Regarding mid-size SUVs, the Ford Edge vs Hyundai Santa Fe are two strong contenders that balance performance, comfort, and technology. Both vehicles have features that cater to different driving needs, from family trips to everyday commuting. However, despite their similarities, these two SUVs differ in several key areas: performance, design, features, and overall driving experience.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll compare the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe in several categories, helping you decide which vehicle is best for you.
Overview
While the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe are well-regarded in the mid-size SUV segment, they cater to slightly different audiences. The Ford Edge emphasises sporty performance and cutting-edge technology, appealing to those prioritising power and style. On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe focuses on practicality, value for money, and modern comforts, making it a top choice for families and budget-conscious buyers. Understanding their unique strengths is key to finding the SUV that best suits your needs.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a two-row mid-size crossover SUV that has been a staple of Ford’s line-up since 2006. Known for its sleek exterior, roomy interior, and well-balanced performance, the Edge is designed to appeal to those seeking a more rugged yet refined driving experience. Its powerful engine options include a turbocharged four-cylinder, a performance-oriented V6, and an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Ford Edge is aimed at individuals who want a stylish, tech-savvy SUV that can comfortably handle long drives and light off-road adventures.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe, meanwhile, is one of the leading vehicles in Hyundai’s SUV line-up. With a history dating back to 2000, the Santa Fe has evolved from a compact crossover to a more refined mid-size SUV, offering standard features, safety technologies, and spacious interiors. The Santa Fe offers a variety of engine choices, including hybrid and petrol powertrains, and focuses on practicality, comfort, and value for money. It’s an excellent option for families seeking a well-equipped, safe, and affordable SUV.
Performance
Performance is a critical factor for any mid-size SUV, as it determines how well the vehicle handles a variety of driving conditions, from city commutes to long motorway journeys. The Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe take different approaches in this category. The Edge focuses on delivering robust engine options for those seeking a dynamic drive, while the Santa Fe strikes a balance between power and fuel efficiency, catering to families and eco-conscious drivers alike. Let’s look at how each model performs under the bonnet.
Ford Edge Performance
The Ford Edge is known for its robust performance thanks to its powerful engine options. Let’s take a look at the engine choices available for the Ford Edge:
- Base Engine: The standard engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making the Edge a capable SUV for daily driving and highway cruising.
- Optional Engine: The Ford Edge ST comes with a 2.7-litre turbocharged V6 engine for those who crave more power. This engine generates an impressive 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This performance-oriented model offers exhilarating acceleration and towing capabilities, making it ideal for those who need more muscle.
- Transmission and Drivetrain: Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system available. The ST model comes with AWD as standard.
The Ford Edge strikes a good balance between comfort and power, with its engines providing smooth acceleration and confident handling. It’s particularly well-suited for long-distance drives, offering a stable and controlled ride, even at high speeds.
Hyundai Santa Fe Performance
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers various engine options, ensuring a configuration to suit various driving preferences. The performance options are:
- Base Engine: The standard engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is sufficient for most driving needs, it doesn’t offer the same level of performance as the Ford Edge’s base engine.
- Optional Engine: The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting power. This engine is available in higher trims and provides a more engaging driving experience.
- Hybrid Option: The Hyundai Santa Fe is also available in a hybrid variant. This variant combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 226 horsepower. This hybrid option is ideal for those prioritising fuel economy and a reduced environmental footprint.
- Transmission and Drivetrain: Santa Fe’s engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD available on higher trims.
The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a more modest yet efficient driving experience. The turbocharged engine offers plenty of power for everyday driving, while the hybrid version is perfect for those looking to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Interior and Comfort
The interior of an SUV is where comfort meets functionality, and both the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe excel in creating inviting cabins that prioritise passenger satisfaction. With a focus on premium materials, advanced technology, and clever storage solutions, these SUVs are designed to make every journey enjoyable. Whether navigating daily errands or embarking on a long road trip, the interior offerings of both models aim to keep you and your passengers comfortable and connected. Let’s delve into the specifics of each vehicle’s interior features.
