. The Santa Fe boasts a more upscale interior with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also offers more cargo space than the RAV4, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The RAV4, on the other hand, provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Both vehicles come standard with a range of comfort and convenience features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Santa Fe offers a few more standard features than the RAV4, such as heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting Your Precious Cargo
When it comes to safety, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 have earned top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, the Santa Fe offers a few more advanced safety features than the RAV4, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Capability: Adventure-Ready or Not?
If you’re planning on taking your midsize SUV off the beaten path, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 offer different levels of capability. The Santa Fe features a more rugged suspension and a higher ground clearance, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. The RAV4, on the other hand, is more geared towards on-road driving, with a softer suspension and a lower ground clearance.
Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
When it comes to pricing, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 are very competitive. The base Santa Fe starts at $28,000, while the base RAV4 starts at $27,975. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features than the RAV4, so it may be a better value for the money.
Recommendations: The Verdict
After comparing the Hyundai Santa Fe and the RAV4 across a range of factors, it’s clear that both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses. The Santa Fe offers more space, more standard features, and better off-road capability, while the RAV4 is more fuel-efficient and has a slightly lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces more horsepower and torque than the RAV4’s 2.5-liter engine.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The RAV4 has a better fuel economy than the Santa Fe, especially with front-wheel drive.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Santa Fe has a more spacious interior than the RAV4, with more cargo space and legroom for passengers.
Q: Which vehicle has more standard features?
A: The Santa Fe offers more standard features than the RAV4, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.
Q: Which vehicle is safer?
A: Both the Santa Fe and the RAV4 have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. However, the Santa Fe offers a few more advanced safety features than the RAV4.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
A: The Santa Fe is better suited for off-roading than the RAV4, thanks to its more rugged suspension and higher ground clearance.
Q: Which vehicle is a better value for the money?
A: The Santa Fe offers more standard features and a more spacious interior than the RAV4, making it a better value for the money.