Despite the emergence of new models of Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs, the earlier models still dominate the market today. Among these earlier models are the Honda CR-V that was first released in 1997 and the Hyundai Santa Fe, which was introduced three years later in 2000. The efficient design of these compact crossovers has certainly stood the test of time, only making them more popular with each new release.
Exterior
The Japanese SUV gives off a more sophisticated vibe, in contrast with the Korean crossover’s sporty exterior. Both models have electric door mirrors, alloy wheels, and high mount stop lamps.
The Santa Fe’s body-colored front and rear bumpers, body-colored mirrors and door handles, chrome plated radiator grille, and roof rails add to its overall aesthetics, making its Japanese rival look dull and ordinary. The Korean Santa Fe also has a bigger built, with a length of 4.69 meters, width of 1.88 meters, and height of 1.69 meters.
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Interior
What the CR-V lacks in exterior features, it certainly makes up for in interior amenities. Both vehicles have central locking and power steering, but the Japanese crossover has additional features like steering tilt adjustment, speed sensitive power steering, welcome light, multi information display, and a trip computer.
Nonetheless, the Santa Fe’s bulkier size is capable of seating seven passengers, and can carry a maximum cargo capacity of 1,680 liters. This humbles down the 5-seater CR-V.
Performance
These two classics also have similarities in terms of engine capacity. Both carry a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which makes them equally fuel-efficient. The Hyundai Santa Fe’s engine makes 174 horsepower and 225 NM of torque. It is then mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission allowing it to do 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and reach a top speed if 190 km/h.
The Honda CR-V, on the other hand push out 184 horsepower and 244 NM of torque, mated to a second-generation CVT gearbox. However, it only takes 9.8 seconds to reach from 0 to 100km/h and can do 200 km/h flat out.
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Verdict
The price difference between these two models is not that huge, with the 2017 Honda CRV being sold at AED 89,900 and the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe at AED 86,000. But if style, amenities, and overall performance is to be looked into, there is no doubt that the CR-V far outweighs the bulkier Santa Fe.
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