2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
Acura presents the 2025 ADX as the sophisticated, efficient choice, thrilling drivers with its refined 190 hp engine and promising 28 MPG combined. Buyers opting for the ADX lean into responsible cruising, underpinned by a lower starting price of $35,000 and a slender 185.8-inch footprint perfect for city navigation. Hyundai, conversely, unleashes the brute force of the 2026 Santa Fe, boasting a staggering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque—a colossal 87 hp advantage over its rival. While the Santa Fe demands slightly more at $34,800 and sacrifices some efficiency (24 MPG combined), its muscular output and larger 190.2-inch frame offer commanding road presence and serious pulling power. The dynamic tension here is between Acura’s economical polish and Hyundai’s dominant powertrain credentials.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX secures this spot by offering 4 MPG better combined fuel economy and a lower curb weight for easier city maneuvering.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is significantly larger in length (190.2 inches vs 185.8 inches) and height (67.7 inches vs 63.8 inches), suggesting greater cabin volume despite the lower listed cargo capacity.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
With 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, the Santa Fe delivers substantially more accessible power for spirited driving than the ADX's 190 hp.
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX undercuts the Santa Fe by $200 while delivering significantly superior fuel economy, offering tangible savings over time.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Maximizing fuel budget is the absolute top priority, enjoying the 28 MPG combined rating.
- Preferring a slightly more compact vehicle footprint for easier daily parking maneuvers.
- Seeking the marginally lower initial purchase price point at $35,000.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Unleashing power is paramount, valuing the 87 hp advantage and 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Needing the robust performance delivered by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- Prioritizing overall exterior stature, as the Santa Fe is noticeably longer and taller.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 190.2" |
| Width | 72.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 63.8" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How significant is the difference in daily running costs between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura ADX offers a 4 MPG advantage, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG, leading to notable yearly savings, especially considering the ADX only recommends premium fuel.
Will the difference in horsepower affect highway passing ability?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe’s 277 hp output provides far more immediate grunt than the ADX’s 190 hp, making merging and passing maneuvers feel significantly more effortless.
Which crossover feels larger inside despite the cargo space discrepancies?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is physically larger in all dimensions (longer, wider, and taller), which typically translates to greater passenger roominess than the 2025 Acura ADX.
What effect does the transmission type have on the driving feel?
Acura utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth, linear acceleration, whereas Hyundai pairs its power with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering more distinct gear changes.
Are these vehicles similarly sized for urban driving?
The 2025 Acura ADX is the smaller vehicle at 185.8 inches long, making it slightly nimbler than the 190.2-inch 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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