The Red Sox and Yankees. Tesla and Edison. Gandalf and Balrog. Let’s add the 2019 Ford Edge vs 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
These two SUVs are currently going head-to-head in the market, meaning customers are naturally weighing the merits of the two brands. However, unlike the other rivalries we listed above, this one doesn’t prove to be all that even. Actually, when all is said and done, it’s pretty obvious that one of these SUVs stand head and shoulders above the other.
Below, we’ve explored three main characteristics of these two vehicles, providing an answer to the debate between the 2019 Ford Edge vs the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Technology
2019 Ford Edge
We understand being enticed by your vehicle’s performance and aesthetics. However, when all is said and done, you’re going to be spending the majority of your time inside your new SUV, right? Therefore, it makes the most sense to focus on all of the interior amenities that your ride provides.
Fortunately, the 2019 Ford Edge more than delivers. The vehicle provides drivers with a long list of entertainment amenities that will make any journey that much more enjoyable. Plus, to put it over the top, engineers included several convent functions, all leading to an optimal driving experience.
The interior amenities naturally revolve around the brand’s SYNC 3 System, which provides an assortment of applications via the accompanying touchscreen unit. Perhaps the most notable technology is the Ford + Alexa program. This program delivers real-time traffic information, safety-focused voice recognition, and many of Alexa’s most basic functions (including Amazon shopping). If you decide you’d rather listen to your favorite music, then you’ll appreciate the inclusion of the available B&O Premium Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, which delivers a concert-like experience via the speakers and woofer.
As we mentioned, these amenities also influence convenience, and this is emphasized with the FordPass application. Thanks to this smartphone program, you can stay connected to your SUV at all times. That way, you can remotely lock/unlock your car and start your engine. You can also refer to nearby fuel prices, local parking spots, and vehicle diagnostics. Does it get more convenient than that? As you’re about to learn, it does not.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Do you want to be entertained during your journey? Then you might as well put on a podcast while you’re traveling in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, as the SUV is devoid of any technological amenities.
Sure, the vehicle is equipped with an intuitive touchscreen system, but this unit doesn’t provide nearly as many amenities nor applications as the system included in the Ford Edge. The wireless charging dock is an appreciated inclusion, although it’s far from essential. As is the clever Head-Up Display, which showcases important information directly on the windshield, thus maximizing safety.
However, when all is said and done, that’s about all you’re going to get from the Santa Fe when it comes to technology. If you’re preparing to take long road trips in your brand-new SUV, then you’ll probably want to consider an alternative offering.
Performance
2019 Ford Edge
Choices, choices, choices. The 2019 Ford Edge manages to emphasize the “sport” in “sport utility vehicle” via the pair of available engine offerings, both of which can easily crank out a whole lot of power.
The 2.7-liter Twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivers all of the muscle you could possibly ask for from an SUV, promising 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to these impressive specs, the system has established itself as the most powerful V6 offering in the entire class. Despite the class-leading power specs, the engine still manages to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of 9 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26-miles-per-gallon on the highway.
Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine finds a way to increase those efficiency specs to 22-miles-per-gallon in the city and 29-miles-per-gallon on the highway. This engine is also plenty powerful, promising drivers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Similar to all of Ford’s vehicles, the performance isn’t solely based on the engines. For instance, the eight-speed automatic transmission, is standard with both engine options, provides that racing prowess that is often absent from SUVs. While the Active Stop/Start Technology cools down the engine to help maximize fuel efficiency.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
If you’re seeking power and efficiency from your new SUV, then it might be a better idea to avoid the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. While engineers did an admirable job of providing customers with a pair of enticing engine options, neither of the offerings provide the top-notch specs that drivers are presumably seeking.
Take the standard 2.4-liter engine, for instance. The system is capable of delivering an underwhelming 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet, numbers that trail both of the Ford Edge’s engine options. Plus, the lack of power doesn’t even mean an uptick inefficiency; the 2.4-liter engine still tops out at 22-miles-per-gallon in the city and 29-miles-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (with the front-wheel-drive system).
The smaller 2.0-liter Turbo engine somehow finds a way to boost those power specs, but the numbers still trail the Edge’s 2.0-liter Twin-turbocharged engine by a considerable margin. The Santa Fe’s offering delivers an underwhelming 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while it gets 20-miles-per-gallon in the city and 25-miles-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency is equally disappointing.
Safety
2019 Ford Edge
SUVs are the perfect choice for families, and that means safety is naturally of the utmost importance. Well, you won’t have any worries when you’re behind the wheel of the 2019 Ford Edge, as the vehicle is fully equipped with a number of reliable safety functions.
Most of these features will influence prevention, as they’ll help the driver avoid accidents from occurring altogether. For instance, the Evasive Steering technology helps drivers to avoid impending accidents, as the SUV can swerve out of the way to avoid a crash. Of course, the Pre-Collision Assist will provide the driver with the necessary time to adjust, while the Active Braking technology will deliver that extra stoppage power, if necessary. There’s even an Adaptive Cruise Control system, which allows drivers to take a brief break without completely compromising safety.
There’s also a long list of functions that will prove to be invaluable when traveling on the highway. The Blind Spot Information System, with Cross-Traffic Alert, and the Lane-Keeping System provide the driver with the ultimate co-pilot. There’s even a rear backup camera, assuring you can stay out of harm’s way when you’re traveling through parking lots.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
If the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe manages to keep up with the 2019 Ford Edge in any one attribute, it’d have to be safety. The SUV is equipped with several reliable, preventative safety functions, making it one of the safest offerings in the class.
Of course, that same sentiment can be said of the 2019 Ford Edge, and the Santa Fe’s offerings are identical to the safety functions included in the rival. For instance, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist provides the driver with a warning when a collision is imminent. The Blind Spot Warning System and Lane Keeping Assist assure that the driver always has an extra set of eyes on the road.
So sure, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe does manage to go head-to-head with the 2019 Ford Edge when it comes to safety. However, considering the discrepancies elsewhere, it’s clear which vehicle is the better choice.
