2017 Toyota RAV4 vs two thousand seventeen Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Compare Cars Page Two
People’s Vote
People’s Vote
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Petite crossover SUVs proceed to fly off dealer lots these days, supplanting mid-size sedans and larger SUVs alike thanks to their combination of a high seating position, all-weather capability, and extra cargo room. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the top sellers in its class, while the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a newer entry that rates well.
The latest RAV4 is solidly a compact crossover SUV, with available all-wheel drive and dimensions that stack up right along with the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, its chief rivals. The Santa Fe Sport sits inbetween the wise fresh Tucson at the puny end, and the big Santa Fe three-row utility vehicle above it. Both aim at the heart of the small-SUV segment.
The RAV4 banks on longevity and better model recognition—plus the Toyota reputation for quality—and a fresh hybrid version last year. But the Santa Fe Sport outscores it in our ratings, so buyers should assess which of the two is best suited to their needs and preferences.
Both vehicles are variations on the tall SUV/wagon form, but the Toyota RAV4 is blunter and has some abrupt styling touches, while the Hyundai offers gentler and more fluid forms. The RAV4 plays it safe, with a profile that blends in alongside other affordable compact puny crossovers. Up close, it’s far from inspiring, albeit a refresh for the two thousand sixteen model year fine-tuned some details and added more soft-touch surfaces inwards. For 2017, the RAV4 offers a fresh range-topping Platinum trim level.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers an attractive form that looks modern and grown-up, compared to the vehicle it substituted for 2013. Its acute edges and taut creases wrap around the glassy wagon bod in interesting ways, and a restyled front end for two thousand seventeen presents a wonderful hexagonal face. The interior sets a higher bar too, with a central shield-shaped control panel surrounded by fluid forms and some gently swooping line. The two-tone trim is particularly nice.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The RAV4 does fine with its base 176-horsepower, Two.5-liter 4-cylinder engine; a fresh Hybrid version has one hundred ninety net horsepower, a 33-mpg combined EPA rating, and more responsive feel. Four-wheel drive is an option, and there’s even a 4WD Lock mode for predictable traction in snow or mud.
The Santa Fe Sport offers either a conventional 190-hp 4-cylinder engine, or a turbocharged Two.0-liter inline-4 with two hundred sixty four hp. The turbo gives very capable acceleration on the highway while losing only two mpg in highway fuel efficiency. Both engines are paired with a nicely-sorted 6-speed automatic transmission, with front- and all-wheel drive configurations available.
Neither SUV is anywhere near as sporty as the Mazda CX-5, and both prioritize rail over roadholding. The RAV4 is predictable and responsive, but hardly sporty, and it can feel a little brief on acceleration. The electrified power steering is nicely weighted and provides a good sense of center. In SE trim, Toyota’s RAV4 gets a slightly stiffer suspension tune that lets it treat like a more nimble sedan. The 17-inch tires on LE and XLE versions will give a better rail than the larger optional wheels.
The Santa Fe Sport drives sleekly and requires little effort. Its powertrains are muted well, tho’ sometimes the transmission gets caught napping when gear switches are needed. Rail quality may be the Santa Fe Sport’s single best feature—it’s almost always tranquil and collected. You can disregard the Convenience
Inwards, the base RAV4’s seats are less supportive than the firmer bolsters suggested in the XLE version. Seating space is about on par with the identically large Honda CR-V—and more generous than that of the Ford Escape. But the back bench is less supportive than many adults will choose, and its spin/fold mechanism isn’t as good as Honda’s. Cargo space is cavernous.
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
The front seats in the Santa Fe Sport are better than previous Hyundai seats, with good bottom-cushion support. On some models, the 2nd row both glides almost five inches forward or back, and its 40/20/40-split seat-back reclines. There’s also some storage space below the cargo floor.
Provided you don’t need the convenience of a third row, it’s a trade-off inbetween these two in interior usability. Both have reasonably spacious back seats, however they aren’t as comfy as those of a mid-size sedan. Each makes some compromises in contouring and support in the name of plane folding for expanded cargo space.
As for safety, the RAV4 is strong. It earns five starlets overall from the NHTSA along with a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. While earlier model years of the Santa Fe Sport received only a “Marginal’ rating on the IIHS small-offset front crash test, the updated two thousand seventeen Hyundai now fully matches the RAV4, with the same five-star NHTSA score and “Good” ratings on every IIHS test. Both SUVs get the same Top Safety Pick+ designation. Outward visibility in either of these models isn’t ideal, however, but there’s little to choose inbetween the two on safety.
But one big boon to the RAV4 is that it now includes as standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
It’s neck-and-neck. We rated the two thousand seventeen Toyota RAV4 at 7.Trio out of Ten, and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport at 7.Trio as well. The Hyundai does better in styling, spectacle, and available features and options, and equals the RAV4 in convenience, safety, and fuel economy. ( Read more about how we rate cars .)
The RAV4 does have that unbeatable Toyota reputation for quality, and its Hybrid version produces the best fuel-economy ratings among all versions of either car. The Hyundai counters with a 10-year powertrain warranty. Either one could be an excellent choice, so we suggest that buyers drive them back to back before making a decision.
