2010 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (192 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 485 kg more than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe (436 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Hyundai Sonata. 2010 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4798 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1831 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2728 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
