Two SUVs with more similarities, such as the body structure, starting price, height, and maximum occupancy, than differences, like the model year, horsepower, fuel economy, and ground shadow size. First of all, there is a difference in model years. The is 2 years newer. Also, although the 2016 Santa Fe has a more powerful engine than the 2014 CX-9, it gets 1.5 more mpg. And finally, the Santa Fe is slightly smaller than the CX-9. Among similarities are the body structure, starting price, height, and maximum occupancy.