Plug-in hybrids like the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV and the Ford Escape PHEV offer the efficiency of regular hybrids, along with the benefit of being able to drive on electric-only power for short distances. See how the two plug-in hybrid crossover SUVs stack up in this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV vs. 2022 Ford Escape PHEV comparison.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vs. 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

In this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vs. 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, electric driving range, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Performance, efficiency, and electric driving range

On the performance front, the plug-in hybrid system in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV produces 260 hp, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 8.2 seconds. In comparison, the plug-in hybrid system in the 2022 Ford Escape PHEV generates 221 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds.

For efficiency, the Santa Fe PHEV has an estimated fuel economy of 76 MPGe in electric-only mode and 33 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Escape PHEV has an estimated fuel efficiency of 105 MPGe in electric-only mode and 40 combined mpg in hybrid mode. The estimated electric driving range of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is 31 miles, compared to 37 miles for the Escape Plug-In Hybrid.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Towing

On the towing front, the Santa Fe PHEV has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Escape PHEV.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Off-road capabilities

The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is the better crossover SUV for off-road use. For one, unlike the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, it has a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. Also, the Santa Fe PHEV has higher ground clearance than the Escape PHEV (8.2 vs. 7.8 inches).

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Safety

The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Escape Plug-In Hybrid. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the Escape PHEV received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Passenger and cargo space

The Santa Fe PHEV is slightly larger than the Escape PHEV, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 111.5 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the Escape PHEV has a total passenger volume of 102.2 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 60.8 cu-ft.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Interior features and technologies

The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid are evenly matched for interior features and technologies. Unlike the Escape PHEV, the Santa Fe PHEV offers cooled front seats and heated rear seats. However, unlike the Santa Fe PHEV, the Escape PHEV offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and woodgrain interior trim.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, the Santa Fe PHEV has the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Escape PHEV has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Santa Fe PHEV vs. Escape PHEV: Price

Which plug-in hybrid crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV or the 2022 Escape PHEV? The starting prices of the 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid are $40,000 MSRP for the SEL Convenience trim and $46,010 MSRP for the Limited trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid are $35,190 MSRP for the SE trim, $37,925 MSRP for the SEL trim, and $40,435 MSRP for the Titanium trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs. 

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV vs. 2022 Ford Escape PHEV: Which plug-in hybrid is better?

In this 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV vs. 2022 Ford Escape PHEV comparison, each plug-in hybrid crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, advantages include horsepower output, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Escape Plug-In Hybrid include acceleration, efficiency, electric driving range, and a lower price.