Ford Territory vs Hyundai Santa Fe: Comparison

The seven-seat SUV market is undergoing something of a renaissance. The diesel engine has made its presence known here, offering the driveability of its petrol counterparts with the economy family buyers so desperately deserve.

But in sorting two of the most popular and well specified seven-seaters on the Australian market, the pair of vehicles on test stood head-and-shoulders above the crowd. Indeed, picking a winner here was always going to be tough.

To help our judges place the contenders in order, we rated the vehicles against a set of criteria. It’s a standard formula we use when comparing like-for-like rivals, tweaked in this instance to cater for the added demands of the life of the modern family.

Since its launch in 2004, Ford’s Territory SUV has established itself as a firm favourite of Aussie families.

But with the steady growth in the popularity of diesel power, and new competitors looking to capitalise on one of the most popular sectors of the Australian new vehicle market, the category is undergoing constant reinvention that presents new challenges to established players.

One such upwardly mobile competitor is Hyundai’s Santa Fe, an all-new version of which was released in September 2012 with clear ambitions to go head-to-head with the likes of the Territory, Holden’s Captiva and other large SUV players.

The handsomely-styled Hyundai boasts high-quality fit and finish, enhanced on-road dynamics, an extensive list of standard equipment and improved NVH as part of its sales repertoire.

It brings this to bear against an Aussie family favourite in the Territory which, despite its age, still boasts rugged good looks and much-admired utility, thanks to strategic upgrades including the adoption of a diesel engine and styling upgrade with the launch of the SZ Series in 2011.

The big Ford holds doggedly to its place at or near the top of the SUV sales charts but, as an Australian-made product with limited export markets, it more than ever feels the heat of imports surging ashore on the back of a strong Aussie dollar. Imports like the new Santa Fe.

So, can this upwardly mobile and newly updated challenger from South Korea usurp the dominant Australian-made Territory from its place at the head of the large SUV sales charts?

Ford Territory Titanium AWD TDCi

Fortunately, this has been achieved without making the ride overly stiff-legged. The Hyundai does pick up more small-amplitude bumps than the Ford, the sort of tiny road chatter that can become annoying over time, but it rides the big humps well and takes potholes in its stride without transmitting excess bump-thump to the cabin.

Compared to the Territory, the Santa Fe handles with less float, there’s noticeably less vertical body movement over humps and bumps, and less roll in bends. This more immediate sense of connection with the road will probably be to the liking of many, even though the Ford ultimately has a dynamic edge in both ride and handling.

The steering is light, with a little too much power-assistance for our money, but this is a trait likely to be appreciated in the tight confines of car parks and shopping centres.  It can also be tailored for individual driver tastes via the Flex Steer system, which provides Comfort, Normal or Sport modes, each setting changing the steering weighting slightly.

Beneath the bonnet is Hyundai’s new 2.2-litre R-Series diesel, which dispenses 145kW and 421Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s an impressively smooth drivetrain that delivers excellent in-gear acceleration and strong mid-range torque, with official fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km,

You tend to use a little more throttle in the four-cylinder Santa Fe than the V6 Territory; the smaller engine demanding a lower gear and a few more revs than the bigger V6, most notably in hilly terrain or when getting away from a standing start. 

Despite this, fuel consumption throughout our drive was in the vicinity of 8.5L/100km, slightly better than the Territory, which returned 9.5L/100km in similar conditions. 

The heavier (by about 140kg), bigger Ford has the edge in general dynamics with a smoother all-surface ride, sweeter electric steering and a more upright seating position for passengers who are able to watch the world go by through a more generous glass area – especially in the third-row seats.

And the 140kW/440Nm 2.7-litre diesel V6, although its outputs are roughly equivalent to the 2.2-litre four-cylinder Santa Fe (145kW/436Nm), is easier going, noticeably smoother and generally more refined. It matches well with the sequential six-speed ZF auto to make for a more relaxed driving experience, free of frenetic up or down changes when put under pressure.

That said however, the dynamic differences between the two vehicles are incremental, not massive.

The combination of a bigger engine and greater all-up weight does mean the all-wheel drive Titanium-spec Territory consumes more diesel (9.0L/100km vs. 7.3L/100km) and pumps out more CO2 (236g/km vs. 192g/km) than the flagship oil-burning Santa Fe.

The Territory’s AWD system is different from the Hyundai’s too. It is a full-time system driving all four wheels via an “active” transfer case with a centre differential, where the Santa Fe uses the more common on-demand system that operates as a front-drive until extra traction is required.

Bottom line is that while the Ford – which has been with us for eight years – is a bit old-school compared with the “Storm Edge” design theme of the Hyundai, it was soundly-enough designed in the first place to still hold its ground dynamically against far more contemporary newcomers.

