Honda CR-V and Hyundai SantaFe: Which 7-seat Crossover to choose for your family?

Honda CR-V and Hyundai SantaFe are currently the two most notable 7-seat crossover models in Vietnam.

In fact, Hyundai SantaFe is in a higher segment than Honda CR-V because the Korean car is significantly longer and wider than the car from the Japanese car company. However, the similar selling price of the two models makes many people put them on the scale to compare when needing to buy a 7-seat car for the family.

In this article, the two highest versions: SantaFe 2.2L special diesel engine and Honda CR-V 1.5L are compared to find out which crossover model in the 1 billion VND price range is most worth buying today.

Exterior design

Both models have their own design styles, targeting different customer groups. Hyundai SantaFe has a majestic, luxurious and fashionable appearance, while Honda CR-V has a more polite and calm style.

In terms of size, Hyundai SantaFe is nearly 10 cm longer than Honda CR-V, the wheelbase is also longer, helping the Korean car have more interior space, especially the third row of seats is more comfortable than Honda CR-V. The turning radius of SantaFe is also smaller than CR-V, so the car is more flexible when moving on the street.

SantaFe has a more fashionable and youthful design despite its significantly larger size than the CR-V, which is also an advantage of most Korean car models when compared to Japanese cars. SantaFe uses 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels while CR-V uses stylized 18-inch 3-spoke alloy wheels.

In return, the Honda CR-V integrates many new technologies such as LED headlights and fog lights, while the SantaFe only uses Bi-xenon headlights and Halogen fog lights. The SantaFe also does not have LED daytime lights like the Honda CR-V.

Overall, the SantaFe feels more luxurious thanks to its larger body and larger wheels than the CR-V, while the Honda CR-V is more modern with new LED technology lights.

Interior and amenities

Both SantaFe and CR-V models have a 5+2 seating arrangement, however the interior space of SantaFe is more spacious thanks to the large size of the car, especially the third row of SantaFe is also more comfortable than CR-V which is only for children. Both models have air conditioning vents for the third row of seats.

If you don't use the third row of seats, the Hyundai SantaFe also has an advantage thanks to the second row of seats having a very good reclining angle, which can slide back to create more space. In return, the quality of the leather seats on the CR-V is better than the SantaFe.

The Honda CR-V has a predominantly black interior, while the Hyundai SantaFe uses a two-tone interior. The SantaFe also has both front seats with electric adjustment and memory, instead of just one driver's seat like the CR-V. In return, the CR-V has a highly connected entertainment system with wifi connectivity. In addition, the CR-V also has an 8-speaker sound system, instead of 6 speakers on the SantaFe.

The Honda CR-V is more modern with a digital speedometer, while the SantaFe uses a conventional analog clock. The gearshift paddles on the Honda CR-V are rated higher than those on the Korean model.

Both have other high-end amenities such as smart key, push-button start, electronic handbrake with Autohold feature, automatic headlights, rain sensor, Panorama sunroof, electric trunk opening and closing. Another convenient feature on SantaFe is the trunk opening automatically when approaching in 3 seconds while CR-V has to use a button.

Safety equipment

Both models have full safety equipment and are quite similar. SantaFe has additional features such as downhill assist and VSM anti-slip. In contrast, CR-V has 2 additional safety features that SantaFe does not have: drowsiness warning and active steering support AHA.

Operating system

The Honda CR-V uses a turbocharged gasoline engine and a CVT gearbox for smoothness but unfortunately does not have a 4-wheel drive option, while the Hyundai SantaFe uses a diesel engine for higher performance, accompanied by a 6-speed gearbox and AWD 4-wheel drive system.

Price and reviews

Hyundai SantaFe is equipped with a diesel engine for higher performance and better torque at low rpm. The large size of the car makes using a diesel engine more economical thanks to fuel economy. However, the diesel engine has the disadvantage of creating noise when operating, although the person sitting inside can hardly hear this sound.

Meanwhile, Honda CR-V is more inclinedIn terms of technology, when equipped with a small capacity turbocharged gasoline engine, this helps the car save more fuel than competitors in the same segment using large capacity gasoline engines. However, the lack of a 4-wheel drive option makes many people consider.

The Honda CR-V has a published price of 1.080 billion VND for the most advanced version, which is attractive to young and dynamic customers. Meanwhile, the Hyundai SantaFe diesel engine with a special price of 1.070 billion VND is suitable for large families due to its more spacious space.

Currently on the market, customers can receive SantaFe immediately upon ordering, while Honda CR-V is expected to continue delivering the next batch of cars in May due to procedures under Decree 116.