Honda CR-V vs. Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda CR-V 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 Honda CR-V and the Hyundai SANTA FE.
When we compare the Honda CR-V's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V 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, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Pricing: A used 2024 Honda CR-V ranges from $30,000 to $37,944 while a used 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $35,754 to $50,129. For a new model, the Honda CR-V's price is between $31,804 and $37,965, 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 Honda CR-V loses 31.1 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 14.6 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 Honda CR-V is 8.9 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 2 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 13 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower. The CR-V is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 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 Honda CR-V 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 Honda CR-V, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Honda CR-V has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,804 - $37,965
Starting MSRP:
$29,500
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:
$34,298
Price Range:
$30,000 - $37,944
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,202
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19,156
# Good or Great Deals:
235
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:
1,136
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,862
# Good or Great Deals:
298
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
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
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 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 Honda CR-V
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
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:
57%
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:
8.5
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
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 18Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 56Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
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
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
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
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
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:
3 years / 36000 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:
Not yet available
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:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
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:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 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:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 476 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
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
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
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
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 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:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 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 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Canyon River Blue Metallic / Still Night Pearl
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic / Urban Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
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
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
