When it comes to midsize SUVs, the 2021 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe rank among the top of the class with comfortable rides and advanced technology. So, it’s not surprising that drivers wonder which is the better SUV to drive around the Geneva, Rochester, and Canandaigua, New York, areas.
Our team at Friendly Ford has put together this comparison of the Escape and the Santa Fe so you can see which vehicle is the better option for you. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to a member of our team.
Every driver desires something different when it comes to their next vehicle, whether it’s impressive fuel economy or outstanding power under the hood. Fortunately, the 2021 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a few powertrain options to choose from.
From bold explorers to eco-conscious commuters, there are options for every lifestyle in these SUVs with two gas engines and hybrid selections offered by both. To get started, each ride is standardly equipped with a peppy motor delivering more than 180 horsepower.
However, the base powertrain in the Escape provides 190 lb-ft of torque, while the Santa Fe falls short with just 181 lb-ft of torque, so you’ll get a bit more brawn with the Escape.
Additionally, the Escape has two hybrid options to offer, including a plug-in selection. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, only has one hybrid motor with no plug-in choice.
As you roam the highways, indulging in the commanding performance these two SUVs have to offer, the last thing you want to do is stop to refuel. With the Ford Escape, you can leave gas stations in your rearview mirror thanks to the following fuel ratings:
With the Santa Fe, you’ll need to run to the pump more often since the base engine earns an EPA-estimated 25 city/28 highway MPG, while the available motor has an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway highway.
As noted before, these rides also have hybrid options available. The Santa Fe gives its fuel economy a boost, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 city/31 highway MPG. But, once again, the Escape has much more to offer in terms of fuel economy:
The addition of a plug-in hybrid option really helps make the most out of your fuel tank, and you can even travel up to 38 miles using solely electric power—a feat not achievable with the Santa Fe.
Technology can make your drive more enjoyable and relaxing. That’s exactly what Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go does for the 2021 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe. This standard intelligent feature maintains a set following speed and distance, stopping and slowing your vehicle as needed, so you only have to focus on steering.
When it comes to parking, these SUVs once again jump to your aid with available Active Park Assist 2.0. This advanced system will actually steer your SUV into a parking spot for you, making even complex parallel parking on city streets quick and easy.
Explore the road with extra confidence thanks to standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking in the 2021 Ford Escape and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
When traversing the open road, these systems monitor your distance from objects ahead and warn when you’re too close. If a potential frontal collision is detected, they jump to the rescue and can apply the brakes, helping prevent impact.
Another baseline system you’ll find in the Escape is the BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. It detects vehicles approaching either of your side blind zones while traveling on the highway or when reversing in a busy parking lot. Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t come standard in the Santa Fe, so you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim to get it.
With so much safety and bold efficiency, the 2021 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe beckon to be driven. When you’re spending hours behind the wheel heading over the border up into New England for a weekend getaway, you’ll want to have the proper entertainment by your side.
These vehicles have you covered with an 8-inch touchscreen available in both models. Combined with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, you’ll have a curated listening experience every time you plug your compatible device into the USB port.
Plus, thanks to their available premium sound systems, every note of your road trip playlist will sound clear and defined.
Of course, when taking a road trip, not only do you need the proper entertainment, but you also need the right navigator as well. The Santa Fe is available with a touchscreen navigation system so you can put in a new address or check out new destinations with complete ease.
However, if you’re looking for the ultimate convenience, you’ll want to opt for the voice-activated touchscreen navigation system in the Escape. This available feature allows you to speak commands and chart a new course all with just the sound of your voice, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road where they belong.
Since the navigation feature in the Santa Fe doesn’t have voice controls, you’ll need to take your eyes off the highway when you need to find a new path to the closest gas station.
Between the 2021 Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Escape is clearly the winning vehicle, offering more standard safety systems, cutting-edge technology, and superb efficiency than its competitor.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. If you’re in the Rochester, Geneva, or Canandaigua, NY, area, you can contact your neighbors at Friendly Ford to test drive an Escape today!