For me I'd go with the Santa Fe, its classier and the interior is great. Although the Outlander has the paddle shifters and the Rockford Fosgate Sound system, but you have to think about it how often will you use the paddle shifters, are your ears so sensitive that you need to listen to a good sound setup?

I have a Santa Fe the gas version and like you I was also choosing between the outlander and the santa fe. Things that turned me off of the outlander was:

1. no leather seats (although for an additional 50k I could have kelseat convert it into leather seats)
2. 2nd row seats were not that comfortable (very bench seat like)
3. only a 5 seater (i needed a 7 seater)
4. i was not impressed with the rockford fosgate sound system (it did not stand out over the standard sound system)

Although I did not test drive the Outlander so I cannot comment on the driving comfort. For the Santa Fe all I can say is its great to drive, as soon as you close the doors its so quiet inside, and the ride is just great very comfortable.

At the end of the day it all depends on your taste and what you are looking for in a car. For me I was looking for comfort and space.