2011 Ford Edge vs 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe February 16, 2010 AUTORIVALS.NET

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Ford and Hyundai have both updated their midsize crossovers, the Edge and Santa Fe respectively, with one automaker going further than the other. Ford really went all out when redesigning the Edge with new interior features, new powertrains, and a bold new face. They seem to really be staying true to their old slogan, "bold moves." Hyundai on the other hand, kept exterior changes very modest that most people probably won't even notice or care for. Their new Tucson compact crossover will probably get more attention until the Santa Fe gets a major overhaul, hopefully following their new design trends. 2011 Ford Edge vs 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe The exterior changes on the Santa Fe are paltry in comparison to the Edge. The front fascia is modestly modified with a new grille and bumper. The new Edge however gets a major makeover with a bold and, well, edgy new front fascia. The front grille is gargantuan taking up nearly the entire front fascia, and is visually connected to the headlights creating a unified one-piece look. It looks fresh and up-to-date but perhaps a little too ostentatious for some. The hood is also new to top off the bold look with squared-off edges. All in all, the front fascia is now massive and sure to get some looks from other drivers, perhaps out of fear (like the Dodge Ram). The Edge's new grille looks big enough to swallow a person whole, or at least small children perhaps. It's nice to see a crossover with a more masculine persona rather than being soft like most crossovers. The Santa Fe is a bit bland, a little boring, and effeminate when next to the Edge. It does look a little sleeker though with more curves in the sheet metal. The new grille is a subtle but welcomed change. The Edge's rear fascia isn't as dramatically changed as the front. New taillights give it a cleaner look with a simple red and white pattern rather than the euro-style clear taillights that preceded them. A new chrome bar is placed underneath the logo but not much else is new which is fine considering the rear fascia was always the Edge's strong suit. The Santa Fe went in the opposite direction of the Edge and now comes with clear taillights that look more for the aftermarket than stock. I thought this trend was thankfully beginning to die down but Hyundai has proven me wrong. Only a few vehicles can pull off the look with clear lights and the Santa Fe isn't one of them. The Santa Fe gets a few new features such as Bluetooth and an eco indicator but is no match for what the Edge is bringing to the table. The Edge's interior gets a complete overhaul with a new dash design but more interesting are the features. Two LCD screens are added into the gauge cluster on both sides of the speedometer that remains analog. They're used to provide drivers with an array of personalized information including the MyFord Touch system. Another LCD screen is added in the center stack and can be commanded using buttons, touch, or voice. You get features usually only seen on higher-end vehicles such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning plus Ford's signature features such as a keyless entry keypad, SYNC, and a capless fuel tank. All of it comes at a price though with a base Edge coming in well over five grand more than the Santa Fe.

SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $28,000 - $35,000 (est) ENGINE: 2.0L I4 Turbocharged 3.5L V6 3.7L V6 HORSEPOWER: 230/285/305 hp TORQUE: 240/253/280 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 185.7 x 75.8 x 67.0 in. CURB WEIGHT: 4,000 - 4,200 lbs. (est) 0-60 MPH: 7.0 - 8.5 sec (est) 1/4 MILE: 15.5 - 16.5 sec (est) TOP SPEED: Unknown ROADHOLDING: 0.75 (est) TOWING: Unknown FUEL (City/Hwy): 17-22 / 23-30 mpg SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $21,695 - $30,295 ENGINE: 2.4L I4 3.5L V6 HORSEPOWER: 175/276 hp TORQUE: 169/248 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 184.1 x 74.4 x 67.9 in. CURB WEIGHT: 3,688 - 4,120 lbs. 0-60 MPH: 8.0 - 10.0 sec (est) 1/4 MILE: 16.0 - 18.0 sec (est) TOP SPEED: 120 mph ROADHOLDING: 0.75 g (est) TOWING: 1,653 - 3,500 lbs FUEL (City/Hwy): 19-21 / 26-28 mpg RECAP RECAP PROS +Major restyling revision for a mid-cycle update +Masculine and muscular, especially for a crossover +Ton of new interior features +New or updated powertrains = increased performance CONS -Pedestrians need to watch out for the grille PROS +Six grand less +Slightly sleeker CONS -Nothing new to get excited about -Clear taillights should be left for the aftermarket

Video Source: Road2Road.com via YouTube Video Source: Inside Line via YouTube

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