2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda CR-V excites with dependable efficiency, delivering 30 combined MPG while maintaining a respectable 190 horsepower in its streamlined 184.8-inch frame. Contrast this with the bold 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, which unleashes a thrilling 277 horsepower and robust 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the performance powerhouse of this comparison. While the CR-V appeals with its lower $30,100 MSRP and superior 34 MPG highway rating, the Santa Fe commands attention with its significantly larger dimensions (190.2 inches long) and an 87 hp advantage. The efficiency gap is clear, with the CR-V netting 6 more combined MPG, but the Santa Fe justifies its $34,800 asking price through raw performance figures, albeit offering less cargo space at 14.6 cu ft compared to the CR-V's 39.3 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V is the superior commuter due to its outstanding 30 combined MPG rating, minimizing weekly fuel stops.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V wins for families based on its substantially larger 39.3 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe dominates enthusiast driving with a massive 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers better value, costing $4,700 less MSRP while providing significantly better fuel economy.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel costs, benefiting from the CR-V's 34 MPG highway rating.
- You need maximum utility, leveraging the CR-V's generous 39.3 cu ft of cargo volume.
- Sticking to a tighter budget is key, as the CR-V starts at an attractive $30,100 MSRP.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You crave assertive acceleration provided by the Santa Fe's 277 hp engine.
- You prefer the feeling of control from a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need the added road presence afforded by the Santa Fe's larger 190.2-inch length and 67.7-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 190.2" |
| Width | 73.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.2" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 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 | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the major difference in driving dynamics between the CR-V and Santa Fe?
The primary dynamic difference lies in power delivery; the Santa Fe throws down 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, resulting in quicker acceleration. Conversely, the CR-V focuses on smoothness with its 190 hp engine paired with a CVT, prioritizing efficient cruising over spirited sprints.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe compared to the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The Santa Fe has a higher entry point with an MSRP of $34,800, creating a $4,700 price premium over the CR-V's $30,100 base price. This cost reflects the Santa Fe's increased horsepower and larger physical footprint.
Which crossover is better for long-distance highway driving efficiency?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is the clear choice for fuel efficiency on long hauls, achieving 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Santa Fe’s 29 MPG highway rating. This efficiency gap translates to fewer stops and lower operational costs over time.
If cargo room is essential, which vehicle should I choose?
The Honda CR-V offers significantly more space for luggage and gear, boasting 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trails considerably with only 14.6 cubic feet provided.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires a premium fuel purchase to achieve their stated performance figures.
How does the Santa Fe's standard transmission compare to the CR-V's?
The Santa Fe uses a more traditional and responsive 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing distinct gear steps for spirited driving. The CR-V is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which tends to keep engine RPMs steadier for fuel economy.
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