Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Honda Element to the dealership as the Hyundai.
The Hyundai Santa Fe pales in comparison to the Element with respect to gas mileage.
There isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Honda Element is somewhat more economical than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is considerably more expensive than the Honda Element as far as MSRP.
Utility
The Hyundai Santa Fe will most definitely prove handier than the Honda Element for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.
Towing is significantly more the Santa Fe's forte than it is the Element's.
Convenience
You quite certainly won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Honda Element than with the Hyundai Santa Fe, as both offer similar mileage ranges.
Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Honda's front cabin compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Honda Element is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the Santa Fe.
Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Hyundai Santa Fe than the Honda because of its larger tank.
The Honda Element and the Hyundai Santa Fe compete for the same parking spaces.
Performance
In terms of horsepower, the Santa Fe packs quite a punch and will knock the Honda Element down a few rungs. However, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
Handling
With their comparable turning radii, the Honda Element and the Hyundai most definitely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.
Drivetrain
The Honda Element's engine is a tad smaller than the Santa Fe's, but not terribly so.
Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Santa Fe is substantially more powerful than the Honda Element.
Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Honda Element isn't quite as generous as the Hyundai Santa Fe's.