Close Santa Fe vs Passport: Which SUV Suits You in Waco?
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport comes down to what you want from a midsize SUV. Both offer strong family appeal, generous space, and modern safety features, but they solve different buyer needs. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for buyers who want more flexibility, especially with available hybrid powertrains, three-row seating, strong fuel economy, and Hyundai's longer warranty coverage. The Honda Passport takes a different route. It focuses on V6 power, standard all-wheel drive, rugged capability, and a more adventure-ready setup. Read on as we break down the key differences in performance, comfort, features, ownership costs, and daily usability so you can decide which SUV fits your Waco lifestyle better.
Quick Verdict: Santa Fe vs Passport
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Value SUV | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Best for Rugged Driving and Towing | Honda Passport |
| Best for Fuel Efficiency | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
| Best for Warranty Coverage | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Best for Simple V6 Performance | Honda Passport |
Performance & Engine Comparison
| Feature | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L turbo gas and 1.6L turbo hybrid | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | Up to 277 hp on gas models | 285 hp |
| Torque | Up to 311 lb-ft on gas models | 262 lb-ft |
| Powertrain Options | Gas, Hybrid | Gas only |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD depending on trim | Standard AWD |
| Transmission | Automatic / hybrid automatic setup | 10-speed automatic |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 4,500 lbs on XRT, 3,500 lbs on most gas trims | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Driving Character | Comfort focused, efficient, family friendly | Stronger, more rugged, trail oriented |
The Santa Fe gives buyers more choice. If you want better efficiency, the hybrid makes a strong case. If you want a gas model with solid output, the turbocharged 2.5L is still competitive. The Passport is more straightforward. Every trim gets the same 285 hp V6, standard AWD, and a stronger towing ceiling, which makes it more appealing for buyers who regularly carry gear, tow, or drive on rougher routes.
Interior & Comfort Comparison
| Feature | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Layout | Three rows, 6 or 7 seats depending on trim | Two rows, 5 seats |
| Passenger Volume | 152.0 cu ft gas, 151.0 cu ft hybrid | 119.1 cu ft on RTL trims |
| Cargo Behind Front Seats | 79.6 cu ft | Up to 104.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 40.5 cu ft | 44.0 cu ft |
| Third Row | Yes | No |
| Front/Second Row Legroom | 44.4 / 42.3 in | 41.1 / 40.9 in |
| Interior Feel | Modern, tech heavy, family oriented | Wide, practical, rugged, easy to use |
The Santa Fe is the better choice if you want occasional third-row utility and a family-focused cabin layout. The Passport has the advantage in pure two-row cargo practicality, especially with all seats down, and it feels more purpose-built for active lifestyles. So this comes down to whether you value extra seating flexibility or a roomier two-row cargo area.
Pros and Cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Hybrid option for much better fuel economy | Less rugged than Passport for trail-focused buyers |
| Three-row seating adds flexibility | Max towing still trails Passport |
| Strong warranty coverage | Third row is best for occasional use |
| Modern cabin and digital feel | Some buyers may prefer more physical controls |
| Better value for efficiency-focused families |
Honda Passport
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong 285 hp V6 performance | No hybrid option |
| Standard AWD across the lineup | Lower fuel economy |
| 5,000 lb towing capacity | Higher starting price |
| More off-road ready design and hardware | No third row |
| Large two-row cargo area | Warranty coverage is shorter than Hyundai's |
Safety & Reliability Comparison
| Feature | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Honda Sensing |
| Key Active Safety | FCA, blind spot warning, lane keeping, safe exit assist | Collision mitigation braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise |
| Warranty | Hyundai 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain | Honda 3 year/36,000 mile limited and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain |
| Ownership Confidence | Strong value through warranty | Strong brand reputation and proven V6 formula |
Both SUVs are well equipped for safety. The real difference is ownership and peace of mind. Hyundai's warranty remains one of its biggest advantages, while Honda relies more on reputation, simplicity, and established long-term buyer trust.
