2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 566 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (297 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1119 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
