2023 Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Are you considering getting the Honda CR-V or the Hyundai Tucson? Find out how the two compact crossover SUVs compare in this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe analysis. With its wide array of advantages, the Santa Fe defeats the CR-V in eight ways. 

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Performance 

On the performance front, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe outmuscles the 2023 Honda CR-V with its more powerful engine options. Engines offered for the Santa Fe include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine [191 horsepower], a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine [277 horsepower], a hybrid [226 horsepower], and a plug-in hybrid [260 horsepower]. 

In comparison, the CR-V has two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine [190 horsepower] and a hybrid [204 horsepower]. 

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered CR-V gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. 

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Santa Fe has an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 combined mpg, and the Santa Fe Hybrid has a gas mileage of 32 combined mpg. Also, the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets an estimated fuel efficiency of 76 MPGe when driving in electric-only mode and 33 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Towing

The 2023 Santa Fe can tow more than the 2023 CR-V. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the CR-V is better for off-road use. This is because, unlike the CR-V, it has an off-road-focused model with the rugged XRT trim.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 Santa Fe? The Santa Fe provides more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 111.5 cu-ft, compared to 104 cu-ft for the CR-V. However, the CR-V has slightly more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 72.1 cu-ft for the Santa Fe.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Warranty coverage

The Santa Fe offers more generous warranty coverage than the CR-V. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the CR-V. 

Also, both crossover SUVs offer free maintenance, but the Santa Fe provides a longer coverage period. It has a 3-year/36,000-mile plan, while the CR-V has a 2-year/24,000-mile plan.

CR-V vs. Santa Fe: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 Santa Fe? The starting price of the 2023 CR-V is $31,110 MSRP, compared to $28,200 MSRP for the 2023 Santa Fe.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison, the 2023 Santa Fe has eight advantages. This includes advantages for performance, an efficient plug-in hybrid model, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger space, more generous coverage for the warranties and complimentary maintenance plan, and a lower starting price. Conversely, the 2023 CR-V has advantages for gas-engine fuel economy and cargo space.

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