Honda CR-V
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Resale value, reliability, cabin size, fuel economy, safety
Below Average: Lackluster infotainment, towing, off-road ability
Consensus: A very capable compact SUV that delivers in almost every area customers need at price they can afford.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Features, engine options, styling, infotainment, interior volume
Below Average: Fuel economy, base model acceleration, blind spots
Consensus: A small crossover with the interior, power and features of a well-equipped luxury SUV.
Hyundai has come a long way in the last 15 years, so much so that its design, engineering and resale now rival that of companies like Honda, Toyota and Nissan. In the case of the Santa Fe Sport, the CR-V has a worthy competitor. Although the CR-V still holds higher resale values, it’s not by much, and the Santa Fe Sport’s larger overall dimensions provide a larger interior for passengers and cargo, as well as a longer wheelbase that helps with ride and stability. Whereas CR-V’s prior to 2017 had only one 4-cylinder engine choice, the Santa Fe Sport has two, one being a potent turbocharged unit. However, regardless of which engine you choose, neither can match the fuel economy of the frugal CR-V. You’ll find a used CR-V comes nicely equipped, but only on EX and higher trims. The Santa Fe Sport, on the other hand, offers numerous options across it model grades, including a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and an Infinity audio system, features you won’t find on the CR-V. Both SUVs have good reliability ratings, but the Santa Fe Sport has a better transferable limited warranty (5-years/60,000 miles) and up to 10-years/100,000 miles covering the powertrain if you purchase a certified pre-owned model. Not to downplay how much we think of the CR-V, it should be noted it made KBB’s Best Family Cars list five years running.
Honda CR-V Advantages
Strong resale, good fuel economy, responsive steering feel, good outward visibility, advanced collision avoidance on 2015 and later models, excellent crash test scores
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Advantages
Powerful engine options, intuitive infotainment and navigation, numerous standard features, upscale options, roomy interior, impressive standard and CPO warranty coverage
Similarities
Good resale, good reliability, handsome interior, available AWD and, on late model years, advanced driver assists, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Final Recommendation
The CR-V does everything so right its hard not to pick it as the compact SUV of choice, and that would be our recommendation for someone looking for the best resale or fuel economy. However, it’s hard to ignore all the features packed into the Santa Fe Sport. If you’re will to forgo the CR-V’s strong points, a used Santa Fe Sport offers luxury brand levels of equipment, power and comfort, plus a great extended warranty.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