Ownership Cost, Resale Value & Depreciation
| Factor | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Around $34,300 for gas, $37,800 for hybrid | Around $44,950 |
| Fuel Costs | Lower with hybrid option | Higher because all trims use V6 gas power |
| Maintenance Approach | Value oriented with strong warranty backing | Simpler non-hybrid ownership but higher fuel spend |
| Warranty Value | Major advantage | Standard for the segment |
| Resale Outlook | Competitive, supported by newer design and hybrid demand | Likely strong among buyers wanting V6 AWD midsize SUVs |
Santa Fe is the easier value argument for most households. It starts lower, gives hybrid choice, and comes with stronger warranty backing. The Passport costs more upfront, but it justifies part of that with standard AWD, V6 power, and stronger towing and off-road credentials.
Color Options
| Category | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Common Shades | White, Black, Silver, Gray, Blue | White, Black, Silver, Gray, Green, Orange |
| Style Direction | Urban, modern, upscale | Rugged, outdoorsy, adventure oriented |
| Trim Personality | Clean and premium | Trail ready and more aggressive |
The Santa Fe feels more premium and city-friendly in its presentation, while the Passport—especially in TrailSport form—pushes a more rugged visual identity.
Who Should Buy Which
| Criteria | Where Santa Fe Stands Out | Where Passport Fits Better |
|---|---|---|
| Price & Value | Lower entry price and better efficiency options | Higher price but more standard capability |
| Interior Flexibility | Best for buyers who want three rows | Best for buyers who want a roomy two-row SUV |
| Fuel Efficiency | Strong lead with hybrid trims | Fine for V6 buyers, but not efficient |
| Performance | Well balanced for everyday driving | Stronger, more confident towing and trail feel |
| Cargo Utility | Good family cargo space with extra seats | Better if you prioritize two-row cargo room |
| Technology | More digital and upscale | Simpler and more functional |
| Warranty | Major advantage | Standard coverage |
| Adventure Use | Light adventure and family travel | Better fit for towing, trails, and outdoor gear hauling |
Driving & Usage Comparison
| Scenario | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Daily Commuting | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
| Family Use | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Long Distance Fuel Savings | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
| Third Row Flexibility | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Towing and Outdoor Gear Hauling | Honda Passport |
| Off-Road or Rough Road Confidence | Honda Passport |
| Simple V6 Ownership | Honda Passport |
| Best All-Around Value | Hyundai Santa Fe |
Final Verdict
For most midsize SUV buyers, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the more complete value pick. It gives you more flexibility with gas and hybrid powertrains, offers available third-row seating, starts at a lower price, and backs the ownership experience with much stronger warranty coverage.
The Honda Passport is the better choice for a more specific buyer. If you want standard AWD, V6 power, stronger towing, and a more rugged two-row SUV that feels ready for trails, gear, and weekend travel, the Passport makes a very strong case.
Choose the Santa Fe if your priority is efficiency, family flexibility, and overall value.
Choose the Passport if your priority is capability, cargo practicality in a two-row setup, and a more adventure-focused drive.
FAQs: Santa Fe vs Passport
1. Which is better, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Honda Passport?
The better SUV depends on what you need. The Santa Fe is stronger for value, hybrid efficiency, and family flexibility. The Passport is stronger for V6 performance, towing, standard AWD, and rugged use.
2. Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have better fuel economy than the Honda Passport?
Yes. The Santa Fe Hybrid is much more efficient, reaching up to 36 mpg combined in FWD form, while the Passport is rated around 20 to 21 mpg combined depending on trim.
3. Is the Honda Passport bigger than the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The answer depends on what you mean by bigger. The Santa Fe offers three-row seating and more total passenger volume, while the Passport offers a larger two-row cargo layout with the rear seats folded.
4. Which SUV is better for towing a trailer or boat?
The Honda Passport is better for towing with a 5,000 lb capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 4,500 lb maximum (on XRT trim). The Passport's standard V6 and AWD setup also provides more confidence when towing heavier loads regularly.
5. Which is the better family SUV for daily driving in Waco?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the better family SUV for daily driving in Waco. The available third row gives you flexibility for carpools and family trips, the hybrid option cuts fuel costs significantly for regular commuting around Central Texas, and Hyundai's longer warranty provides better long-term value and peace of mind for families. The Santa Fe's modern cabin and tech features also make it more comfortable for everyday use with kids.