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2017 Toyota RAV4 vs two thousand seventeen Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Compare Cars (Page Two)
2017 Toyota RAV4 vs two thousand seventeen Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Compare Cars Page Two
People’s Vote
People’s Vote
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Petite crossover SUVs proceed to fly off dealer lots these days, supplanting mid-size sedans and larger SUVs alike thanks to their combination of a high seating position, all-weather capability, and extra cargo room. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the top sellers in its class, while the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a newer entry that rates well.
The latest RAV4 is solidly a compact crossover SUV, with available all-wheel drive and dimensions that stack up right along with the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, its chief rivals. The Santa Fe Sport sits inbetween the clever fresh Tucson at the puny end, and the big Santa Fe three-row utility vehicle above it. Both aim at the heart of the small-SUV segment.
The RAV4 banks on longevity and better model recognition—plus the Toyota reputation for quality—and a fresh hybrid version last year. But the Santa Fe Sport outscores it in our ratings, so buyers should assess which of the two is best suited to their needs and preferences.
Both vehicles are variations on the tall SUV/wagon form, but the Toyota RAV4 is blunter and has some abrupt styling touches, while the Hyundai offers gentler and more fluid forms. The RAV4 plays it safe, with a profile that blends in alongside other affordable compact puny crossovers. Up close, it’s far from inspiring, albeit a refresh for the two thousand sixteen model year fine-tuned some details and added more soft-touch surfaces inwards. For 2017, the RAV4 offers a fresh range-topping Platinum trim level.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers an attractive form that looks modern and grown-up, compared to the vehicle it substituted for 2013. Its acute edges and taut creases wrap around the glassy wagon bod in interesting ways, and a restyled front end for two thousand seventeen presents a remarkable hexagonal face. The interior sets a higher bar too, with a central shield-shaped control panel surrounded by fluid forms and some gently swooping line. The two-tone trim is particularly nice.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The RAV4 does fine with its base 176-horsepower, Two.5-liter 4-cylinder engine; a fresh Hybrid version has one hundred ninety net horsepower, a 33-mpg combined EPA rating, and more responsive feel. Four-wheel drive is an option, and there’s even a 4WD Lock mode for predictable traction in snow or mud.
The Santa Fe Sport offers either a conventional 190-hp 4-cylinder engine, or a turbocharged Two.0-liter inline-4 with two hundred sixty four hp. The turbo gives very capable acceleration on the highway while losing only two mpg in highway fuel efficiency. Both engines are paired with a nicely-sorted 6-speed automatic transmission, with front- and all-wheel drive configurations available.
Neither SUV is anywhere near as sporty as the Mazda CX-5, and both prioritize rail over roadholding. The RAV4 is predictable and responsive, but hardly sporty, and it can feel a little brief on acceleration. The electrical power steering is nicely weighted and provides a good sense of center. In SE trim, Toyota’s RAV4 gets a slightly stiffer suspension tune that lets it treat like a more nimble sedan. The 17-inch tires on LE and XLE versions will give a better rail than the larger optional wheels.
The Santa Fe Sport drives sleekly and requires little effort. Its powertrains are muted well, tho’ sometimes the transmission gets caught napping when gear switches are needed. Rail quality may be the Santa Fe Sport’s single best feature—it’s almost always peaceful and collected. You can overlook the Convenience
Inwards, the base RAV4’s seats are less supportive than the firmer bolsters suggested in the XLE version. Seating space is about on par with the identically large Honda CR-V—and more generous than that of the Ford Escape. But the back bench is less supportive than many adults will choose, and its roll/fold mechanism isn’t as good as Honda’s. Cargo space is cavernous.
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE
The front seats in the Santa Fe Sport are better than previous Hyundai seats, with good bottom-cushion support. On some models, the 2nd row both glides almost five inches forward or back, and its 40/20/40-split seat-back reclines. There’s also some storage space below the cargo floor.
Provided you don’t need the convenience of a third row, it’s a trade-off inbetween these two in interior usability. Both have reasonably spacious back seats, however they aren’t as comfy as those of a mid-size sedan. Each makes some compromises in contouring and support in the name of plane folding for expanded cargo space.
As for safety, the RAV4 is strong. It earns five starlets overall from the NHTSA along with a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. While earlier model years of the Santa Fe Sport received only a “Marginal’ rating on the IIHS small-offset front crash test, the updated two thousand seventeen Hyundai now fully matches the RAV4, with the same five-star NHTSA score and “Good” ratings on every IIHS test. Both SUVs get the same Top Safety Pick+ designation. Outward visibility in either of these models isn’t ideal, however, but there’s little to choose inbetween the two on safety.
But one big boon to the RAV4 is that it now includes as standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
It’s neck-and-neck. We rated the two thousand seventeen Toyota RAV4 at 7.Three out of Ten, and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport at 7.Trio as well. The Hyundai does better in styling, spectacle, and available features and options, and equals the RAV4 in convenience, safety, and fuel economy. ( Read more about how we rate cars .)
The RAV4 does have that unbeatable Toyota reputation for quality, and its Hybrid version supplies the best fuel-economy ratings among all versions of either car. The Hyundai counters with a 10-year powertrain warranty. Either one could be an excellent choice, so we suggest that buyers drive them back to back before making a decision.
Go after The Car Connection on Facebook and Twitter.