Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe: A Comprehensive Comparison for Your Next SUV
In the world of midsize SUVs two vehicles have stood out among the crowd – the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both have unique features strengths and a few downsides. If you're considering either one it's vital to compare them in detail to figure out which is the best fit for you and your lifestyle. We'll take a close look at their performance safety features interior comfort pricing and even potential drawbacks.
Introduction: Two SUVs Competing for Your Attention
The Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Santa Fe have both gone through serious upgrades and redesigns in recent years aiming to capture a larger share of the midsize SUV market. The Outlander now boasts a sharp new look borrowed from Nissan's Rogue architecture. Meanwhile the Santa Fe holds its own with a balanced mix of style space and comfort.
But which one is right for you? Let’s break down each SUV in detail.
Performance and Powertrain
Mitsubishi Outlander: The Stylish Performer
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers around 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and provides either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The Outlander’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system is an important highlight as it enhances handling and offers various driving modes like Eco Snow Gravel Normal to suit different terrains.
Pros:
- Smooth driving experience: The CVT ensures the Outlander has smooth acceleration without any jerks.
- Fuel efficiency: It provides 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (for FWD versions).
Cons:
- Underwhelming power: While smooth the engine feels underpowered when fully loaded or going uphill.
- CVT transmission noise: Some users might find the CVT a bit noisy especially at high RPMs.
Hyundai Santa Fe: A More Powerful Contender
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two main engine options: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing around 191 hp or a turbocharged 2.5L engine pushing out 277 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides responsive shifts and the available AWD system delivers decent off-road capability.
Pros:
- Better acceleration: The Santa Fe is more responsive and has better acceleration especially with the turbo engine.
- Variety of options: More choices in terms of powertrains including a hybrid model for those looking for better fuel economy.
Cons:
- Fuel economy trade-off: With greater power the Santa Fe’s fuel economy suffers (around 25 mpg combined for the base engine).
- Costly upgrades: Going for the higher turbo engine or AWD drives the price up significantly.
Alex Collantes, a seasoned car enthusiast, shares his perspective: "If you're looking for pure power and a better driving experience I'd lean towards the Hyundai Santa Fe especially if you get the turbocharged model. But be ready to pay a premium for those extra horses."
Interior Comfort and Space
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Spacious Cabin for Families
The Outlander comes with a standard three-row seating which is rare for this segment providing up to seven seats. Its interior has been revamped with quality materials modern technology and a clean dashboard design. The second-row seats are relatively spacious but the third row is best suited for children or small adults.
Pros:
- Spacious cabin: Excellent headroom and legroom in the first and second rows.
- Upscale feel: Leather upholstery heated seats and a panoramic sunroof are available in higher trims.
Cons:
- Third-row limitations: The third row feels cramped and is more of an emergency seat than for regular use.
- Technology quirks: The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system can lag a bit and isn’t as user-friendly as some competitors.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Comfort at the Core
The Hyundai Santa Fe sticks to two-row seating for five passengers offering ample space and premium materials throughout the cabin. The Santa Fe also boasts high-tech features like dual-zone climate control heated/ventilated seats and wireless phone charging.
Pros:
- Comfort-oriented: Plush seats and a well-insulated cabin make for a quieter drive.
- More usable cargo space: Thanks to the absence of a third row the Santa Fe has a larger and more accessible cargo area.
Cons:
- No third-row option: Families needing more seats will find the Santa Fe lacking in that department.
- Limited headroom for tall drivers: While the Santa Fe offers great overall comfort taller drivers may find headroom limited with the panoramic sunroof.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Mitsubishi Outlander: Safety Is Key
Mitsubishi has prioritized safety in the Outlander equipping it with Forward Collision Mitigation Lane Departure Warning Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard. Higher trims add features like adaptive cruise control traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera.
Pros:
- Comprehensive safety suite: Comes standard with many modern safety features.
- High IIHS rating: The Outlander earned high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Cons:
- Driver aids can be intrusive: Some drivers report that the safety systems are overly sensitive which may lead to unnecessary alerts or interventions.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Leading the Pack
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe also focuses on safety offering a host of driver aids like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot Collision Warning Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The Hyundai SmartSense suite is extensive and well-executed making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Pros:
- Well-rounded safety features: Standard in all trims making it a secure choice across the board.
- User-friendly interface: The Santa Fe's driver aids are intuitive and provide helpful information without overwhelming the driver.
