2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a sporty crossover and a versatile sport adventure vehicle often boils down to power versus practicality. The 2025 Dodge Hornet enters the ring with a significant advantage in punch, offering 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, though it recommends premium fuel and achieves 24 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz undercuts it slightly on MSRP at $29,500 versus the Hornet’s $29,995, making its entry cost appealing. The Santa Cruz prioritizes efficiency and fuel flexibility, running on regular unleaded and netting 25 MPG combined. While the Hornet is a more compact 178.0 inches long, the Santa Cruz stretches to 195.7 inches, hinting at more interior or cargo flexibility. If raw acceleration matters more than fuel economy or standard AWD, the Hornet leads; however, if maximizing usable space and saving on fuel costs appeals, the longer, more efficient Santa Cruz makes a strong case for the daily driver.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz wins for commuters due to better combined fuel economy at 25 MPG and its ability to run on regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is notably longer at 195.7 inches and slightly taller, suggesting more accommodating interior space for family hauling than the Hornet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Hornet offers a substantial performance advantage with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Santa Cruz's 191 hp.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is $495 cheaper at MSRP and doesn't mandate the use of more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You crave quick acceleration, given the Hornet's 268 hp output.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is a non-negotiable safety or performance feature for you.
- You prefer a more maneuverable, shorter vehicle length of 178.0 inches.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You want to save money at the pump by using regular unleaded fuel.
- Maximizing overall vehicle length (195.7 inches) for potential added utility is important.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, boasting a combined 25 MPG rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 195.7" |
| Width | - | 75.0" |
| Height | 63.8" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.5 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Hornet and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How much more powerful is the Dodge Hornet than the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a significant edge, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2026 Santa Cruz delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Does one of these vehicles require expensive gas?
Yes, the Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is more budget-friendly on fuel, specifying regular unleaded.
Which vehicle offers better baseline fuel economy?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is slightly more efficient, achieving a 25 MPG combined rating compared to the Hornet's 24 MPG combined rating.
Is there a big size difference between these two crossovers?
The Santa Cruz is substantially longer than the Hornet; its length measures 195.7 inches, while the Hornet clocks in at 178.0 inches, making the Santa Cruz nearly 18 inches longer overall.
Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet specifies an All-Wheel Drive configuration, whereas the standard 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz model uses Front Wheel Drive.
How do the starting prices compare for the Hornet and the Santa Cruz?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a lower MSRP starting at $29,500, giving it a slight price advantage over the 2025 Dodge Hornet, which starts at $29,995.
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