Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Pathfinder, an Edmunds three-row SUV comparison

Edmunds compared the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Pathfinder as three-row SUVs aimed at families looking for value as prices rise. Both are priced to undercut many competitors by thousands of dollars across their lineups, but their strengths differ. The Santa Fe is smaller than the Pathfinder, yet offers better-than-expected third-row headroom and 40.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row versus the Pathfinder’s 45 cubes behind the second row. For passengers, the Pathfinder’s V6 makes 284 hp and delivered 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the Santa Fe’s turbocharged 4-cylinder reached 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and responds more quickly on downshifts. Fuel economy is close—up to 23 mpg combined for the Pathfinder and 24 mpg combined for the Santa Fe—while the Santa Fe hybrid can reach 36 mpg combined; the Pathfinder has no hybrid option. Pricing starts at just over $41,500 for the Pathfinder and just under $37,000 for the Santa Fe, or just over $38,000 for the hybrid.