What To Know
- In terms of width, the Santa Fe is also slightly wider than the Cherokee, with a difference of 2.
- The Santa Fe and Cherokee offer similar fuel economy ratings, with the Santa Fe having a slight advantage in highway driving.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Cherokee have comparable pricing ranges, with the Jeep Cherokee having a slightly lower starting price but a higher top-end price.
When it comes to spaciousness and practicality, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Cherokee are two popular contenders in the midsize SUV segment. The question of “is Hyundai Santa Fe bigger than Jeep Cherokee” is a common inquiry among prospective buyers. To answer this question decisively, we’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison of their dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity.
Exterior Dimensions
Length:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 193.6 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: 182.2 inches
The Santa Fe has a notable advantage in length, measuring 11.4 inches longer than the Cherokee. This additional length contributes to a more extended overall presence on the road.
Width:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 74.8 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: 72.4 inches
In terms of width, the Santa Fe is also slightly wider than the Cherokee, with a difference of 2.4 inches. This difference provides a more spacious feel in the cabin and allows for wider door openings.
Height:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 67.1 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: 65.5 inches
The Santa Fe surpasses the Cherokee in height as well, measuring 1.6 inches taller. This additional height translates into more headroom for passengers and a more commanding driving position.
Interior Space
Legroom:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (front): 41.4 inches
- Hyundai Santa Fe (rear): 38.2 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (front): 40.3 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (rear): 38.7 inches
In both the front and rear seats, the Santa Fe provides slightly more legroom than the Cherokee. This difference, though not significant, contributes to a more comfortable seating experience for taller passengers.
Headroom:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (front): 40.4 inches
- Hyundai Santa Fe (rear): 38.3 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (front): 39.5 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (rear): 38.3 inches
The Santa Fe also offers more headroom in both the front and rear seats. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with longer torsos or who prefer a more upright seating position.
Shoulder Room:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (front): 58.9 inches
- Hyundai Santa Fe (rear): 57.7 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (front): 57.5 inches
- Jeep Cherokee (rear): 56.4 inches
The Santa Fe provides more shoulder room in both the front and rear seats, making it feel more spacious and comfortable for occupants.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo Space Behind Second Row:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 36.4 cubic feet
- Jeep Cherokee: 25.8 cubic feet
The Santa Fe boasts a significantly larger cargo space behind the second row of seats, offering 10.6 cubic feet more capacity than the Cherokee. This difference is noticeable and provides more room for luggage, groceries, or other bulky items.
Cargo Space Behind First Row:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 72.1 cubic feet
- Jeep Cherokee: 54.7 cubic feet
With both rows of seats folded down, the Santa Fe offers an even more impressive cargo capacity of 72.1 cubic feet, compared to 54.7 cubic feet for the Cherokee. This additional space makes the Santa Fe a more versatile option for hauling large objects or transporting items for moving.
Fuel Economy
MPG City/Highway:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (FWD): 25/33
- Hyundai Santa Fe (AWD): 22/28
- Jeep Cherokee (FWD): 22/31
- Jeep Cherokee (AWD): 21/29
While size and space are important factors, fuel economy is also a consideration. The Santa Fe and Cherokee offer similar fuel economy ratings, with the Santa Fe having a slight advantage in highway driving.
Off-Road Capability
Ground Clearance:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: 8.3 inches
- Jeep Cherokee: 8.7 inches
The Jeep Cherokee has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to 8.3 inches for the Santa Fe. This difference may be beneficial for navigating rough terrain or driving on unpaved roads.
Trail Rated:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: No
- Jeep Cherokee: Yes (Trailhawk trim only)
The Jeep Cherokee offers a Trailhawk trim that is specifically designed for off-roading and includes features such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The Santa Fe does not offer a dedicated off-road trim.
Price
MSRP:
- Hyundai Santa Fe: $28,950 – $41,950
- Jeep Cherokee: $28,195 – $43,095
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Cherokee have comparable pricing ranges, with the Jeep Cherokee having a slightly lower starting price but a higher top-end price.
Recommendations: Space and Practicality Reign Supreme
Based on our comprehensive comparison, the Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as the larger vehicle in terms of exterior dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity. Its spacious cabin and ample storage space make it an excellent choice for families or individuals who prioritize practicality and versatility. While the Jeep Cherokee offers slightly better off-road capability with its Trailhawk trim, the Santa Fe’s overall size and space advantages make it the more compelling option for buyers seeking a spacious and well-rounded midsize SUV.
Information You Need to Know
1. Is the Hyundai Santa Fe actually bigger than the Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, the Hyundai Santa Fe is larger than the Jeep Cherokee in all key dimensions, including length, width, height, interior space, and cargo capacity.
2. Which SUV has more legroom, the Santa Fe or the Cherokee?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers slightly more legroom in both the front and rear seats compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
3. Can the Santa Fe hold more cargo than the Cherokee?
Yes, the Santa Fe has a significantly larger cargo space behind the second row of seats and a more impressive cargo capacity with both rows of seats folded down.
4. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Santa Fe or the Cherokee?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight advantage in fuel economy, particularly on highway driving, compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
5. Is the Jeep Cherokee better off-road than the Santa Fe?
Yes, the Jeep Cherokee offers a Trailhawk trim that is specifically designed for off-roading, while the Santa Fe does not have a dedicated off-road trim.