Hyundai SANTA FE Sport vs. Acura MDX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and Acura MDX 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 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and the Acura MDX.
In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Acura MDX's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Acura MDX's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport ranges from $9,415 to $18,998 while a used 2018 Acura MDX is priced between $16,556 to $28,107.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Acura MDX base engine makes 290 horsepower. The SANTA FE Sport is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. The MDX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles.This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Acura MDX the advantage in maximum range. The SANTA FE Sport uses regular unleaded, and the MDX uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura MDX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Acura MDX 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:
24950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
59001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
39035 - 105100
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:
395
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
95204
# Good or Great Deals:
152
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
22329
Price Range:
16556 - 28107
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
26707
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
17016 - 40091
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
200
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91311
# Good or Great Deals:
60
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Acura MDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura MDX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
6.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
2.7 - 9.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.317
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.935360199993646
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 14.9
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Rankings
Not yet available
Acura MDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 64Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Trim Levels
2.0T, 2.0T Ultimate, 2.4L
Acura MDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Advance w/RES, SH-AWD w/Tech, SH-AWD w/Tech w/RES, w/Advance, w/Advance w/RES, w/Tech, w/Tech w/RES
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
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:
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
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 Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.7 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4001 lbs
Width:
77.7 inches
Height:
67.4 inches
Length:
196.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Marlin Blue / Nightfall Blue
Brown
Canyon Copper
Gray
Mineral Gray / Platinum Graphite
Red
Serrano Red
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Pearl White
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Basque Red Pearl II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Gray
Graystone
Black
Ebony
