Honda CR-V Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: The Showdown You’ve Been Waiting For

Ah, the eternal battle of the SUVs. You’ve got your eye on the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Fe, two giants in the compact SUV world. Both are competing for your heart, your wallet, and the precious real estate in your garage. 

But which one will conquer? Stick with me as we delve into this comprehensive comparison. We’re talking pros, cons, and the nitty-gritty details. Let’s get rolling!

A Brief Comparison Table

FeatureHonda CR-VHyundai Santa Fe
Engine Options1.5L Turbocharged2.5L or 2.5L Turbo
Horsepower190191 or 277
Torque (lb-ft)179182 or 311
Fuel Economy (City)28 mpg22 mpg
Fuel Economy (Highway)34 mpg29 mpg
Interior LuxuryModerateHigh
Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up)39.2 cu ft36.4 cu ft
Cargo Space (Rear Seats Down)75.8 cu ft72.1 cu ft
Safety FeaturesHonda Sensing®Hyundai Safety Suite
Basic Warranty3-Year/36,000-mile5-Year/60,000-mile
Powertrain Warranty5-Year/60,000-mile10-Year/100,000-mile

Honda CR-V: The Reliable Choice

Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V

Pros

  • Fuel Efficiency

The Honda CR-V is the frugal friend you never knew you needed. With its efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you can expect up to 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. That’s a lot of road trips without breaking the bank!

  • Cargo Space

One word: Roomy. This guy offers you a whopping 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Whether it’s camping gear, groceries, or a brand-new TV, you’ve got space for days.

  • Safety

CR-V has a reputation for safety, earning top marks from organizations like the IIHS. Its Honda Sensing® suite offers features like collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. You’re practically in a fortress.

Cons

  • Not So Zippy

While it’s efficient, the CR-V’s engine isn’t going to win you any drag races. If you’re looking for thrilling acceleration, you might want to look elsewhere.

  • Interior Design

Don’t expect to be wowed by the interior. It’s functional and clean but doesn’t quite hit the high notes on luxury or innovation.

Also Read: Differences Between Avery Dennison And XPEL PPF.

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Underdog That Packs a Punch

Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • Engine Options

You’ve got choices here! Whether it’s the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the available turbocharged option, the Santa Fe lets you customize your driving experience. Want more power? You got it.

  • Premium Interior

The Santa Fe doesn’t just talk the talk; it walks the walk. Leather seating, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ambient lighting set the tone for a luxurious drive.

  • Warranty

Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the game: a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Talk about peace of mind!

Cons

  • Fuel Economy

More power often means less fuel efficiency, and the Santa Fe is no exception. Expect something like 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

  • Price Tag

With all the bells and whistles, the Santa Fe tends to be a bit pricier than the CR-V. Make sure you’re prepared for that investment.

Head-to-Head: CR-V vs Santa Fe

  • Ride and Comfort

Both the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer comfortable rides, but the Santa Fe pulls ahead with its upscale, cushy interior. If luxury is your game, go with the Hyundai.

  • Cargo Space

The Honda CR-V wins this one hands down with its expansive cargo area, ideal for families or those with a penchant for weekend getaways.

  • Safety Features

Both vehicles come loaded with safety tech, but the CR-V’s Honda Sensing® gives it an extra edge.

The Key Differences: Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe Detailed Comparison

Alright, folks, you asked for it: an ultra-detailed, deep dive into the key differences between the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe. Let’s take this debate to the next level.

Engine and Performance

One of the most defining characteristics of an SUV is its engine. With the Honda CR-V, you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers a balanced performance. It’s a trusty workhorse, with a respectable 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. 

On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers multiple options, including a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for the available turbocharged version, those figures jump to a whooping 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

So, if you’re into options and a customizable drive, the Santa Fe is your guy. Want something tried-and-true? Stick with the CR-V.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is often a significant factor for buyers, and that’s where the Honda CR-V shines. As mentioned earlier, it can get up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe lags behind with 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

So, if you’re eyeing long road trips or frequent commutes, the CR-V will keep your wallet happier.

Interior Comfort and Luxury

When you step into the Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ll feel the luxury. Even in its base model, the Santa Fe offers a touch of elegance with its premium materials, spacious cabin, and high-quality infotainment system. 

The Honda CR-V is no slouch either, with a user-friendly layout and high-quality materials, but it doesn’t quite match the Santa Fe’s upscale vibe. If you value luxury and interior aesthetics, you know which one to choose.

Cargo Space

We talked about how spacious the Honda CR-V is, but let’s get specific. It offers a sizable 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with those seats folded down. 

The Santa Fe comes in close, but it doesn’t match up, providing 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats down. So, if maximizing cargo space is your goal, the CR-V is the clear winner.

Safety Features

Both the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe come packed with an array of safety features designed to keep you and your loved ones secure. Honda’s Sensing® suite is pretty advanced, offering adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and more. 

Hyundai’s Safety Suite is equally impressive, boasting features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. While both are heavy hitters in the safety game, Honda’s track record gives it a slight edge.

Warranty and Reliability

Last but not least, let’s talk about peace of mind. Hyundai’s warranty is hard to beat, offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Honda’s is a little less generous, providing a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If long-term security is a priority, the Santa Fe has you covered.

Also Read: Differences Between Mobil 1 Truck & SUV And Extended Performance Oil.

FAQ Section

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe bigger than the Honda CR-V?

Yes, the Santa Fe is generally a bit larger, offering a more spacious interior but slightly less cargo space.

What is the difference between the Honda CR-V and the Santa Fe?

The key differences lie in engine options, interior luxury, and fuel efficiency. The CR-V offers better gas mileage and more cargo space, while the Santa Fe offers a luxurious interior and a wider range of engine choices.

Which Hyundai is equivalent to the Honda CR-V?

The Hyundai Tucson is considered the direct competitor to the Honda CR-V in terms of size and pricing.

Why is the Honda CR-V so popular?

Its combination of reliability, safety, and cargo space has made the Honda CR-V a household name.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe considered a luxury car?

While not officially a luxury car, the Santa Fe offers many premium features that make it feel upscale.

What is the difference between Honda and Hyundai?

Honda is a Japanese brand known for reliability and efficiency, while Hyundai is a South Korean brand that excels in offering value-packed and luxurious vehicles.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe each have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice largely depends on your specific needs. 

Both are excellent options, so you’re in good hands either way. Good luck, and happy driving!

Clayton S. Johnson

Well, I am Clayton who writes, manages, and does overall stuff for this website. I live somewhere in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and used to have a full-time job. But the pandemic taught me to do more do with my life. So, I quit my job and travel a lot! Since I have tons of time now, I write about all the stuff I have done, used, and have first-hand experiences.

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