The Hyundai Santa Fe offers families a spacious cabin and a long list of sought-after features. There’s no denying that this year’s model boasts plenty of curb appeal too. But while that might sound like a winning combination, that doesn’t mean the Hyundai Santa Fe is the right choice for satisfying all of your daily driving needs. So if you aren’t ready to settle for this year’s model? Consider choosing one of these alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe instead.

Need all-wheel drive? Consider the Subaru Forester instead

If it’s a capable SUV that you’re after, the Hyundai Santa Fe makes for a decent enough choice. Because while this year’s model comes standard with front-wheel drive, it can be had with all-wheel drive instead. Though, all-wheel drive will require a costly upgrade, so that’s something to consider.

And if you’re not interested in that extra spend? Then maybe you’d prefer an SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive instead. If that’s the case, then you’re going to want to consider the Subaru Forester as an alternative to this year’s Hyundai Santa Fe. Because, unlike the Hyundai Santa Fe, this year’s Forester comes standardly equipped with all-wheel drive.

However, standard all-wheel drive isn’t the only reason to consider this year’s Forester as an alternative to the Hyundai Santa Fe. With a base price of $24,795, the Subaru Forester is also a cheaper alternative to this year’s new Hyundai Santa Fe. That’s right, not only does this year’s Forester come standard with all-wheel drive, but it will also have you spending less than if you chose the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Upgrade to the Hyundai Palisade for a spacious alternative to the Hyundai Santa Fe

Now, the Hyundai Santa Fe is spacious. In fact, Car and Driver reports that its most impressive attribute is its generous passenger space that’s a “boon on long road trips.” Car and Driver added that the Santa Fe also offers up plenty of cargo space behind the back seat, so much, so that Car and Driver packed 15 carry-on bags into the SUV’s cargo area.

But for some families? The Hyundai Santa Fe simply isn’t spacious enough. Sure, five seats might seem like enough at first glance. And the ability to pack in 15 carry-on bags might sound impressive. But if you need even more space? Consider the Hyundai Palisade as a spacious alternative to the Santa Fe.

Unlike the Santa Fe, this year’s Palisade comes standard with three-rows of seating. According to Consumer Reports, its front seats are more than comfortable. It certainly helps that the SUV’s second row is exceptionally spacious too. Consumer Reports added that getting in and out of the Palisade is extremely easy as well. As for its third-row? Consumer Reports explains that it’s perfect for kids.

The Honda CR-V is a fuel-efficient alternative to the Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe is no gas guzzler. But its standard four-cylinder engine isn’t exactly thrifty either. In fact, according to the EPA, this year’s model can deliver an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. And that’s with front-wheel drive. Opt for an all-wheel drive model instead, and those numbers shift to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

For a fuel-efficient alternative to the Hyundai Santa Fe, check out the Honda CR-V. Also driven by a four-cylinder engine, the EPA reports that this year’s CR-V can deliver an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. And when equipped with all-wheel drive? Those numbers drop very slightly, to an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

Why you should take these alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe out for a spin

Now, there’s really only one way to find out which of these alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe is right for you. After all, there’s only so much reading you can do. So to find out which SUV you should choose? We suggest taking each of these alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe out for a spin.