Main points
- The four-cylinder Santa Fe gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
- The Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer competitive pricing, with the Xterra starting at $26,490 and the Santa Fe starting at $27,750.
- Whether you’re a rugged adventurer seeking thrills off the beaten path or a family-oriented traveler prioritizing comfort and convenience, the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe stand ready to fulfill your automotive aspirations.
The Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe are two of the most popular SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of ruggedness and refinement, making them ideal for a variety of drivers. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Capability: Power and Versatility
Under the hood, the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer different engine options to suit various driving needs. The Xterra comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, offers a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of capability, the Xterra has a slight edge over the Santa Fe. It offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Santa Fe’s 3,500 pounds. Additionally, the Xterra’s four-wheel-drive system provides better traction in off-road conditions.
Interior and Comfort: Space, Style, and Convenience
Inside, the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer spacious and comfortable cabins. The Xterra has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, while the Santa Fe offers a more refined and upscale environment. Both vehicles offer ample seating for up to five passengers, with the Santa Fe providing slightly more legroom and headroom in the second row.
In terms of features and amenities, the Santa Fe has a clear advantage. It comes standard with a wide range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Xterra, on the other hand, offers a more basic set of features, with a smaller touchscreen display and manual climate control.
Safety and Reliability: Keeping You Protected
When it comes to safety, the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe both offer a comprehensive suite of features to keep you and your passengers protected. Both vehicles come standard with airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Additionally, the Santa Fe offers a number of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
In terms of reliability, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight edge over the Nissan Xterra. According to J.D. Power, the Santa Fe has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100, while the Xterra has a score of 79 out of 100.
Fuel Efficiency: Miles per Gallon and Eco-Friendliness
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe takes the lead. The four-cylinder Santa Fe gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck
The Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer competitive pricing, with the Xterra starting at $26,490 and the Santa Fe starting at $27,750. However, the Santa Fe offers a better value for your money, with a more comprehensive list of standard features and a higher predicted reliability score.
Wrap Up: The Verdict
So, which SUV is the better choice? The Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent vehicles, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Xterra is a more rugged and capable SUV, while the Santa Fe is more refined and comfortable. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
In a nutshell: Unveiling the Ideal SUV for Your Adventurous Spirit
Whether you’re a rugged adventurer seeking thrills off the beaten path or a family-oriented traveler prioritizing comfort and convenience, the Nissan Xterra and the Hyundai Santa Fe stand ready to fulfill your automotive aspirations. The Xterra beckons with its indomitable spirit, while the Santa Fe entices with its refined elegance. Embark on a test drive today and discover the SUV that resonates with your unique driving style and lifestyle.
Information You Need to Know
1. Q: Which SUV offers a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe provides slightly more legroom and headroom in the second row compared to the Nissan Xterra.
2. Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Nissan Xterra has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Hyundai Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
3. Q: Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has better fuel efficiency than the Nissan Xterra, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model.
4. Q: Which vehicle has a higher predicted reliability score?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100 compared to the Nissan Xterra‘s score of 79 out of 100, according to J.D. Power.
5. Q: Which SUV offers more advanced safety features?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a wider range of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which are not available on the Nissan Xterra.