The range kicks off from $36,990, but the flagship Highlander variant, tested here with diesel-power and auto-transmission, comes in at $49,990. That’s the better part of $12,000 less expensive than the Territory, meaning the Korean SUV makes a compelling value statement right from the outset.

The price difference might be less significant if the Hyundai lacked for any key features against the Territory, but in reality it matches and even exceeds the well-appointed Ford in practically every area. 

Standard Santa Fe features include three-mode power steering adjustment, Bluetooth with audio streaming, dual-zone air conditioning, auto-on/off headlights, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, and electric windows/mirrors.

To this the Highlander adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, xenon headlights, a full-length glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat, electrically-heated and folding external mirrors, front and rear seat heaters, and a full-chrome grille.

The value equation is reinforced practically everywhere you look: there’s a full-size alloy spare versus the Ford’s steel-rim space saver; one-touch up and down electric driver’s window, versus the Territory’s one-touch down only; full electric seat adjustment for both driver and front passenger, versus its rival’s part-electric adjustment on the driver’s seat; and keyless entry and go, versus the Ford’s conventional key, with remote central locking function.  

The Territory might come with a fold-down Alpine DVD entertainment system for rear passengers, standard sat nav, climate-control air-conditioning, leather trim, tinted rear glass and a premium sound system, but so also – apart from the rear-seat DVD – does the Santa Fe Highlander. In fact, it adds a bit more, including larger 19-inch wheels, Xenon headlights with washers, king-size glass sunroof, keyless start and a power seat for the front passenger as well as the driver.

In the end, the Ford feels less premium than the Hyundai, in terms not just of standard equipment, but also smaller details such as the un-damped grab handles above the doors and the hole plonked in the (low-set) rear centre armrest that serves as a drink holder. Although the Ford acquired a quality upgrade with the introduction of the SZ series facelift this year, the general interior appearance is decidedly less luxe than the Hyundai.

This is not to say the Ford is badly lacking in amenities. The array of thoughtful design features – split tailgate, fore-aft centre row seat adjustment and an abundance of cubbies throughout the interior – stands the big SUV in good stead today.

However, in the end, a before on-roads price well north of $60,000 justifiably leaves potential buyers asking why there isn’t more.

Hyundai’s interior design team have thrown everything at the task of shifting model perception from practical and utilitarian to upmarket and aspirational, and for the most part they’ve succeeded.

There’s leather stitching around the doors and seats, the latter sculpted, perforated and looking sporty enough to occupy the cabin of a luxury car. Similarly, the thick-rimmed steering wheel comes leather-clad and arrayed with buttons for the cruise control, telephone, audio and more.

The instruments are backlit and deeply recessed in sporty hooded cowels, at the centre is a small high-resolution graphic icon of a vehicle that appears as you start or stop the car, accompanied by a mildly annoying chime that plays a farewell each time you switch off.

The well-designed centre stack has a technical, robotic look about it, housing a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen, flanked by a large array of buttons for the HVAC and audio controls. This can be a tad bewildering at first but it’s all fairly logical with large buttons that are easier to use than the fiddly Ford counterparts.

A full-length panoramic sunroof with a fabric interior cover lets in plenty of light when required and helps make the cabin feel nice and airy, even if it does rob some headroom.

So the SZ series Territory, in most of the important ways, is designed to look fresh over the long haul. The quality of the interior trim, the
attention to ensuring everything fits together neatly with minimal gaps where two parts meet and the robustness of the switches and controls is reassuring. The brand’s family-car history is a good background for long-term resistance to use and abuse – the Territory’s simple, pull-up lever and brake is an example.

That said, the Territory is clearly not Japanese or, these days, South Korean, in the impression it makes on first-time viewers. There’s less focus on bling and more on just getting the job done.

The seats, for example, are big, properly padded and proven performers in keeping passengers fresh after hours on the road, even if there’s no electric adjustment on the front passenger side, even in Titanium spec. And the seatback pockets, though
they may not look particularly classy (like the open mesh ones in the
Santa Fe), are at least there, do the job and are unlikely to fall
apart.

Riding two-up in the second row proved comfortable enough but adding a middle passenger meant occupants sat shoulder-to-shoulder, with the middle seat proving distinctly uncomfortable.

Entry and egress to the second row is very good, and the 40-20-40 split-fold arrangement includes a folding centre armrest that allows through-loading from the rear, something the Territory lacks.

Third-row accommodation is, as always, a compromise. The seat squab is firm and flat, ensuring taller occupants sit in a knee-up position. There’s less foot room than in the Ford and less headroom, but the Hyundai’s third-row passengers do at least get their own air vents and fan controls.

It’s back here in particular that you see Hyundai has clearly sacrificed interior utility for exterior style; the combination of a rising waistline, and plunging roofline conspire to rob third-row headroom. A small porthole-style rear window does little to enhance vision, leading to the conclusion that the Territory’s third row is a lighter, airier and less claustrophobic place to be.

