2024 Dodge Durango vs. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trying to decide between the 2024 Dodge Durango vs. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe? These two mid-size SUVs offer distinct advantages. Therefore, the right choice depends on your priorities. In this article, we will reveal the key differences between these vehicles so that you can make an informed decision.
Power and Performance
The Dodge vehicle leans into its muscle car heritage with a powerful engine lineup. The base SXT trim boasts a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine churning out 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims like the R/T and Citadel offer a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat boasts a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 generating a monstrous 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. These engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Santa Fe focuses on fuel efficiency with its 2.5L turbocharged I4 engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque available from just 1,700 rpm, ensuring responsive city driving. Additionally, it offers a hybrid variant combining a 1.6L turbocharged I4 engine with an electric motor for a total of 281 horsepower. Both engine options are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In contrast, the Durango excels in towing capability, boasting a maximum capacity of 8,700 pounds, ideal for transporting trailers, boats, or campers. The Santa Fe, by comparison, has a more modest towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency
As expected with its larger engines, the Durango delivers lower fuel economy. The base V6 trims achieve an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Opting for the V8 engine drops those figures to 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The SRT Hellcat is even thirstier, at 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
The Santa Fe shines in fuel efficiency. The turbocharged I4 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Both the Durango and the Santa Fe offer comfortable seating for five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in both rows. The Santa Fe, however, boasts more passenger space overall, particularly in the second row. Both SUVs offer optional third-row seating, but the Durango's third row is better suited for children due to tighter legroom.
Cargo space is another area where the Durango excels. With the second-row seats upright, it offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 43.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. With both rows folded flat, the Durango provides a maximum of 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Santa Fe offers a respectable 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 36.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. With both rows folded flat, the Santa Fe provides a maximum of 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Technology and Safety Features
The Durango and Santa Fe come equipped with a range of standard and available technology features. Both offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. Higher trims offer features like navigation, a premium sound system, and a sunroof.
Safety is a priority for both SUVs. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offer additional features like adaptive cruise control with lane centering and a surround-view camera system.
Making Your Choice
The 2024 Dodge Durango is a powerful and capable SUV, ideal for those who prioritize towing capacity and performance. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider how you'll be using the SUV most often and prioritize the features that are most important to you.