2020 Ford Escape vs. 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Ford Escape and 2020 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 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE.
When comparing the 2020 Ford Escape's and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Ford Escape's and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2020 Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Escape ranges from $16,380 to $25,512 while a used 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $17,633 to $27,884.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 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 2020 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles.This gives the 2020 Ford Escape the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2020 Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Ford Escape and the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,885
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,275
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,612
Price Range:
$16,380 - $25,512
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,579
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
60,192
# Good or Great Deals:
694
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,493
Price Range:
$17,633 - $27,884
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,159
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67,186
# Good or Great Deals:
497
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 2020 Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 59Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Summary 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.
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.
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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
2020 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 2.0T, SE, SEL, SEL 2.0T
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
190 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 33 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
397 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 545 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3299 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3591 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
187.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue / Velocity Blue
Gold
Desert Gold
Gray
Magnetic
Green
Dark Persian Green
Orange
Sedona Orange
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Beige
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Stormy Sea
Gold
Not available
Gray
Machine Gray / Portofino Gray / Rainforest
Green
Not available
Orange
Lava Orange
Silver
Shimmering Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White
Beige
Earthy Bronze
Red
Calypso Red / Scarlet Red
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Earth Gray
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Beige/Black
Black
Black / Espresso/Gray