Comparing SUVs like the 2022 Nissan Murano and 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe can be tough. Although they both serve the same purpose, there are a few differences that Consumer Reports found that gave the 2022 Nissan Murano an easy victory over the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe.
| Specs | 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2022 Nissan Murano |
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4 hybrid (226 hp)1.6-liter 4 hybrid (261 hp)2.5-liter 4 turbo (281 hp) 2.5-liter 4 (191 hp) |
3.5-liter V6 (260 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic6-speed Automatic8-speed Sequential | CVT |
| Overall fuel economy | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 10 seconds (2.5-liter) | 7.8 seconds |
What did Consumer Reports think of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Quartz White 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai
Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe an overall score of 58/100. Despite this model’s popularity and reputation, that score means it falls short of CR’s recommended list.
Consumer Reports found plenty of aspects of the newest Santa Fe. The review says the Santa Fe handles well, has good brakes, plenty of room, and rides smoothly. It would seem, at least on the surface, that Hyundai’s major refresh for the 2021 Santa Fe had some good results, including a hybrid version.
This means the 2022 Santa Fe now comes with four engine options: 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid (226 hp), 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid (261 hp), turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (281 hp), 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 hp). It even has three gear box-options.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
If a low Consumer Reports score seems confusing at first, you can almost always assume it means there are some reliability concerns. CR rated the new Hyundai crossover at a two out of five for predicted reliability.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a streaked past when it comes to reliability. Although Hyundai has made tremendous progress across the board, earlier Santa Fes struggled with various things. Many of the problems stemmed from paint and body hardware degradation, while some owners have seen more serious trouble with the transmission.
Without reliability, it is hard for any model to do well on CR. Reliability is too important to overlook, and for that reason, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe was utterly demolished by the 2022 Nissan Murano.
Is the 2022 Nissan Murano a good car?
While the Hyundai shows a wide range of scores and colors on its score sheet, the Nissan Murano is far less dramatic and far more uniform. Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Nissan Murano an 81/100.
This score is far less complicated and surprising than the Hyundai’s. Nissan may not have made the most exciting crossover with the Murano, but it does what it is supposed to do.
Unlike the Hyundai, the Nisan Murano only has one engine and transmission. The 3.5-liter V6 makes an impressive 260 hp, which CR says has nice power delivery. However, the steering is a bit vague and light compared to the Hyundai.
Although its lack of engine diversity may seem like a con, it is likely why CR found it to be so reliable. The predicted reliability score is a four out of five, which should instill confidence in buyers. However, CR also notes that customer satisfaction is a bit on the low side.
With crossovers like the Murano, lower customer satisfaction is expected. That isn’t a knock on the Nissan, it is just a common pattern. The simpler models that are more geared toward function over lifestyle are usually better cars that customers like less than others. Take the Jeep Wrangler for instance. It earned the lowest score of any SUV on CR, yet has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings. This pattern plays out the same way with very few exceptions.
Keyword: How Did the 2022 Nissan Murano Beat the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe So Bad on Consumer Reports