2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Jan 3, 2012

A tweener, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is at the large end of the compact crossover class, the small end of the mid-size spectrum.

A couple of like-minded crossovers come to mind when shopping.

The Kia Sorento shares some running gear with the Santa Fe, with the prime distinctions being the Sorento's optional UVO voice-command system and its more rugged styling, and its available third-row seat.

The Dodge Journey re-emerged last year as a contender in the group, with a great new interior complementing its good interior space and three-row seating.

The Ford Edge only seats five, but it's ahead of all of these with the MyFord Touch control system, and with a new turbo EcoBoost four-cylinder version with 30-mpg highway fuel economy; Chevy's Equinox is also a five-seater, but one with a very efficient four-cylinder drivetrain and big cargo space.

Lastly, there's the Toyota RAV4, offered with four- and six-cylinder engines, and still nicely executed, with a long track record of durability behind it.

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Chevrolet Equinox Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Dodge Journey Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Edge Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Kia Sorento Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Toyota Highlander Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 Still a great choice for families, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has good safety scores and available V-6 power.	8 A versatile layout, impressive performance, good ride comfort, and reasonable pricing all add up to make the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox a strong value—and a good pick for small families.	8 Practical without being too prim, the 2012 Dodge Journey cuts an interesting figure and spans the gulf between compact crossovers and family-grade SUVs.	8.2 The 2012 Ford Edge rises to the top of the five-seat crossover niche with forward-thinking technology and a gas-saving EcoBoost option.	8 With the right size, the right gas-mileage numbers, and the right standard features, the 2012 Kia Sorento is an easy recommendation in the crossover class.	7.8 The very family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid impress us with their space and versatility, but show no sign of enthusiasm.
MSRP From
$23,225	$23,530	$18,995	$27,770	$21,250	$28,090
Gas Mileage
20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas/Ethanol I4	Gas I4	Gas V6	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	FWD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
FWD 4dr I4 GLS	FWD 4dr LS	FWD 4dr SE	4dr SE FWD	2WD 4dr I4 Base	FWD 4dr L4 Base (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	7
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sport Utility	4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	4 Door	4 Door
Transmission
Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Automatic