Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Santa Fe
The Chevrolet Equinox is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 109 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe, a 73 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Chevrolet Equinox leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Chevrolet Equinox
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Chevrolet Equinox | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 109 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 117 mpg ✓ | 37 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 100 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $700 ✓ | $1,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 310 g/mi | 111 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1), Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity, Regular, Premium | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 57 | 90 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Equinox vs Santa Fe: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Chevrolet Equinox is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 109 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe, a 73 mpg advantage and costs about $1,000 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Chevrolet Equinox runs about $700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,700 for the Hyundai Santa Fe — a difference of roughly $1,000 per year.
What engines do the Equinox and Santa Fe offer?
Chevrolet Equinox: SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV. Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Santa Fe as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Equinox comparisons
Comparison id: chevrolet-equinox-vs-hyundai-santa-fe