2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between a budget-friendly crossover and something that blends SUV utility with a truck bed? That's the core dilemma here, comparing the extremely affordable 2025 Chevrolet Trax against the versatile 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Trax immediately impresses with an MSRP starting at just $20,500, undercutting the Santa Cruz by a substantial $9,000. This lower price comes with superior running costs, as the Trax delivers a combined 30 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG. However, practicality shifts in favor of the larger Santa Cruz, which boasts 191 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp. While the Trax is smaller at 178.6 inches long and offers 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the Santa Cruz provides more overall bulk, indicating greater passenger or payload capacity, despite being less fuel-efficient for daily driving.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $20,500 starting MSRP and better fuel economy rating of 30 combined MPG.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is likely better for families as its larger dimensions (195.7 inches long) suggest more interior space for passengers and gear.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Trax's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers clear value by saving buyers $9,000 upfront while still providing very respectable 32 MPG highway efficiency.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You absolutely need the lowest possible purchase price, starting at just $20,500.
- You prioritize fuel savings, benefiting from the Trax’s 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring only 178.6 inches in length for easier city parking.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need extra power, as the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp compared to the Trax’s 137 hp.
- You require the versatility of a small truck bed combined with SUV seating (unique to the Santa Cruz).
- You prefer a smoother shifting experience via the Santa Cruz’s 8-speed automatic transmission over the Trax’s 6-speed.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.8" | 75.0" |
| Height | 61.4" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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) | 28/32 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 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 | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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 Trax and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the major difference in initial cost between the 2025 Trax and the 2026 Santa Cruz?
The price gap is significant; the Chevrolet Trax starts at $20,500, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz has an MSRP of $29,500, meaning you save $9,000 by choosing the Trax.
Is the performance gap between these two vehicles noticeable for daily driving?
Yes, the Santa Cruz has a noticeable advantage with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel efficiency compare for highway cruising?
The Trax is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway compared to the Santa Cruz’s 30 MPG highway rating.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and does that affect utility?
The Santa Cruz is significantly larger, measuring 195.7 inches long versus the Trax’s 178.6 inches; this greater length usually translates to more interior or utility space, a key differentiator from the Trax crossover design.
Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands more expensive fuel; both the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
How does the transmission specification differ between the two models?
The Trax uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the more powerful Santa Cruz steps up to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother operation across its wider gear range.
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