With so many impressive SUV offerings flooding the market, we’re sure you’re having a tough time zeroing in on one specific target. These vehicles seem to deliver incredible performance, notable technologies, and an array of safety functions. Therefore, you should really be zeroing in on a nameplate that goes above and beyond with their offerings, providing drivers with the optimal driving experience. During your search, we assumed you probably came across a pair of popular models: the 2018 Ford Edge and the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. These two SUVs seem to be relatively-similar offerings, but one of these nameplates will prove to be superior. Below, we took a look at the 2018 Ford Edge vs 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Let’s see which nameplate ultimately reigns supreme…
Performance
2018 Ford Edge
If you’re a fan of choices, then you’ll appreciate all of the engine offerings that Ford managed to cram into their 2018 Edge. Each of these offerings is plenty fuel efficient, meaning you’ll be able to zero in on the unit that best fits your performance needs.
The turbocharged direct-injection twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine is the most efficient of the bunch, delivering up to 29-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (when the car is equipped with Auto Start-Stop Technology). Despite its smaller stature, the system has still proven to be incredibly efficient. At the end of the day, drivers can anticipate up to 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
The next up on the list is the renowned 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which cranks out an incredible 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to these two specs, the system is considered to be the most powerful V6 engine in the entire class. The system is also relatively fuel efficient, promising a 24-mile-per-gallon economy when traveling on the highway.
Finally, the hulking 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine proves to be the brand’s most versatile offering, delivering an incredible blend of power and efficiency. The unit is capable of pumping out an insane 280 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, and the unit also promises up to a 26-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (when equipped with the front-wheel-drive configuration).
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai isn’t really known for their performance or powerful engines, and that sentiment clearly carries over to the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The SUV can only be equipped with a single option, and the accompanying specs prove to be inferior to the 2018 Ford Edge.
The 3.3-liter V6 engine is still plenty powerful, cranking out 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. However, we wouldn’t blame customers if they were looking for more from their SUV’s engine.
Hyundai’s accompanying engine truly makes a name for itself via the fuel efficiency numbers, but even these specs aren’t as impressive as those included in the Edge. Drivers can capitalize on up to a 25-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency, helping them to save some extra money at the pumps.
Technology
2018 Ford Edge
If you’re the type of car buyer who values the interior features that are included in a new vehicle, you’ll appreciate all of the amenities that engineers included in the 2018 Ford Edge. The SUV is stuffed with innovative technologies that will help to improve any driving experience.
The main star of the interior is the brand’s SYNC 3 system, which provides easy access to notable applications via the accompanying touchscreen. The brand also included the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it more than easy to connect your smartphone to the unit. Thanks to this inclusion, drivers won’t have any issues making phone calls, sending texts, or accessing any of their phone’s other basic functions.
Of course, since you’re going to be driving around in an SUV, you’ll surely be enticed by the 2018 Ford Edge’s excellent cargo space. The vehicle automatically delivers an admirable 39.2-cubic-feet of space behind the second row, and this can be increased to 73.4-cubic-feet of space when those second-row seats are folded down. To help boost convenience, engineers also included their Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Liftgate, meaning you’ll never have to struggle while loading that cargo into your vehicle.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
There are a number of amenities that will improve convenience and comfort as you’re traveling in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Unfortunately, the brand didn’t do much to boost driver enjoyment, as the accompanying entertainment technologies are clearly lacking.
Specifically, owners will really only have the chance to capitalize on the accompanying touchscreen unit. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology is an appreciated inclusion, but they pretty much sit alone when it comes to entertainment technologies.
However, as we mentioned, the brand did do a nice job of adding amenities that will boost convenience and comfort. The third-row USB charger means your younger occupants can always keep their smartphone charged, while the Panoramic Sunroof will keep everyone comfortable. There’s also a Hands-Free Liftgate with Auto Open, meaning you won’t have to dig into your pockets for keys when your hands are full of luggage or groceries.
Safety
2018 Ford Edge
The Edge includes a plethora of technological safety features that will help drivers avoid accidents altogether. The brand is focused on helping drivers feel confident when they’re operating a vehicle, and that’s why they included many notable features that fall under their Ford Safe and Smart Package.
For instance, the Blind Spot Information System will provide the driver with an extra set of eyes when they’re traveling at high speeds, alerting them if another driver has snuck up beside them. The Lane-Keeping System will assure that the driver is traveling on their intended path, while the Cross-Traffic Alert will keep an eye out for any objects that suddenly cross behind the vehicle. The package also includes a 180-degree camera and the brand’s adaptive cruise control, a pair of amenities that will prove their worth once you’re behind the wheel of the SUV.
There are even minor inclusions that may not initially be interpreted as safety functions. However, since these amenities allow the driver to better focus on the road, they should be considered as absolutely essential. For instance, the Rain-Sensing Wiper will automatically activate when precipitation is sensed, while the auto-dimming exterior mirrors will optimize safety for both you and your fellow drivers.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai doesn’t really do a whole lot to keep drivers protected in the event of an accident. Fortunately, the brand included a number of preventative safety features that helped earn the nameplate a Top Safety Pick+ accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Automatic Emergency Braking (with Pedestrian Detection) is one of the more appreciated functions, as the unit can detect when the Hyundai is approaching a vehicle or person at too great of a speed (it can then adapt the brakes accordingly). The brand also offers the Blind Spot Detection system with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, providing the driver with an extra vantage point of the road. There’s even a Lane Departure Warning, which will alert you of potential danger as you’re maneuvering around the highway.
To top it off, the brand included a Multi-View camera, allowing drivers to monitor the happenings around their ride at all times. However, even with this inclusion, we’d still say the amenities are lacking to an extent.
