With the annual NCAA basketball tournament right around the corner, we all got to thinking… what would a March Madness-style tournament of the best cars in America look like?
So, to celebrate the month of March, here it is. We’re pitting a bunch of brand’s best-selling SUVs against one another, and we’re gonna see who comes out on top this year. Place your bets now, everyone!
Round One: Elite Eight
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has been one of the most popular and reliable SUVs for years, but the Santa Fe is no stranger to the spotlight either. And for 2024, it’s sporting a brand-new look with tons of awesome features.
On paper, both are pretty evenly matched in terms of their powertrain options. Standard models are available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, and they both have hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that make them competitive for a wide range of lifestyles.
However, the new Santa Fe gets a big leg up with its improved dimensions. The 2024 model now boasts three rows, with massively greater passenger and cargo dimensions compared to the RAV4, which hasn’t seen a refresh in quite a while. The Santa Fe handily takes the victory as the best family SUV in this round.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Ford Bronco
Bronco is a storied nameplate with history dating back to the ‘60s, while the Crosstrek came onto the scene only about a decade ago. Despite the age difference, they both have some impressive off-road utility, albeit in wildly different ways.
In terms of overall trail-ready capability, the Bronco definitely has the edge. It has greater maximum ground clearance, better towing capacity, optional manual transmission for dialed performance, and it has what Ford called G.O.A.T. (Go On Any Terrain) mode, which does pretty much exactly what it promises, as long as the right tires are equipped.
The Crosstrek may not compete quite as well in the backcountry, but it makes up for it in its day-to-day practicality, making it perfect for the weekend warrior and casual crowd. It has impressive amenities and interior dimensions for its relatively compact size, and the fuel economy is nearly double what the Bronco offers. It’s also backed by Subaru’s sterling reputation for reliability.
In a lot of ways, the Crosstrek appeals to more people. Still, you simply can’t deny the outrageous overlanding fun that the Bronco offers, and despite its meager gas mileage, it still performs admirably on pavement. Bronco takes the W.
Jeep Renegade vs. Honda CR-V
Honda fans are famously loyal, and when you check out the CR-V, it’s easy to see why—hybrid option, fantastic fuel mileage even in the gas model, and one of the best bang-for-your-buck vehicles on the market. It has rock-solid safety scores, and while its comfort and infotainment offerings aren’t the best around, most buyers wouldn’t even notice. It’s just a great all-around SUV.
We figured we’d give the Renegade one last shot, because word on the street is that it’s soon to be discontinued. With the Renegade, it seems that Jeep tries to split the difference between their classic Wrangler model and the more city-oriented subcompacts that are so popular these days. In a lot of ways, it succeeds.
The Renegade has some respectable tech offerings, it’s deceptively roomy, and it handles the trail far better than many other SUVs in its class. But it just doesn’t have enough of any specific category to make it noteworthy, so the CR-V is the victor.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Chevrolet Trax
Mazda is now apparently considered a luxury brand, so it may seem unfair to pit them against Chevy, but given the Trax’s recent glow-up, we felt it was fit to compete.
After a total redesign, the Trax is way bigger on the inside, and it retains its modest price point from the previous generation, which makes it an all-around great value SUV. In fact, even the higher trim levels have an MSRP of well under 30k, so you can spring for the better amenities and tech features without breaking the bank.
There’s no doubt that the CX-50 feels more luxe, and its engine is capable of leaving the Trax in the dust. It also has standard all-wheel drive and better trailering numbers, which makes it safer overall and much more versatile for families with active lifestyles.
The CX-50 may cost a bit more, but you’re absolutely getting what you pay for. Mazda takes the win.
Round Two: Final Four
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Bronco
While you probably won’t find the Santa Fe in the deep woods fording through mud and muck like the Bronco, its available all-wheel drive and generous clearance makes it perfectly capable of doing some pretty impressive off-roading. It also has some seriously cool extra features to complement its rugged looks, like the hidden handle in the C-pillar that makes it easier to access rooftop cargo.
Even the four-door Bronco is significantly smaller, and its meager fuel economy gives it limited utility in the city. So, while it may be a heck of a good time, unless you’re spending multiple weekends a month doing some serious mudding, the Santa Fe is going to get you and your family out in nature more comfortably and for a lot less money. Santa Fe wins this round.
Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 isn’t that much more expensive than the CR-V, but it’s still enough that you’re going to notice when you cut the check. So, does the CX-50 have enough high-end features to justify its price tag?
The Mazda boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment screen in all trims, as well as industry standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Honda, on the other hand, has two available touch screen displays, both of which are smaller. But it has mostly the same connectivity features, although more of them require a wired connection. Upgraded CX-50 options tend to show up at lower trim levels, while extras like wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi capability, and a premium sound system require you to buy the higher-end CR-V trims.
The CR-V is quite a bit bigger on the inside though, with about six more cubic feet of total passenger volume and almost 20 cubic feet more cargo volume with the rear seats folded down. It also has the hybrid engine option, which give it the clear edge in terms of city gas mileage. The CR-V also has better safety ratings overall, earning the highest designation from the IIHS in the 2023 model year.
It’s a close one for sure, but the CR-V ekes out a win for its value, interior space, and safety scores.
Championship Match: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Honda CR-V
The moment we’ve all been waiting for, folks—who will be taking home the grand prize today?
Once again, the Santa Fe benefits from getting a recent redesign. It has an imposing 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless device integration across all trims, as well as multiple USB ports in the front and rear. It also has a standard 12-volt power outlet, and higher trims even have a 110-volt outlet to power larger appliances.
The Santa Fe also takes the cake easily when it comes to the amount of space on the inside. It has almost 50 more cubic feet of total passenger volume, which translates to more head, leg, and shoulder room for everyone, and it does so while maintaining more cargo space at the same time.
Official safety scores for the new body style Santa Fe have yet to be released, but Hyundai is famous for making some of the safest vehicles on the market. Both SUVs have an impressive smattering of standard ADAS like advanced cruise control, forward collision braking, and lane keeping assistance. However, the Santa Fe has a few extra optional goodies, including an advanced surround view monitor.
Finally, the Santa Fe benefits from Hyundai’s unparalleled warranty, which includes 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited protection, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection, and five years of complementary roadside assistance. Unfortunately, Honda just can’t compete, and the Santa Fe earns a decisive victory as the best new SUV.
Shop Hyundai Santa Fe in Miami
If you’re in South Florida and you’re looking for a championship-worthy SUV, give our friendly staff at Braman Miami Hyundai a call at (786) 623-4261. We have tons of specials on new and certified-pre-owned vehicles every day of the year, so there are a million ways to save on a Hyundai Santa Fe.
