| Ford and Hyundai have both updated
their midsize crossovers, the Edge and Santa Fe respectively,
with one automaker going further than the other. Ford really
went all out when redesigning the Edge with new interior
features, new powertrains, and a bold new face. They seem to
really be staying true to their old slogan, "bold moves."
Hyundai on the other hand, kept exterior changes very modest
that most people probably won't even notice or care for. Their
new
Tucson compact crossover will probably get more attention
until the Santa Fe gets a major overhaul, hopefully following
their new design trends. |
| 2011
Ford Edge |
vs |
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe |
 |
|
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| The exterior changes on the Santa
Fe are paltry in comparison to the Edge. The front fascia is
modestly modified with a new grille and bumper. The new Edge
however gets a major makeover with a bold and, well, edgy new
front fascia. The front grille is gargantuan taking up nearly
the entire front fascia, and is visually connected to the
headlights creating a unified one-piece look. It looks fresh and
up-to-date but perhaps a little too ostentatious for some. The
hood is also new to top off the bold look with squared-off
edges. All in all, the front fascia is now massive and sure to
get some looks from other drivers, perhaps out of fear (like the
Dodge Ram). |
|
|

The Edge's new grille looks big enough to swallow a person
whole, or at least small children perhaps. It's nice to see a
crossover with a more masculine persona rather than being soft
like most crossovers. |
|

The Santa
Fe is a bit bland, a little boring, and effeminate when next to
the Edge. It does look a little sleeker though with more curves
in the sheet metal. The new
grille is a subtle but welcomed change. |
|
|
|

The Edge's rear fascia isn't as dramatically changed as the
front. New tail lights give it a cleaner look with a simple red
and white pattern rather than the euro-style clear tail lights
that preceded them. A new chrome bar is placed underneath the
logo but not much else is new which is fine considering the rear
fascia was always the Edge's strong suit. |
|

The Santa Fe went in the opposite direction of the Edge and now comes with
clear tail lights that look more for the aftermarket than stock.
I thought this trend was thankfully beginning to die down but
Hyundai has proven me wrong. Only a few vehicles can pull off
the look with clear lights and the Santa Fe isn't one of them. |
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|
 |
| The Santa Fe gets a few new
features such as Bluetooth and an eco indicator but is no match
for what the Edge is bringing to the table. The Edge's interior
gets a complete overhaul with a new dash design but more
interesting are the features. Two LCD screens are added into the
gauge cluster on both sides of the speedometer that remains
analog. They're used to provide drivers with an array of
personalized information including the MyFord Touch system.
Another LCD screen is added in the center stack and can be
commanded using buttons, touch, or voice. You get features
usually only seen on higher-end vehicles such as adaptive cruise
control and collision warning plus Ford's signature features
such as a keyless entry keypad, SYNC, and a capless fuel tank.
All of it comes at a price though with a base Edge coming in
well over five grand more than the Santa Fe. |