Ford Escape vs Hyundai Santa FE
The Ford Escape is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Hyundai Santa FE. At EPA assumptions that is about $550 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Escape | Hyundai Santa FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 2,350 | 509 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Fuel system |
| Crashes and fires | 56 and 2 | 44 and 7 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 83,000 miles | 78,000 miles |
| Recalls | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 28 | 17 and 24 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,800 | $3,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,350 complaints for the Ford Escape and 509 for the Hyundai Santa FE. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 1 for the Ford Escape, 2 for the Hyundai Santa FE.