2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Ford Escape
A midsize SUV is a popular choice for families on the go, or just about anyone who appreciates having a little extra space! They offer the perfect balance between a spacious interior and a compact exterior, and without the added bulk that a third row of seating can create. Midsize SUVs provide comfort and convenience, as well as maneuverability to help you navigate in town or on the highway. However, selecting the right midsize SUV to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle can feel overwhelming at times. The number of options in this highly competitive segment is seemingly endless, and each model claims to outshine the rest. Today, we'll be taking a closer look at both the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Ford Escape to help determine which one is a better fit for you!
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Power & Handling
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe features five trim levels in its lineup for this model year, with two engines provided for the lot. The first two trim levels, the SE and SEL, feature a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The second powertrain configuration features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine providing 277 horsepower, and 311 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Calligraphy trim features standard all-wheel drive, and each and every model comes with Comfort, Sport, and Smart drive modes. The Comfort mode helps conserve energy, Sport improves agility and maneuverability, and Smart selects the correct settings for you based on the current situation.
2021 Ford Escape Power & Handling
Similar to the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2021 Ford Escape offers two powertrain options across four different trim levels. The first is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 which provides 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The second option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 which bumps it up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The first engine is standard on the S, SE, and SEL, with the Titanium receiving the second option. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive are both available across the board. While the 2.0-liter engine performs well and lends the Escape the oomph it needs, the standard 1.5-liter in turn feels sluggish and less responsive, resulting in a choppier driving experience.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Features & Design
The Hyundai Santa Fe has received an update in its design for the 2021 model year, and the result is an overall sportier-looking appearance with a strong presence on the road. The exterior features a diamond-pattern grille and sleek character lines, and the interior provides generous head, leg, and shoulder room to all five passengers. Visibility is excellent when driving the Santa Fe, and an available panoramic sunroof adds another burst of natural light. The standard safety package includes important features like forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, trailer sway damping, and many more, and additional features are available starting with the SEL trim. Additional features include LED exterior lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, and luxurious quilted leather seating for the Calligraphy model.
2021 Ford Escape Features & Design
The Escape is also similar to the Santa Fe in that it was recently redesigned for the 2020 model year and as a result, the 2021 model saw few updates. The 2021 Ford Escape features a standard safety package that starts out with forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Unlike the Escape however, features like adaptive cruise control are only available on upper trim levels. Some other standard features include a 4.2 inch screen display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 6-speaker audio setup. As you climb the list of trim levels, you can access other features such as a 7-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and upgraded imitation leather upholstery. For those seeking real leather, you have to opt for the top tier Titanium Elite add-on package.
Conclusion:
Though it's true that the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Ford Escape share some similarities, there can only be one winner. After reviewing both these midsize SUVs side-by-side, our final recommendation goes to the Hyundai Santa Fe! This midsize SUV handles well, offers lots of space, and even provides a true luxury experience in its upper trim levels. If you feel that the Santa Fe is a good fit for your lifestyle, feel free to check out our current listings on our New Inventory page here on our website. You can also visit us at our showroom in Richmond, Virginia to tour our lineup in person, and even request a test drive. Give us a call, or visit us today at Pearson Auto Group!