2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$38,495 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a rugged, classic American SUV feel and modern, efficient refinement is tough when comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. If budget and long-term running costs matter, the Santa Fe starts with a solid advantage, costing $3,695 less than the Durango's $38,495 MSRP. This efficiency gap widens at the pump, as the Santa Fe delivers 24 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG, potentially saving hundreds annually. However, the Durango offers significantly more road presence, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Santa Fe’s 190.2 inches, and boasts higher base power with 295 hp versus 277 hp. While the Durango offers more overall size, buyers must weigh that against the Santa Fe's superior city fuel economy (20 MPG vs. 18 MPG) before settling on a purchase.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG highway against the Durango's 25 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango is better suited for families needing maximum interior volume, reflected in its larger physical dimensions and slightly greater stated cargo capacity of 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Durango's traditional Rear-Wheel Drive setup and superior peak power output of 295 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe presents better initial value, starting at $34,800, which is $3,695 cheaper than the Durango.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You need the commanding road presence provided by the Durango's larger 200.8-inch length and 72.1-inch height.
You prefer the traditional handling dynamics of a Rear-Wheel Drive platform.
You prioritize maximum raw power, as the Durango offers 295 horsepower compared to 277 hp in the Santa Fe.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Your primary concern is long-term running costs, highlighted by its 24 combined MPG rating.
You are focused on maximizing your budget, given the Santa Fe's lower starting MSRP of $34,800.
You drive frequently in city environments, where the Santa Fe achieves 20 MPG versus the Durango's 18 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	200.8"	190.2"
Width	75.8"	74.8"
Height	72.1"	67.7"
Wheelbase	119.8"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

How much more efficient is the Santa Fe than the Durango on the highway?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provides a noticeable efficiency edge on the highway, boasting 29 MPG highway, which is 4 MPG better than the 2025 Dodge Durango's rating of 25 MPG highway.

Is the Durango significantly larger than the Santa Fe?

Yes, the Durango feels substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, and it is also nearly 5 inches taller.

Which vehicle offers more towing or general utility based on specs?

While exact towing figures aren't listed, the Durango offers slightly more inherent cargo space at 17.2 cubic feet versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cubic feet. Additionally, the Durango's RWD platform can often support higher towing capacities in higher trims.

How does the base horsepower compare between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Dodge Durango leads in base output with 295 horsepower, while the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers a competitive 277 horsepower.

What is the total price difference between the entry-level models?

The base MSRP difference is $3,695, with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe starting at $34,800 and the 2025 Dodge Durango beginning at $38,495.

Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?

Fortunately, both the Durango and the Santa Fe are compatible with regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires a premium fuel investment for their base engine offerings.