The auto industry constantly moves toward luxury. Hyundai has made a run at the U.S. market by focusing on adding near-luxury features to what was once an economy car lineup. At the same time, Buick has seized on the idea of affordable luxury in the vacuum between economy and premium models. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Buick Encore GX are crossover SUV examples of each strategy.
Hyundai gave the Santa Fe a significant makeover for 2024, the start of its fifth generation of production. The SUV our reviewer said once had a “familiar, handsome design” is now “a buffed-up box akin to a rugged SUV of yore.” The 2024 Buick Encore GX gets what automakers call a “midcycle refresh,” an exterior facelift, and some upgrades on the interior, including a new top trim level.
Let’s compare these two crossover SUVs to determine which is best for you and your family.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale in the first quarter of 2024. Hyundai hasn’t released pricing yet, but the 2023 Santa Fe starts at $28,750. We estimate this new one will be a few thousand higher, probably just over $30,000. Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds value.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
An available third row of seating: The outgoing generation of the Santa Fe was a 2-row SUV; Hyundai will squeeze a third row into the new Santa Fe. The Encore GX won’t attempt that stunt.
Newly rugged styling: Following current styling trends, the 2024 Santa Fe has had its round corners squared off and looks like a scaled-down Hyundai Palisade (not a bad thing). The Encore GX gets a refreshed exterior design, enhancing an elegant and mature look that is aging well.
Relaxation seat: Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Santa Fe offers a “Relaxation Seat” with a leg rest, showing confidence that owners will want to spend time in their new Santa Fe SUVs even when they’re not driving.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Santa Fe models for sale near you
2024 Buick Encore GX
The 2-row 2024 Buick Encore GX crossover will start at $25,600 in the Preferred trim. Sport Touring begins at $26,800, and Avenir starts at $31,900. The base engine, a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo, comes in the Preferred trim, while a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder is standard in the Sport Touring and Avenir. You can upgrade to the 1.3-liter in the Preferred for $395. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2,000 upgrade.
Buick Encore GX Highlights
Top Avenir trim: Like fellow GM company GMC with its Denali sub-brand, Buick has been spreading its Avenir trim level through the lineup. This year, Avenir reaches the Encore GX with near-luxury features, including leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, a cabin air ionizer, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.
New Sport Touring trim level: In another attempt to broaden the Encore GX’s youth appeal, the midlevel trim has been updated and renamed. Our expert reviewer says, “It comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel because that’s a current signifier of sportiness.”
Comfortable and quiet: From our expert reviewer, the Encore GX “has a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin considering its size and price. But anyone seeking a thrill or two should look elsewhere.”
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Encore GX models for sale near you
Similarities
Both SUVs get a new look for 2024, and both have aspirations for near-luxury status.
Conclusion
Practical buyers with luxury aspirations will do well to explore both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Buick Encore GX crossover SUVs. While the Santa Fe offers more interior room and an optional third row of seating, the Encore GX allows a buyer to get a toe into the premium world for a reasonable price. You’ll likely pay more for a Santa Fe than you will for a comparably equipped Encore GX, but you’ll get more in return. If you need more space, the Santa Fe is your answer.
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2024 Buick Encore GX | |
| Starting Price | $30,000 (estimated) | $25,600 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/28 highway/26 combined mpg (FWD) | 30 city/31 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid with 6-speed AT; AWD | 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | TBD | 102.0 inches |
| Overall Length | TBD | 171.2 inches |
| Width | TBD | 71.4 inches |
| Height | TBD | 64.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | TBD | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | TBD | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | TBD | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | TBD | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | TBD | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | TBD | 55.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | TBD | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | TBD | 23.5/50.2 cubic feet behind 2nd row/1st row |
