VS
At a Glance
Power
277hp @ 5800
210hp @ 5500
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
230lb-ft
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
1.6 L/98cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa FE and the Jeep Cherokee is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa FE delivers 277hp @ 5800 while the Jeep Cherokee produces 210hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $35,050 for the Santa FE and $43,000 for the Cherokee. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
277hp @ 5800
210hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
230lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
1.6 L/98cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
39mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
13.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
188.1in
Width (in)
74.8in
74.7in
Height (in)
69.7in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
113in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4486lbs
4295lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa FE
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa FE
Lower starting price ($35,050)
Few notable weaknesses
Jeep Cherokee
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa FE or Cherokee?
The Santa FE produces 277hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Cherokee delivers 210hp @ 5500 and 230lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa FE and Cherokee?
The Santa FE starts from $35,050 and the Cherokee from $43,000. The Santa FE is cheaper by $7,950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa FE or Cherokee?
The Santa FE has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Cherokee can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa FE or the Cherokee?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.