Completely redesigned this model year, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe features a dizzying array of technology, standard 3-row seating, and bold, eye-catching design. Its newfound boxy shape pays off with more passenger space and cargo volume than the previous version.
But the highly regarded Honda Passport brings its own strengths to this competition. It may only have two rows of seats, but it has one of the largest cargo spaces you’ll find in any midsize SUV. Let’s not forget that the Passport also comes with Honda’s enviable reputation for resale value, build quality and long-term reliability.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have what it takes to outshine the Honda Passport? Let’s take a look at each of the highlights to see how they compare.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Nobody will ever confuse this new Santa Fe with the relatively understated previous model, that’s for sure. Prices start at $35,345, including destination charges, and there are five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy.
The sole powertrain is a 277-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on all but the XRT trim. Thanks to its off-road theme, the XRT comes standard with all-wheel drive. A hybrid engine is available, but we test it separately.
Hyundai Santa Fe highlights
Bold appearance: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe calls planet Earth and asks for permission to land. Hyundai’s design team apparently had an aversion to curves when it came to this SUV’s exterior. Clever details include a huge tailgate and an illuminated H-pattern incorporated into the headlights and taillights.
Highway driving assistant: This is one of our favorite semi-autonomous drive systems and is available in two variants in the new Santa Fe. The lover of this duo is equipped with the “Calligraphy” model and has a lane change function. No matter what you choose: Thanks to the combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering function, long highway journeys are less tiring.
Panorama curved display: A digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen are flush mounted on the top of the dashboard. This wealth of information gives the minimalist cabin a futuristic feel.
First Class Guarantee: The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a first-class warranty. With a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it significantly exceeds the Honda Passport’s coverage.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Santa Fe models near you
Honda Passport 2024
The 2024 Honda Passport offers three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport and Black Edition. The Black Edition serves as a replacement for the previous top-of-the-range Elite. It features 20-inch black alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats and ambient interior lighting.
Every Passport features a 280-horsepower V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices start at $43,295, including shipping.
Honda Pass Highlights
Strong resale value: Among midsize two-row SUVs, the Honda Passport has an extremely high resale value. A higher resale value can result in a higher discount on your next vehicle when it comes time to trade it in or sell it.
Intelligent access with automatic path lock: Isn’t it funny when your arms are loaded with shopping bags, luggage or a screaming child and you can’t reach the keys? This system uses sensors to detect the proximity of the key fob and automatically locks or unlocks the Passport. It’s standard on every trim.
Loading volume: Thanks to its 50.5 cubic feet of maximum space behind the rear seats, the Passport is a champion in cargo hauling. That’s larger than the cargo space behind the second row in the Hyundai Santa Fe. Fold the second row down and the space swells to a maximum of more than 100 cubic feet.
Outdoorsy TrailSport model: Are you planning to take your passport with you when traveling without paved roads? The TrailSport model features stronger suspension, roof rails, off-road tires, skid plates and LED fog lights.
Check this week’s fair purchase price or view Passport models near you.
similarities
Except for the fact that the Hyundai Santa Fe has a third row of seats, it is very consistent with the Honda Passport. These are two SUVs that exceed all expectations in terms of value for money, technical equipment and even real off-road capability.
Diploma
The Hyundai Santa Fe has set new standards among mid-size SUVs when it comes to design, technology and seating flexibility. For many car buyers, the option of a few additional seats or more cargo space is a big advantage.
And let’s admit: While the Passport’s interior is functional, spacious and robust in terms of material quality, the Santa Fe’s cabin looks absolutely modern. In this constellation, the cheaper Hyundai Santa Fe should convince more families looking for an SUV.
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport 2024 | |
| Starting price | $35,345 | $43,295 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 3.5 liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 277 hp at 5,800 rpm | 280 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm | 262 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm |
| transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel consumption | 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined | 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined |
| Also available | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder all-wheel drive | |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Safety | THE | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 7 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.9 inches |
| overall length | 190.2 inches | 189.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 67.7 inches | 72.2 inches |
| turning diameter | 37.9 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Front headroom | 41.1 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 40.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 37.7 inches | THE |
| Front legroom | 44.4 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 42.3 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 30.0 inches | THE |
| Shoulder room at the front | 59.5 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder room, 3rd row | 53.5 inches | THE |
| Freight volume | 14.6/40.5/79.6 cubic feet | 50.5/100.8 cubic feet |