2026 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2026 Honda Passport: Which SUV gives families the most space and smart tech around Indianapolis, IN?

Oct 29, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2026 Honda Passport: Which SUV gives families the most space and smart tech around Indianapolis, IN?

When families ask which midsize SUV puts more people, gear, and tech within easy reach, the answer comes down to two things: cabin configuration and the breadth of assistance technology. One is a two-row vehicle focused on rugged simplicity. The other adds a third row, more camera coverage, and thoughtful touches that take the stress out of daily driving and road trips. If your week is a mix of school drop-offs, youth sports, and weekend hikes, the right details matter more than ever.

Start with seating. A three-row layout lets you bring grandparents or teammates without resorting to a second vehicle. The available second-row captain’s chairs make the middle row as comfortable as the front, while an easy-folding rear row means you can switch between carrying people and bulky gear in seconds. Equally important is cargo access: a wide opening with a hands-free smart liftgate makes it easy to load strollers, coolers, and camping bins when your hands are full.

Technology is the second pillar, and it’s not just about entertainment. A full-display digital rearview mirror gives a clear camera view when the cargo area is stacked high. A 360-degree Surround View Monitor simplifies tight parking lots and trailheads, while Blind-Spot View Monitor projects a lane-side camera feed to the instrument cluster when you signal. Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go reduce fatigue on interstate stretches, and Remote Smart Parking Assist can even move the vehicle into or out of a tight spot while you stand outside with the key.

Families also appreciate a connected ecosystem that keeps daily life moving. Dual wireless device charging pads mean two phones can power up together. With Bluelink®, you can remotely start, lock, and monitor the vehicle, and over-the-air map and multimedia updates help keep the system current without a service visit. These small conveniences add up to big peace of mind over years of ownership.

How does a two-row, trail-focused competitor respond? It brings confident all-wheel drive and helpful camera views for off-road situations. That’s great for dirt roads and trailheads. But for many households, the missing third row and fewer driver-assistance enhancements limit day-to-day flexibility. If your route includes downtown garages, busy school zones, and cross-state interstate travel, the advantage swings to the SUV with more comprehensive camera coverage, lane centering support, and rear-occupant protection features baked into the lineup.

In short, if you want the family SUV that can do weekday carpools and weekend adventures equally well, choose the model that delivers all three: three-row seating, robust camera and driver assistance tech, and a connected experience designed for real life. That combination means fewer compromises when your schedule changes on the fly.

Family-ready packaging that adapts fast
Camera-based visibility that reduces stress
Driver assistance that helps on highways and in traffic
Connected features that streamline everyday tasks

Shoppers comparing these two SUVs around Indianapolis, IN often want a quick, practical answer. Here it is: if you’ll ever need more than five seats, or you value advanced assistance like camera-based blind-spot views and remote smart parking, the three-row option is the smarter long-term fit for family life. It also offers a hybrid powertrain for efficiency-minded drivers and a warranty that adds peace of mind for the road ahead.

We recommend a back-to-back test drive focusing on visibility, ease of parking, and how quickly the cabin converts from passenger duty to cargo hauling. Ask to try the camera mirror with the third row folded and gear stacked high, and practice loading from curbside using the hands-free liftgate. For many households, that’s all it takes to see which one solves more problems in a typical week.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I fit seven passengers comfortably for weekend trips?

Yes, the three-row configuration accommodates up to seven with available second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort and easy access to the third row.

How do the camera systems help in tight parking areas or on trails?

A 360-degree Surround View Monitor, a full-display digital rearview mirror, and Blind-Spot View Monitor provide camera perspectives that reduce guesswork in garages, school zones, and trailheads.

Is there a hybrid option for better efficiency without sacrificing capability?

Yes, the hybrid powertrain pairs with available all-wheel drive, delivering smooth, quiet performance alongside the added traction families want.

If you’re ready to see these features in action, schedule a drive and bring the family. Dorsett Hyundai will help you evaluate seating, storage, and tech in real-world scenarios and outline trim differences clearly. We are proudly serving Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Effingham with a customer-first approach that makes finding the right family SUV straightforward and enjoyable.