2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox presents a sharp, economical choice, boasting a nimble frame at 183.2 inches long and achieving 27 MPG combined. It offers 175 horsepower for its base FWD configuration, making it a dependable daily driver for routine tasks. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz excites with a longer wheelbase at 195.7 inches and slightly more punch, delivering 191 horsepower, though its combined fuel economy dips to 25 MPG. While the Equinox leans into efficiency with its CVT, the Santa Cruz offers a more engaging 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Priced narrowly apart—the Equinox starts at $28,600 versus the Santa Cruz’s $29,500—the decision hinges on whether sheer utility (Equinox's 29.8 cu ft cargo space) or a sportier dynamic is prioritized in this crossover comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox offers more traditional enclosed utility with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Cruz's open-bed format.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides more immediate power with 191 horsepower and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox undercuts the Santa Cruz on MSRP by $900 while delivering better mileage for general driving.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing miles per gallon, achieving 26 MPG in the city.
- You need the lower entry price point, starting at $28,600 MSRP.
- You prefer a more compact footprint at 183.2 inches in length for easier urban maneuvering.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You desire more assertive acceleration from the 191 horsepower engine.
- You prefer the driving feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You benefit from the greater exterior length (195.7 inches) potentially implying more passenger room or utility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 74.9" | 75.0" |
| Height | 65.6" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 181 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 | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway driving based on MPG figures?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz technically shows a higher highway rating at 30 MPG compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG. However, the Equinox maintains a much stronger 26 MPG city rating, making its overall profile potentially more balanced for varied driving needs.
How does the performance difference between the 175 hp Equinox and the 191 hp Santa Cruz translate in real-world use?
The 16 horsepower advantage belongs to the Santa Cruz, which pairs this with a slightly lower torque figure of 181 lb-ft versus the Equinox's 184 lb-ft. This small difference, combined with the Santa Cruz's traditional transmission, should provide a slightly punchier feel during acceleration.
Is the larger size of the Santa Cruz reflected in its cargo capacity?
The provided specs show the Equinox having 29.8 cubic feet of enclosed cargo capacity. Since the Santa Cruz is a truck-based crossover, its cargo volume figures aren't directly comparable as they rely on the open bed dimensions, which are not listed.
What is the major transmission difference affecting the driving experience?
The 2025 Equinox uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration often prioritizing fuel economy. The 2026 Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers a more conventional, engaging shift feel for enthusiasts.
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz list regular unleaded fuel as their required type, avoiding the higher cost associated with premium fuels.
Which crossover offers a more economical purchase price?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers a lower starting MSRP at $28,600, saving the buyer $900 compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's starting price of $29,500.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool