Chevrolet Equinox vs. Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox and 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 Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai SANTA FE.
When we compare the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $25,389 to $36,118 while a used 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $35,754 to $50,129. For a new model, the Chevrolet Equinox's price is between $25,569 and $37,418, with the Hyundai SANTA FE priced between $36,405 and $50,125.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Equinox loses 45.2 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Equinox retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 8.6 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 15 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 6 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 8.0 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 Chevrolet Equinox.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower. The Equinox is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Equinox the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 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 head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$25,569 - $37,418
Starting MSRP:
$26,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$36,405 - $50,125
Starting MSRP:
$33,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,359
Price Range:
$25,389 - $36,118
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,586
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
18,465
# Good or Great Deals:
368
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,365
Price Range:
$35,754 - $50,129
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,472
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,663
# Good or Great Deals:
223
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,226
Depreciation %:
46%
Resale Value $:
$14,374
Residual Value %:
54%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,611
Depreciation %:
46%
Resale Value $:
$18,339
Residual Value %:
54%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 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 Chevrolet Equinox
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
9.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
21 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
53 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 Chevrolet equinox is a compact five-person SUV with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. The current Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,912 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,742.
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
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- High predicted reliability
- Mediocre interior quality
- Only one powertrain
- Low on cargo space
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
Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
LS, LT, Premier, RS
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
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:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
387 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
354 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Cargo Space:
29.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
166.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3274 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4343 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
67.7 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic / Riptide Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
White
Summit White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Medium Ash Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Black
