Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Hybrid

If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient crossover SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid are probably on your shortlist. These crossovers are both remarkably well-made vehicles, which can make it difficult to choose one over the other. For that reason, we at Hyundai of Auburn put together this Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Hybrid comparison to help you pick between the two.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid are versatile, well-rounded SUVs capable of meeting the needs of all kinds of drivers. While similar in many ways, their differences also set them apart. When doing an auto comparison, it’s important to carefully evaluate the specifications and features of each model. This can help you determine which one outperforms the other in the areas that matter most to you.

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Quick Comparison Snapshot

Whether you choose the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid or the Ford Escape Hybrid, you’ll have a fuel-efficient vehicle that delivers good value for money. Still, you’ll want to know which fits better into your life. In this side-by-side new car comparison, we’ll look at how the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid match up in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, technology, and safety.

Detailed Review of the Ford Escape Hybrid

Thanks to its well-proportioned body and sleek exterior styling, the Ford Escape Hybrid is an eye-pleasing vehicle. Its interior matches its handsome exterior and looks and feels solidly built. Its spacious seats contribute to a relaxing ride. Front passengers enjoy a whopping 42.4 inches of legroom, and the rear seats provide an adult-friendly 38.9 inches of legroom. With back seats folded, you get a maximum cargo capacity of 60.8 cubic feet.

The Escape Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor to produce 192 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Whether front-wheel or all-wheel drive, this system delivers power to the drive wheels via a continuously variable eight-speed automatic transmission. If you choose the front-wheel-drive Escape, you can expect this hybrid SUV to get an impressive EPA-estimated 42/36 mpg (city/highway).

Some of the Escape Hybrid’s standard infotainment features that will make your journeys more convenient and enjoyable include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford Co-Pilot360’s wealth of driver-assistance technologies enhances your safety in the driver’s seat. Every Escape is fitted with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automated high beams, and more.

Detailed Review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

With its imposing stance, boxy shape, and futuristic design, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid turns heads everywhere you take it. The cabin features contemporary styling, precision construction, and an abundance of quality materials for a premium look and feel. As a three-row SUV, the Santa Fe Hybrid accommodates up to seven people. The downright spacious front and second-row seats give passengers 44.4 and 41.5 inches of legroom, respectively. Folding down both the back rows yields a maximum cargo capacity of 79.6 cubic feet.

The Santa Fe Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to generate 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The SUV comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available. The front-wheel-drive model’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating comes in at a respectable 36/35 mpg (city/highway).

In terms of standard equipment, few crossover SUVs can match the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 12.3-inch touch-screen display, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless device charger, HD radio, and satellite radio. Additionally, Hyundai’s SmartSense technology encompasses a generous list of driver aids on every trim, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic warning.

In-Depth Comparison

When you compare cars, always take your lifestyle into consideration to make the right decision. In this Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Hybrid comparison, it’s clear that the Hyundai trumps the Ford in many departments. In addition to its more potent powertrain, the Santa Fe boasts an upscale cabin, extra passenger and cargo space, and a longer list of standard features. However, if you’re on a budget, the Escape’s lower starting MSRP and fuel-sipping nature may be a better option.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Comparison

Warranty coverage is one of the most important considerations in a car brand comparison because it can dramatically reduce certain repair costs down the road. New Hyundai vehicles, including the Santa Fe Hybrid, come with a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty that covers the hybrid/electric battery. In contrast, the Ford Escape Hybrid’s standard warranty package includes a less robust three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for certain hybrid components.

Final Verdict: Which To Buy?

After reading this side-by-side new car comparison of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. the Ford Escape Hybrid, you should be ready to make an informed choice between the two. However, if you remain unsure, you can compare car ratings or look at an automobile comparison chart on car review websites, such as Edmunds or Car and Driver, for a more in-depth analysis.

Overall, if you want the best value for your money, you’ll be better off getting the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Despite its higher starting MSRP, this SUV offers more power and a more refined and better-equipped cabin than the Escape Hybrid. If you live in Auburn, Alabama, you can check out the amazing Santa Fe Hybrid in person at Hyundai of Auburn. Our auto experts can help you choose your perfect model, take a test drive, and explore your car financing options. Contact us or give us a call today at 334-321-0777 to schedule a visit.

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