The midsize SUV segment is rife with options. For new SUV shoppers, that can be both a good and a bad thing. Fortunately, when choosing between the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and this year’s new Honda Passport, the better pick is abundantly clear. But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s find out which of these midsize SUVs deserves a spot in your driveway. 

The 2021 Honda Passport is more powerful, but the Santa Fe is more fuel-efficient

When it comes to what’s under the hood of each of these midsize SUVs, it’s abundantly clear that the 2021 Honda Passport is the more powerful option of the two. While this year’s new Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with a 191-hp 2.5-liter engine, the Honda Passport is driven by a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. 

But if you value fuel efficiency over power? Then it’s the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe that has the edge here. In fact, according to the EPA, you can expect this year’s model to deliver an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. As for the Honda Passport? The EPA reports that this year’s model can only manage an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa is a safer midsize SUV than its Honda competition

Now, maybe you don’t care about horsepower or fuel economy ratings. Maybe you’re more concerned with how safe each of these midsize SUVs is. If that’s the case, it’s important to note that both midsize SUVs come standard with plenty of safety features, including sought-after safety features like forward-collision warnings, radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. 

But when it comes to actual safety ratings? It’s the Hyundai Santa Fe that has earned better safety ratings overall. In fact, according to the IIHS, last year’s model was recognized as a Top Safety Pick for the 2020 model year, which bodes pretty well for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Previous model years were also recognized by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+. Unfortunately for the 2021 Honda Passport, while the IIHS tapped last year’s model as a Top Safety Pick, it did not consider this year’s model as one.

Save money by choosing the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe instead of the Honda Passport

Odds are, pricing is pretty important to you. If it is, then you should know that of these two midsize SUVs, the 2021 Honda Passport is the more expensive option. This year’s model boasts a base price of $32,790 and will have you spending upwards of $44,000 on a fully-loaded model. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, boasts a base price of $26,850 and will only have you spending $42,300 on a fully-loaded model.

But the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t just cheaper than this year’s Passport. Unlike the Passport, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000-miles, whichever comes first. Meaning, you’ll not only be saving money on vehicle costs, but maintenance costs too.

The better pick here is obvious

There’s really no beating around the bush. When choosing between the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Honda Passport, this year’s Santa Fe is the better pick. So why not take this year’s model out for a spin?