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The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD emerged as the narrow winner in a rigorous, points-based comparison of six popular mid-size, five-seat SUVs, narrowly beating the Honda Passport by a single point. The test, conducted by automotive experts, evaluated vehicles on 17 criteria, including comfort, technology, driving dynamics, and value. The results reveal a competitive field where strengths and weaknesses are balanced differently in each model, making the final ranking highly dependent on a buyer's priorities.
The resurgence of the five-seat mid-size SUV segment is evident with new entries like the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and 2019 Honda Passport, alongside a redesigned 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. They were tested against established rivals: the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Murano. All test vehicles were well-equipped, featuring all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), with prices ranging from $39,905 to $51,975. The final ranking was: 1. Hyundai Santa Fe, 2. Honda Passport, 3. Ford Edge, 4. Nissan Murano, 5. Chevrolet Blazer, 6. Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The winner was determined by scoring each vehicle across 17 separate categories. These categories were designed to assess the real-world ownership experience for families and daily drivers. They included:
This method ensures the evaluation goes beyond simple performance specs to assess how these SUVs perform in everyday life.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe won primarily on the strength of its tremendous value and user-friendly controls. With an as-tested price of $39,905—over $12,000 less than the most expensive Jeep Grand Cherokee—the Santa Fe offered a generous list of luxury features and the segment's best warranties. Its vehicle user interface was praised as a "master class," with a responsive touchscreen, logical physical buttons, and a useful head-up display (HUD). HUD is a system that projects key information, like speed and navigation, onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road. It also won the cargo category, offering excellent space and utility.
The Santa Fe's main weakness was its optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which judges found to be the least refined powertrain in the test. However, for shoppers prioritizing technology, space, and getting the most for their money, the Santa Fe's advantages were decisive.
The 2019 Honda Passport claimed second place by being an incredibly practical and spacious vehicle. It scored decisive wins in visibility and in-cabin storage, with a "gigantic" center bin and a wide-open cabin feel. The backseat was also a highlight, offering ample room, a sliding function for flexibility, and rear sunshades.
The Passport was dragged down by its much-criticized infotainment system, which lacks a tuning knob and uses distracting touch-sensitive buttons. Its push-button gear selector was also deemed unintuitive. Despite these tech shortcomings, the Passport's fundamental strengths as a comfortable and versatile people-hauler made it a top contender.
The remaining SUVs each had standout qualities but were hampered by significant flaws that affected their overall ranking.
#3 2019 Ford Edge Titanium AWD ($48,210): The Edge excelled in safety technology, offering adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability—a feature unmatched by others in the test. It also combined ride and handling competence better than most. Its major drawback was an underpowered and peaky turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that recommended premium gasoline for maximum performance, hurting its value score.
#4 2019 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD ($46,420): The Murano impressed with a luxurious, high-quality interior and achieved the best observed fuel economy (26.4 mpg) despite having a V-6 engine. It also accommodated child-safety seats better than any other model. However, it felt dated, with poor handling, the smallest cargo area, and outdated interior technology.
#5 2019 Chevrolet Blazer Premier AWD ($49,290): Judges found the Blazer to be the most fun-to-drive SUV, with sharp handling and a strong V-6 engine. However, it finished near the bottom due to a critical lack of standard safety features like automatic emergency braking on a nearly $50,000 vehicle, resulting in a dismal value score.
#6 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X 4x4 ($51,975): The Grand Cherokee, the oldest design in the test, offered a plush ride and superior off-road capability. Yet, it ranked last due to a cramped, low-slung backseat, the highest price, and disappointing fuel economy. Its age showed against newer, more family-focused competitors.
This comparison test demonstrates that there is no single "best" SUV, but rather the best SUV for your specific needs. Based on our assessment experience, here are the final recommendations:
Ultimately, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe wins by delivering a compelling package of features, space, and value that narrowly outweighs the strengths of its capable competitors.