Cons:
- Some features tied to trims: Certain safety features are only available on higher trims so budget-conscious buyers may miss out on advanced aids.
Alex Collantes adds his insight on safety: "Both SUVs offer fantastic safety features but I think the Hyundai Santa Fe has the edge. The driver aids are less intrusive and they do a better job integrating with the car's overall feel."
Pricing and Value for Money
Mitsubishi Outlander: Competitive Pricing
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at around $28,000 for the base trim which makes it very competitive in its segment. It offers a lot of features for the price but if you opt for higher trims like the SEL or GT models you might be looking at $36,000 or more.
Pros:
- Affordable base price: The Outlander is attractively priced for a midsize SUV with a lot of features even in the base model.
- Good warranty coverage: The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry.
Cons:
- Higher trims can be pricey: Once you start adding features or choosing higher trims the price gap narrows compared to competitors.
- Lower resale value: Mitsubishi vehicles often have lower resale values compared to other brands.
Hyundai Santa Fe: A Worthy Investment
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at around $30,000 and can go up to $43,000 for the top Limited and Calligraphy trims. While it’s slightly more expensive than the Outlander it offers more features as standard and better overall quality and refinement.
Pros:
- Value-packed features: Even the base trim offers a lot of standard equipment making it good value for what you get.
- Strong resale value: Hyundai cars generally retain their value better compared to Mitsubishi models.
Cons:
- More expensive trims: The Santa Fe’s higher trims are significantly pricier so it might stretch some budgets.
- Less warranty coverage: While Hyundai’s warranty is solid it’s not as long as Mitsubishi’s offering.
Driving Experience and Road Feel
Mitsubishi Outlander: Smooth and Stylish
The Outlander provides a comfortable ride especially on smooth roads. The steering is light and precise and the suspension does a good job of absorbing minor bumps. It's ideal for city driving but on rough terrains or twisty roads the Outlander’s performance lags a bit due to the underpowered engine.
Pros:
- Comfortable ride quality for daily driving and long road trips.
- Stylish appearance: The Outlander has sharp looks that make it stand out from other SUVs.
Cons:
- Average handling: The steering is a bit vague and doesn’t inspire confidence on tight curves.
- Engine noise under load: Pushing the engine hard can result in a droning sound which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Balanced and Responsive
The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a more balanced driving experience with sharper handling and a responsive steering wheel. The turbocharged engine option gives it more power and agility on the road and the suspension is tuned for a more dynamic drive while still offering comfort.
Pros:
- Engaging driving dynamics: The Santa Fe feels more agile and responsive on the road compared to the Outlander.
- Quiet cabin: Even at highway speeds the Santa Fe’s cabin remains quiet with minimal road and wind noise.
Cons:
- Bumpy on rough roads: The suspension is tuned for sportiness which can result in a slightly bumpier ride on uneven surfaces.
- Brake feel: Some users report that the brakes can feel spongy and might require getting used to.
Verdict: Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe – Which Should You Choose?
When it comes down to choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Santa Fe the decision will largely depend on what you value more in an SUV. If you need a three-row SUV with lots of features at an affordable price the Outlander may be your best bet. However if you're looking for a more powerful engine better driving dynamics and refined interior features the Santa Fe is worth the extra investment.
Here’s a quick rundown:
-
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if:
- You want a three-row SUV for occasional extra seating.
- You’re looking for affordability with decent features.
- Fuel efficiency and a good warranty are top priorities.
-
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if:
- You prioritize performance and a more powerful engine.
- You value interior comfort space and tech features.
- You’re willing to spend more for a higher-quality driving experience.
Alex Collantes’s final word: "The choice between the Outlander and Santa Fe really boils down to personal preference and budget. If you need that third-row seating and a lower price tag go with the Outlander. But if you want more power and better driving experience the Santa Fe won’t disappoint."
Final Thoughts and References
The Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Santa Fe are both strong contenders in the midsize SUV segment each offering its own strengths. While one might shine in terms of affordability or space the other excels in performance and technology. It’s essential to test drive both SUVs and see which one meets your specific needs and driving style.
References:
- Mitsubishi Official Site - https://www.mitsubishicars.com/
- Hyundai USA - https://www.hyundaiusa.com/
- IIHS Safety Ratings - https://www.iihs.org/
- Personal Insight: Alex Collantes (Automotive Enthusiast)
And there you have it – a detailed comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Santa Fe. It's your choice whether to go for the stylish Outlander or the powerful Santa Fe. Happy driving!