Santa Fe vs EV9
It’s Hyundai against Kia in the three-row suv class, and the Santa Fe and the EV9 are the models carrying each flag. The gap between the Santa Fe and the EV9 is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Santa Fe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Engine & Performance2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Santa Fe has 62 hp more power
The Santa Fe clearly leads on total system output, and 277 hp versus 215 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Santa Fe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Santa Fe has 53 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Santa Fe posts 311 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft for the EV9, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 122 in |
Engine & Performance
Santa Fe leads
The EV9 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Santa Fe pulls well ahead. In its favor, the Santa Fe has 62 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Santa Fe.
Total system output
Santa Fe: 277 hp EV9: 215 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Santa Fe: 311 lb-ft EV9: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The Santa Fe and the EV9 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 277 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 230 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 81.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 122 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Santa Fe if…
- you want more power (277 hp vs 215 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (311 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Hyundai and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Santa Fe or the EV9?
On the specs compared here, the Santa Fe makes more sense for most buyers; the EV9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Santa Fe versus the EV9 shows that nicely. Practically speaking, the Santa Fe’s biggest advantage is 62 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Santa Fe, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the EV9.
My pick: the Santa Fe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.