Page Loading

2018 Ford Escape vs. 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Ford Escape and 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Ford Escape and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE.

When we compare the 2018 Ford Escape's and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Ford Escape's and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2018 Ford Escape.

Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Escape ranges from $10,994 to $20,594 while a used 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $14,002 to $25,813.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Ford Escape.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 8.6 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 13 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 6 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 8.2 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Escape.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 455 miles. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. This gives the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Escape. The Escape uses e85, regular unleaded, and the SANTA FE uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room cargo space. The 2018 Ford Escape and 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE are comparable in regards to front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Ford Escape and the 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

See More See Less
Model & Pricing
2018 Ford Escape
2018 Hyundai SANTA FE

2018 Ford Escape
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
2018 Ford Escape for Sale

2018 Hyundai SANTA FE
Change Vehicle
Vehicle Image
2018 Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$23,940

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$30,850

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,126

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$22,995 - $34,810

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$15,902

Price Range:

$10,994 - $20,594

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,476

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

83,830

# Good or Great Deals:

633

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$19,670

Price Range:

$14,002 - $25,813

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$22,710

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$14,757 - $32,004

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

134

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

86,992

# Good or Great Deals:

55

Ford Escape Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Escape

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

14.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.6 - 7.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

20.2%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.3

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.1 - 16.3

Ford Escape Rankings

Best Family Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

2 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

2 / 14

Best Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

3 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

4 / 13

Most Affordable Small SUVs

5 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

5 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

6 / 30

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

6 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

6 / 19

Safest Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

9 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

11 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

17 / 59

Best Off-road Small SUVs

17 / 19

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

19 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

21 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

28 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

35 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

38 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

46 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

54 / 67

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

1 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 7

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 6

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

2 / 6

Safest Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 28

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 39

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

8 / 16

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 67

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

13 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

17 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

18 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

22 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

23 / 30

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 59

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

50 / 67

Summary Review

The Ford Escape is a compact five-person SUV with a smooth ride and efficient engine options. The current Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,828 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,407.

See More See Less

Summary Review

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

See More See Less

Pros and Cons

  • Roomy interior
  • Sharp handling with a smooth ride
  • Wide range of powertrains

  • Cheap interior materials
  • Top trims are too pricey
  • Small front seat cushions

Pros and Cons

  • New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
  • Cutting-edge infotainment
  • Excellent safety ratings

  • Only two rows for 2021

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2018 Ford Escape Trim Levels

S, SE, SEL, Titanium

2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Limited Ultimate, SE, SE Ultimate

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

170 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.047 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

252 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


15 / 22 / 18

Range (city/hwy):

330 / 455 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

E85, Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


18 / 25 / 21

Range (city/hwy):

338 / 470 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

39 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.2 inches

Cargo Space:

34 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

68 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

132.7 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.3 inches

Cargo Space:

13.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

80 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

160.1 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3552 lbs

Width:

81.8 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

178.1 inches

Wheelbase:

105.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4026 lbs

Width:

74.2 inches

Height:

66.5 inches

Length:

193.1 inches

Wheelbase:

110.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P235/55R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Shadow Black

Blue

Blue / Lightning Blue

Gold

White Gold

Gray

Magnetic

Red

Cinnamon Glaze

Silver

Ingot Silver

White

Oxford White

Brown

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Becketts Black / Night Sky Pearl

Blue

Storm Blue

Gold

Not available

Gray

Iron Frost

Red

Regal Red Pearl

Silver

Circuit Silver

White

Monaco White

Brown

Java Espresso

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal Black

Beige

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Beige

Beige

Gray

Gray

Popular Escape Model Year Comparisons

Popular SANTA FE Model Year Comparisons

Related Car Comparisons

Popular Escape Trim Comparisons

Popular SANTA FE Trim Comparisons

Popular Car Comparisons