Ford Escape vs Hyundai Santa Fe
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,350 (best) | $34,800 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 17.7 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 277 hp (best) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 65.4 cu ft | 79.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,273 lbs (best) | 4,343 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 110.8 in (best) |
| Length | 180.1 in | 190.2 in (best) |
| Width | 74.1 in | 74.8 in (best) |
| Height | 66 in | 67.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Hyundai Santa FeSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Escape | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $34,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active $31,750 MSRP | SE $36,600 MSRP |
| 3 | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP | SE Hybrid $36,150 MSRP |
| 4 | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP | SE Hybrid $37,950 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP | SEL $37,340 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP | SEL $39,140 MSRP |
| 7 | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 MSRP | SEL Hybrid $38,440 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $36,215 MSRP | SEL Hybrid $40,240 MSRP |
| 9 | ST-Line Elite $37,210 MSRP | XRT $41,790 MSRP |
| 10 | Platinum $37,940 MSRP | Limited $44,350 MSRP |
| 11 | ST-Line Elite $38,935 MSRP | Limited $46,150 MSRP |
| 12 | — | Limited Hybrid $45,450 MSRP |
| 13 | — | Limited Hybrid $47,250 MSRP |
| 14 | — | Calligraphy $47,350 MSRP |
| 15 | — | Calligraphy $49,150 MSRP |
| 16 | — | Calligraphy Hybrid $48,450 MSRP |
| 17 | — | Calligraphy Hybrid $50,250 MSRP |