The SUV previously known as the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport just received a complete overhaul and became the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Whenever new models or completely redesigned ones hit the dealerships, we like to compare them to the tried-and-true models in the same class. That’s why we’re looking at another great midsize sport utility vehicle in the form of the 2019 Ford Edge. Has the Santa Fe surpassed the Edge, or is the Edge still a force to be reckoned with. Keep reading and find out.
Fuel Economy: Tie
Hyundai improved the fuel economy of the Santa Fe over its 2018 Santa Fe Sport predecessor, giving the 2019 model a new fuel economy of 22 city miles and 29 highway miles per gallon. This improvement brings the Santa Fe equal to the 2019 Ford Edge, which gets the exact same gas mileage numbers. It’s unusual to have the exact same fuel economy, but there it is. We need to keep looking if we’re going to break this tie.
Cargo Room: 2019 Ford Edge
Despite being in the same class and having the exact same fuel economy numbers, the Ford Edge can still hold more of your gear for the long haul. That’s because the Ford Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the back row. Compare that to the lackluster space the 2019 Santa Fe offers: just 35.9 cubes. That gap widens when we flip down the back seat to use more of the cabin. Then the Edge affords 73.4 cubic feet while the Santa Fe gives you just 71.3, which is below average for the midsize SUV class.
Base Engine: 2019 Ford Edge
We have to mention base engines because plenty of you are bargain hunting and might be attracted to the Santa Fe’s lower starting price. But you might want to pass because the Santa Fe has a disappointing base engine. Take a look at these numbers. The 2019 Edge offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, good for 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The similarly-sized Santa Fe’s base engine is a 2.4-liter inline-4, making only 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are incredibly soft. Critics who have tested the Santa Fe’s available engines say both of them struggle to accelerate quickly or climb an inclined highway.
Towing Capacity: 2019 Ford Edge
On a final note, if you have a boat or RV to tow, you’ll want the 2019 Ford Edge. That’s because the Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly configured. The 2019 Santa Fe can tow only half that number, or 2,000 pounds to be precise. If you want a powerful SUV with great fuel economy, the Ford Edge still takes the cake.