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2013 Ford Edge VS 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Choosing between the Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe is not a decision that will likely come easily. In the midsize crossover segment, these are two that really stand out, so there is a good chance that there are a lot of elements in both vehicles that you are really drawn to. They both offer a modern exterior, comfortable cabin and strong engines, but you will have to decide which one you can see yourself in cruising around in.

Performance

Both Escape and Santa Fe have three engines available and they are quite competitive. The base engine in Santa Fe is a 2.4-liter that offers 190 horsepower and a decent 181 pound-feet of torque, and returns 21 mpg in the city and a very generous 29 mpg on the highway. This is pretty impressive fuel economy for a crossover! Edge does not have a four-cylinder in its base model; it opts for a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is still better than average at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

All Edge models except Sport can be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 8.4 seconds and fuel economy is 24 mpg combined. Lastly, Ford Sport is motivated by a 3.7-liter V6 good for 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and yields 22 mpg combined.

The optional engines in Hyundai are equally impressive. Santa Fe Sport gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 264 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque and yields 23 mpg combined. Large GLS and Limited models receive a 3.3-liter V6 that boasts 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup on  both vehicles.

Driving and Handling

One of the reasons Edge and Santa Fe are so popular is because they are fun and easy to drive. A small turning circle on both means that they can easily be maneuvered in tight spaces, making them attractive the person who parks in a lot of parking garages or busy lots.

Edge is well-known for its well-composed, comfortable and vault-like ride. Steering is responsive, and it manages to corner nicely without much noticeable body roll.

Santa Fe gives you a compliant ride. It does not matter if you drive the regular or Sport, you feel confident whether you are merging onto the highway or cruising around town.

Safety

Safety is just one more area where Edge and Santa Fe dominate this segment. Both received top safety scores in roof, front and side-impact protection when crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Ford does have a slight “Edge” in braking capabilities though. Edge stops from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is significantly better than average. Hyundai is close behind at 127 feet.

Standard on Edge is the Ford MyKey® system that lets parents set audio and speed controls for teenage drivers. It also offers innovative optional safety features on certain models, such as collision warning, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning systems.

On Hyundai Santa Fe you get Blue Link®, an emergency telematics system, providing emergency assistance, theft-recovery, remote access and more.

Exterior

Hands down, these are two of the best-looking crossovers on the road. Hyundai’s styling was designed in Southern California, inspired by the picturesque landscape no doubt. It is aerodynamic, and boats plenty of thoughtful details like a shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and chrome accents. The 19-inch alloy wheels are a must-have option!

Edge also commands attention on the road. The bold, fluid front grille is complemented nicely by the projection beam halogen headlamps. In the rear, 4-inch bright chrome exhaust tips and sculpted tail lamps are the perfect finishing touches.

Interior

The interior is where you see the greatest difference between these two vehicles. Edge seats five passengers comfortably while Santa Fe has third row seating available for a seven-passenger configuration. There is plenty of leg and headroom for passengers in both vehicles, and seats are comfortable yet supportive.

Edge is modern, but the three display screens may take you a bit to get used to. Hyundai went all  out for this year’s redesign and give it one of the nicest cabins in the segment with plenty of high-quality materials.

Technology and Entertainment

You can go ahead and prepare to be impressed by the technology features in these two crossovers. They are neck-and-neck with everything else; might as well compete nicely in the technology department as well.

You will find navigation systems available in both, and while Ford gives you SYNC® voice-activated technology, Hyundai gives you Blue Link®. As far as upgraded audio systems goes, they are both tied again. Edge has an optional 12-speaker Sony® system available while Santa Fe boasts a similar set up by Infinity Logic®.

Image thanks to www.wbng.com