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Ford Escape vs. Hyundai SANTA FE

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape and the Hyundai SANTA FE.

When we compare the Ford Escape's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape 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. The 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 Ford Escape's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the Ford Escape.

Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Escape ranges from $28,542 to $37,394 while a used 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $35,754 to $50,129. For a new model, the Ford Escape's price is between $29,865 and $40,820, 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 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA FE retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 503 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 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.

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

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Model & Pricing
Ford Escape
Hyundai SANTA FE

2024 Ford Escape
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Ford Escape for Sale

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE
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Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$29,865 - $40,820

Starting MSRP:

$28,000

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:

$32,735

Price Range:

$28,542 - $37,394

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$33,244

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$29,649 - $36,546

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

7,396

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

2,127

# Good or Great Deals:

690

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:

4,095

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

1,306

# Good or Great Deals:

386

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$13,239

Depreciation %:

47.3%

Resale Value $:

$14,761

Residual Value %:

52.7%

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%

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 Ford Escape

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.2

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:

14.2%

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:

2.2

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

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.

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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.

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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

Ford Escape Trim Levels

Active, Base, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite, ST-Line Select

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:

180 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

199 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:

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:

3

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

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


27 / 34 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

400 / 503 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

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

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

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

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

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:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

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:

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:

137.5 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:

3291 lbs

Width:

85.6 inches

Height:

66 inches

Length:

180.1 inches

Wheelbase:

106.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.5 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 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Vapor Blue

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Red

Race Red

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black Pearl

Blue

Not available

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic

Red

Not available

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Ebony

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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