Ford Edge Interior
Inside the Ford Edge is a spacious, modern cabin designed for comfort and practicality. The Edge offers generous legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently travel with passengers.
- Seating: The Ford Edge can accommodate up to five people, and the seats are supportive, particularly in the front rows. Higher trims offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable seating for added comfort.
- Cargo Space: The Edge offers a decent amount of cargo space, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is on par with other mid-size SUVs, and the low load floor makes loading and unloading items relatively easy.
- Technology: The Ford Edge’s standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system features Ford’s SYNC 4 system. This system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Higher trims have a larger 12-inch touchscreen, a premium sound system, and additional tech features.
The interior of the Ford Edge is designed with a focus on comfort and convenience. It offers plenty of space for passengers and modern technology features. The premium materials in higher trims give the Edge an upscale feel.
Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
The Hyundai Santa Fe also offers a well-appointed and spacious interior. Its slightly more refined design, high-quality materials, and user-friendly layout make it a good choice.
- Seating: The Santa Fe offers comfortable and supportive seating for five. Higher trims provide premium features such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable seating. The second row of seats is also spacious, offering ample legroom for taller passengers.
- Cargo Space: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less than the Ford Edge but still adequate for everyday use. With the seats folded down, the Santa Fe offers up to 72.1 cubic feet of space.
- Technology: The Hyundai Santa Fe’s standard infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and wireless charging.
The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe is incredibly well-equipped and designed for family use. The cabin materials feel premium, and the tech features are easy to use, making it an appealing choice for those who want both comfort and convenience.
Safety Features
The Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe have a comprehensive suite of safety features, making them ideal choices for families. Let’s compare the safety features and ratings of both vehicles:
Ford Edge Safety Features
- Standard Safety Features: The Ford Edge comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.
- Optional Safety Features: Higher trims offer additional features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 180-degree camera system.
- Crash Test Ratings: The Ford Edge has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with high marks in both frontal and side crash tests.
Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Features
- Standard Safety Features: The Hyundai Santa Fe also comes with a comprehensive set of safety features called Hyundai SmartSense, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Optional Safety Features: The higher trims offer adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.
- Crash Test Ratings: Santa Fe has earned top marks for safety, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and excellent ratings from NHTSA.
The Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe offer advanced safety features as standard and have received high safety ratings. The main difference is that a few additional advanced features are available on higher trims of both vehicles.
Pricing and Value
Ford Edge Pricing
The Ford Edge’s base model starts at around £34,000, with higher trims such as the ST-Line and ST pushing the price upwards of £45,000. The Edge offers a good range of features even in its base form, but the higher trims with additional technology, performance upgrades, and luxury features come at a premium.
Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s base model starts at a slightly more affordable £30,000, with higher trims, including the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid variants, reaching up to £42,000. The Santa Fe provides exceptional value for money, especially considering its extensive list of standard features and overall quality.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is essential when choosing an SUV, especially for those driving a lot. Here’s how the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe compare in terms of fuel efficiency:
Ford Edge Fuel Economy
- The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the Ford Edge offers an average fuel economy of around 25 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) or 23 mpg combined (all-wheel drive).
- The 2.7-litre turbocharged V6 engine offers slightly lower fuel economy, with an average of around 21 mpg combined.
Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
- The base 2.5-litre engine in the Hyundai Santa Fe achieves around 26 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) or 24 mpg combined (all-wheel drive).
- The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine offers an average of 25 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) or 23 mpg combined (all-wheel drive).
- The hybrid variant of the Santa Fe is the most fuel-efficient, achieving an impressive 34 mpg combined.
Conclusion
Both vehicles shine differently in the battle of Ford Edge vs Hyundai Santa Fe. The Ford Edge is ideal for those seeking powerful performance, especially with its optional V6 engine, who value a more premium driving experience. It also offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV category.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers excellent value for money, a more affordable price point, and a robust list of standard features, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. It’s the perfect SUV for families who need a comfortable ride, advanced safety features, and a fuel-efficient powertrain.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If performance and power are your main concerns, the Ford Edge is the better choice. But if you want a well-rounded, budget-friendly SUV that offers excellent value, the Hyundai Santa Fe might be the better option.