New Nissan X-Trail vs Hyundai Santa Fe: verdict
With hybrid power and seating for seven, these family-friendly SUVs both marry practicality and efficiency. But which of them does it better?...
Our verdict
Choosing a winner here is a very close call, but the Santa Fe gets the nod. It’s simply better at the job of being a seven-seat SUV, with more space for passengers and their luggage, and its thoughtful little touches make life a little easier.
As for the X-Trail, its e-Power hybrid system doesn’t bring miraculous fuel economy, but its smooth driving manners feel more like a stepping stone to electric motoring than the Santa Fe does. It’s still a good choice if third-row space isn’t a priority, then, but if that’s the case, you could save money by opting for the five-seat version. This is offered with the less powerful, two-wheel-drive version of the hybrid system, or with mild hybrid petrol power for even less.
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1st – Hyunda Santa Fe
For Far more space for seven; bigger boot; more reassuring brakes
Against Not particularly economical; cheaper versions make more sense; expensive on PCP
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review >>
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2nd – Nissan X-Trail
For Smooth power delivery; more effortless to drive; costs less to buy and run
Against Cramped third-row seats are only for short journeys; doesn’t feel quite as robust
Recommended options Premium Bose Pack (£590)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Nissan X-Trail review >>
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Specifications: Nissan X-Trail 1.5 e-Power 213 e-4orce Tekna 7 Seat
Engine 3cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol, plus two electric motors
Peak power 211bhp at 4600rpm
Peak torque 243+144lb ft at 2400-4400 rpm
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.9sec
30-70mph 6.2sec
Top speed 111mph
30-0mph 9.9m
70-0mph 53.8m
Noise at 30mph 58.6dB
Noise at 70mph 65.8dB
Kerb weight 1833kg
Tyres (std) 235/55 R19
Fuel tank 55 litres
Test economy 36.7mpg
Official economy 44.1mpg
CO2 emissions 148g/km
Specifications: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi HEV 4WD Ultimate
Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 227bhp at 5500rpm
Peak torque 258lb ft at 1500-4500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
0-60mph 8.3sec
30-70mph 7.5sec
Top speed 116mph
30-0mph 9.2m
70-0mph 46.1m
Noise at 30mph 58dB
Noise at 70mph 64.3dB
Kerb weight 1842kg
Tyres (std) 235/55 R19
Fuel tank 67 litres
Test economy 32.9mpg
Official economy 38.2mpg
CO2 emissions 168g/km
Weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Nissan X-Trail 1.5 e-Power 213 e-4orce Tekna 7 Seat with two-tone metallic Champagne Silver paint and black roof (£1095), black synthetic leather and Premium Bose Pack (£590)
Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi HEV 4WD Ultimate with Lagoon Blue metallic paint (£690)
