Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Which SUV Is Right for You?

Choosing the right SUV is an important decision these days, with so many options available, it can be a little overwhelming. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander are both strong contenders in the compact to mid-size SUV segment, both offer different perks and quirks that may cater to your needs. But how do these two popular SUVs stack up against each other? In this comparison, we're gonna break down their features, pros and cons, and see which one is worth your hard-earned money.

Let's dive into the details and find out which SUV is the right pick for you.

Key Comparisons: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mitsubishi Outlander

When you're comparing two SUVs like the Santa Fe and Outlander, it helps to know their strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown before we dig deeper:

1. Price & Value
2. Interior & Comfort
3. Performance & Fuel Economy
4. Tech & Features
5. Safety
6. Drawbacks of Each Model

Price & Value

When it comes to the price tag, value is often a big deal for potential buyers. Both the Santa Fe and Outlander fall in a similar price range, but they offer slightly different things in terms of bang for your buck.

Hyundai Santa Fe Price

The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at around $28,750 for the base model, which is the SE trim. Prices can escalate to over $42,000 for the higher trims like the Calligraphy, which offers added luxury features and tech upgrades.

Pros:

• Great standard features at a reasonable price.
• Multiple trims to cater to different needs and budgets.
• Great warranty coverage: Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Cons:

• Higher trims can get a bit pricey.
• Some features available only on top trims.

Mitsubishi Outlander Price

The Mitsubishi Outlander is competitively priced with the base ES model starting around $27,895. The Outlander also offers higher trims like the SEL and GT which go up to $38,000 or more.

Pros:

• Comes standard with three rows of seats, which is a big value add.
• Competitive pricing across trims.

Cons:

• Less luxury-focused than the Santa Fe's higher trims.
• The warranty isn't as strong as Hyundai's—5 years/60,000 miles for the basic warranty.

Interior & Comfort

Hyundai Santa Fe Interior

The Hyundai Santa Fe is known for its refined and spacious cabin. The materials feel upscale for the price point, and there’s ample room for five passengers to stretch out comfortably.

Features to Highlight:

• Quality Materials: Soft-touch surfaces, leather seats (on higher trims).
• Ample Cargo Space: With the seats up, you get 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the seats down, that expands to over 72 cubic feet.
• Comfortable Seats: Heated and ventilated seats are available in upper trims.

Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

The Mitsubishi Outlander surprises with its three-row seating, offering room for up to seven passengers. While that third row is more suited for kids, it’s a feature not commonly found in compact SUVs.

Features to Highlight:

• Three Rows of Seats: A unique offering for a compact SUV in this price range.
• Cabin Quality: The materials are decent, but not as refined as the Santa Fe.
• Cargo Space: The cargo capacity with all seats up is around 11.7 cubic feet. If you fold the third row, it expands to 33.5 cubic feet.

Performance & Fuel Economy

Hyundai Santa Fe Performance

The Santa Fe offers two engine choices:

1. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower.
2. A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower for those who need a little more zip.

Both engines provide solid acceleration for everyday driving and a smooth ride.

Fuel Economy:

• The base engine delivers around 26 mpg combined (city/highway).
• The turbo engine clocks around 24 mpg combined.

Mitsubishi Outlander Performance

The Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower. While it’s not as powerful as the Santa Fe, it handles well and is fine for daily commuting or weekend adventures.

Fuel Economy:

• The Outlander is slightly more efficient, offering around 27 mpg combined.

Performance Cons:

• Some drivers might find the engine a bit underpowered for highway overtaking.
• CVT transmission isn’t as smooth as Hyundai's automatic transmission.

Tech & Features

Hyundai Santa Fe Tech

Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the Santa Fe's extensive list of standard and available features.

Standard Features:

• An 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Rearview camera and lane-keeping assist.

Available Features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen (available on higher trims).
• Navigation system.
• Wireless charging and a premium sound system.

Mitsubishi Outlander Tech

The Outlander also offers a fair share of tech features but slightly lags behind the Santa Fe in some areas.

Standard Features:

• A 7-inch touchscreen display (base model).
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Available Features:

• Upgraded 9-inch infotainment screen.
• Head-up display and wireless charging.

Drawbacks:

• The base screen is small and may feel outdated compared to the Santa Fe.

Safety

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander are highly-rated for safety. Each comes with a solid suite of standard and available driver-assistance features.

Hyundai Santa Fe Safety

The Santa Fe includes standard safety features like:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
• Blind-spot monitoring.
• Driver attention warning.

Higher trims offer:

• Surround-view camera system.
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Mitsubishi Outlander Safety

The Outlander also comes with impressive safety features:

• Forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
• Blind-spot warning with lane change assist.

Additional Safety Options:

• MI-PILOT Assist: Mitsubishi’s version of adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability.

Potential Safety Drawbacks:

• Some advanced features like the surround-view camera are only available on top trims.

Drawbacks of Each Model

Every vehicle has its drawbacks, and the Santa Fe and Outlander are no exceptions. Here’s what you might want to watch out for.

Hyundai Santa Fe Cons

• No Third-Row Seating: While it's spacious, the Santa Fe doesn't offer a third row. If you're looking to seat more than five, this might be a dealbreaker.
• Higher Trims Get Pricey: As you add on the luxury features and tech upgrades, the Santa Fe's price can soar into the mid-$40k range.
• Fuel Efficiency: Although not terrible, some rivals offer better mpg, especially with hybrid options.

Mitsubishi Outlander Cons

• Underpowered Engine: With just 181 hp, some drivers may find the Outlander a bit sluggish, especially on the highway or when fully loaded.
• Cramped Third Row: While having a third row is great, it’s really not comfortable for adults. It’s best suited for kids or short trips.
• Infotainment Interface: The base screen is small and the system isn’t as intuitive as some competitors'.

Real-World Opinions: Alex Collantes Weighs In

Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast who recently tested both models, shares his perspective:

"If you're looking for comfort and tech, the Hyundai Santa Fe is your go-to. It just feels more polished inside, and the turbo engine is a blast to drive. But don’t discount the Mitsubishi Outlander—it’s got some serious value if you need that third row, and it handles better than you might expect."

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander comes down to your needs and priorities.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if:

• You prioritize a premium interior feel with higher-end materials.
• You want a sporty drive with the option for a more powerful engine.
• You’re good with five seats and don't need the third-row option.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if:

• You need three-row seating for extra passengers.
• You want a more affordable option with solid standard features.
• You appreciate fuel efficiency and an attractive price point.

In the end, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander are solid choices in the SUV market. They cater to slightly different needs, so whether you’re all about that luxury drive or looking for a practical family hauler, either SUV could be a winner for you.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for an SUV, it’s crucial to test drive both models and see how they feel. Both have their quirks and highlights, and sometimes it’s about finding what feels right for you. The Hyundai Santa Fe shines with its interior quality, strong performance, and tech features. The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out with its third-row seating and value-packed offerings.

Either way, both SUVs prove to be smart investments that offer a lot to love in the increasingly competitive SUV market.

References

1. Hyundai Official Website
2. Mitsubishi Official Website
3. Edmunds Reviews & Ratings
4. Alex Collantes - Auto Enthusiast & Reviewer - Personal Interview
5. Consumer Reports & Safety Ratings