In general, the Territory fares better in almost every aspect of second and third-row seat comfort, but the Hyundai wins back ground with simpler, lighter seat folding mechanisms and general ease of operation. The third row in particular folds effortlessly into the floor and the fact it’s a proper 50-50 split, unlike the single-piece Territory seat, means you can use one of the rear seats and still have luggage space available.

Ford Territory
The Territory was purpose-designed to do all the jobs required of a big SUV. The second-row seat is wide enough to take three adult passengers comfortably and there is that nice, high-set commanding view of the road.

But the third-row seat is not only tricky to put in place, but the lower cushion is also narrow and no split-fold is provided to help with carrying long items while still locating a passenger alongside. And, unlike the Hyundai, the tiny tots occupying the rearmost seat aren’t provided with air vents. Given the generous glass area, this could lead to discomfort on hot days.

On the other hand, the fore-aft sliding second-row seat (which varies the rearmost carrying capacity according to needs) which folds with the cushion to give a low, flat load area, the split tailgate with separate-opening rear window and a potential 2700kg (braked) towing capacity are the sort of things that could be a deciding factor for some customers.

With a measurably more accommodating rear load area – in fact the whole interior is bigger than the Santa Fe – the Territory does have an exploitable edge when packing for the annual family holiday. And there are no less than 30 interior storage compartments, including a lockable drawer under driver’s seat. The under-slung compact spare isn’t a favourite, but the Hyundai shares that shortfall too – although its wheel is at least full-size. A reversing camera is part of the Titanium package.

The Territory’s full-time all-wheel drive system, although it generally works away in the background without announcing itself to the driver, helps just that little bit on slippery road surfaces to maintain grip and stability. That said, the lack of a centre differential lock does limit the Territory’s ability in tighter, tricky off-road situations.

Secondary safety? Well, that is adequately addressed in the Territory with the normal array of front, side and head airbags supplemented by a kneebag for the driver. The Ford enjoys a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The inclusion of a centre differential lock for its all-wheel drive system gives the Hyundai an on-paper edge over the Territory in soft sand, snow or mud, while Downhill Brake Control uses the anti-lock brakes to slow progress in steep terrain.

Elsewhere, the list of active safety features extends to anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and Hill Start Assist.

On top of this comes a passive safety kit of seven airbags, including driver and passenger front airbags, side curtains and front-seat occupant side-impact airbags, plus a driver’s knee bag.

Other useful touches include auto headlamps and wipers, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, one-touch blinkers, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth telephony with audio streaming, satellite navigation, power windows and mirrors, a reversing camera and acoustic rear park assist, keyless entry, push-button start,  electrically-heated and folding external mirrors, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat, and more.

In short, the new Santa Fe arrives packed with all the safety and convenience features consumers could realistically expect at this price point. It’s a good looking, refined, highly specified and very attractive family SUV that threatens to make life very hard indeed for all of its rivals, not just the ageing Territory.

Ford has given its big SUV the basics without adding any frills to impress the so-called youthful market. The user is not left wanting when it comes to connecting with the electronic universe, and there is even a place to hold an iPod in the storage bin between the front seats.

So, while even the topline Territory may not yet have stepped up to safety aids such as blind-spot and lane-change warning devices, radar-enhanced cruise control and auto-parking technology, it does come with a rear vision camera, reversing sensors, automatic headlights and three-position memory settings for the driver’s seat.

But although Ford clearly has a hard case to argue – even factors such as warranties come into play, with Hyundai’s five-year coverage contrasting sharply with Ford’s three-year offering – there are a number of things in the Territory’s favour that could rule the Santa Fe right out for certain customers.

Apart from being slightly larger overall, with all the family-friendly advantages that can bring, the Ford’s subtly superior dynamics bring a bit more ease on long trips. And there is the undisputed advantage of a much greater potential towing capacity. The Santa Fe’s 2000kg (braked) maximum covers a fair range of possibilities, but it’s well short of the

Territory’s ability to take as much as 2700kg (braked). To do that, there is some added cost: It is necessary to option the $2284 (fitted, MRLP) heavy-duty tow pack, complete with load-levelling kit and only on all-wheel drive diesel versions.

However if towing a big trailer/caravan/boat is not on your agenda and you could manage without a bit of extra stretching space, the ultra-appealing
Santa Fe is undoubtedly the better proposition.

About the only thing missing when compared to the Ford is the rear-seat entertainment system. The Highlander’s impressive array of standard equipment, its classy interior and cutting-edge style would make the choice a no-brainer for many customers even without the price advantage. And the on-road performance is not that short of the Ford to make any appreciable difference.

All that, on top of the Santa Fe’s superior economy and emissions figures, sounds like more than enough . . .

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