Ford Escape vs. Hyundai SANTA FE Sport
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Escape and Hyundai SANTA FE Sport 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 Sport.
When comparing the Ford Escape's and the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's specifications and ratings, the Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Escape's and the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport is a better car than the Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Escape ranges from $8,300 to $18,499 while a used 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport is priced between $9,415 to $18,998.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Escape’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 455 miles. The SANTA FE Sport is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Escape. The Escape uses e85, regular unleaded, and the SANTA FE Sport uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Escape, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Escape has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23940
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
13371
Price Range:
8300 - 18499
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1603
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91483
# Good or Great Deals:
734
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
14066
Price Range:
9415 - 18998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
484
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
96474
# Good or Great Deals:
223
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.088
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE Sport
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2106697617816415
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.169405314225012
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 54Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 54Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Rankings
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.
Summary Review
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a compact SUV with seating for five. It was produced for the 2013 through 2018 model years. The Santa Fe Sport was discontinued after the 2018 model year. The pricing for the final year Santa Fe Sport, 2018, averages $21,359.
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
- Comfortable and roomy interior
- Strong fuel economy
- Affordably priced
- Subpar navigation graphics
- Unrefined handling
- Stiff ride
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Trim Levels
2.0T, 2.0T Ultimate, 2.4L
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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:
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):
21 / 27 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 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:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
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:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
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:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.4 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:
3624 lbs
Width:
74 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
185 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
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
Twilight Black
Blue
Marlin Blue / Nightfall Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Mineral Gray / Platinum Graphite
Red
Serrano Red
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Pearl White
Brown
Canyon Copper
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal Black
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Beige
Gray
Gray
