2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 2) and the 2025 Audi Q3 (Car 1) is the power output, with the Santa Fe producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque—a 49 hp advantage for Car 2. This power surge in the Santa Fe is achieved despite a $5,000 lower MSRP ($34,800 vs. $39,800). In terms of efficiency, the Santa Fe achieves slightly better combined fuel economy at 24 MPG versus the Q3's 23 MPG. However, the Q3 offers a slightly more compact footprint at 176.6 inches long, while the larger Santa Fe boasts significantly more height at 67.7 inches. The cargo capacity favors the Q3 substantially, offering 23.7 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its superior power (277 hp) and slightly better combined MPG of 24.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 is superior for families based on its substantially larger available cargo capacity of 23.7 cubic feet.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provides enthusiasts with significantly higher output metrics, generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers better value, offering 49 more horsepower for an initial MSRP that is $5,000 less than the Audi Q3.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- Cargo space is paramount, as the Audi Q3 offers 23.7 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
- A smaller vehicle footprint is preferred, as the Q3 is 13.6 inches shorter in length than the Santa Fe.
- Buyers desire standard All-Wheel Drive, as the Q3 comes standard with AWD while the Santa Fe utilizes FWD.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Maximum engine output is the priority, benefiting from 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Budget consciousness is key, given the $34,800 MSRP which undercuts the Q3 by $5,000.
- Slightly better fuel efficiency is desired, as the Santa Fe achieves 24 combined MPG versus the Q3's 23.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 190.2" |
| Width | 72.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 62.9" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 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 | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 54.9 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe holds a significant performance advantage, producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2025 Audi Q3 outputs 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 49 hp gap favoring the Santa Fe.
How do the cargo capacities compare between these two crossovers?
The Audi Q3 offers significantly more traditional cargo space, measured at 23.7 cubic feet. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provides less storage volume at 14.6 cubic feet, suggesting the Q3 better accommodates bulkier loads.
Is one vehicle more fuel-efficient than the other based on EPA estimates?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). The 2025 Audi Q3 is rated for 23 MPG combined (20 city/28 highway).
How large is the price disparity between the two base models?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has an MSRP of $34,800, which is exactly $5,000 less than the 2025 Audi Q3's starting price of $39,800.
Do both vehicles utilize the same drivetrain and transmission setup?
Both use an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, but their drive types differ: the standard 2025 Audi Q3 includes All-Wheel Drive, while the standard 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is Front-Wheel Drive.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 190.2 inches in length and 67.7 inches in height. The 2025 Audi Q3 is the more compact option at 176.6 inches long and 62.9 inches tall.
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