The Jeep Grand Cherokee Left the Hyundai Santa Fe Behind
We have a surprising SUV battle on our hands. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been leaving the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe in the dust. But the Hyundai Santa Fe seems to be favored over the Jeep Grand Cherokee, so let’s see how they compare.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. the Hyundai Santa Fe
According to sales reports, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is moving way more units than the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Jeep Grand Cherokee moves 81,704 units in the third quarter of 2021. This is a 44.74 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2020.
During Q3 of 2021, the Hyundai Santa Fe sold 26,546 models. This is a 1.65 percent decrease compared to Q3 2020. The Grand Cherokee moved about 55,158 more units than the Santa Fe, but this doesn’t exactly mean that it’s better.
The ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has slammed auto manufacturers with delays. It is possible that the Grand Cherokee had more models available than the Santa Fe.
Is the Grand Cherokee or Santa Fe better to drive?
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbo-four for 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds with the turbo.
With the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you get a standard 3.6-liter engine with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 engine for 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
Upgrading to the 6.4-liter V8 provides 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Also, the 6.2-liter V8 pumps out 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. With the base engine, it reached 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds.
The Santa Fe can exhibit inconsistent power delivery and leans around curves. But the Jeep Grand Cherokee feels heavier, and the steering can seem unresponsive. The Grand Cherokee has a quieter interior, but the Santa Fe provides a smoother ride. If you’re looking to go off-roading, the Grand Cherokee provides more optional equipment.
When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 lbs. The Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 lbs. So, if you have larger boats, campers, or trailers, go with the Grand Cherokee.
Does the Santa Fe or Grand Cherokee have better features?
You can get started in a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee for about $33,885. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $27,000. The Santa Fe is about $6,885 cheaper. But these prices are listed before the destination fees, and dealership markups have been added.
The Grand Cherokee provides an EPA-estimated 19 mpg on the highway and up to 26 mpg on the highway. The Santa Fe gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
You can access up to 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats of the Santa Fe and up to 72.1 cubes total. The Grand Cherokee provides 36.3 cubes behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubes total.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee comes with a 5.0-inch display that can be upgraded to an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Santa Fe comes with an 8.0-inch unit that can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch system. It comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the Hyundai Santa Fe has a more modern interior and enhanced tech, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers more engine options, can tow more and is the better off-roader. Go with the Santa Fe in the city and the Grand Cherokee for adventuring.
