2025 Honda HR-V vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda HR-V captivates with its tried-and-true sensibility, offering a nimble 179.8-inch frame and a respectable 28 MPG combined efficiency from its 158 hp engine. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz grabs attention by blurring the lines between SUV and truck, boasting a more robust 191 hp output and superior pulling torque of 181 lb-ft. While the HR-V prioritizes efficiency with a 32 MPG highway rating, the Santa Cruz leans into capability, even if its combined MPG drops slightly to 25. With an MSRP difference of $3,350, buyers weigh the HR-V's affordability and size against the Santa Cruz's muscular 33-horsepower advantage and larger 195.7-inch footprint. The core appeal rests on whether the driver values supreme daily frugality or dynamic, accessible power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG highway versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG highway.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is better equipped for families due to its larger overall dimensions (195.7 inches long) suggesting more interior space than the HR-V.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Cruz for its significantly higher power figures, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V provides better baseline value by being $3,350 less expensive while still offering respectable fuel efficiency at 28 MPG combined.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- You need to keep purchase price low, as the HR-V starts at only $25,400.
- Maximizing fuel range is critical, highlighted by its 28 MPG combined rating.
- Maneuverability in tight urban spaces is a priority, thanks to its narrower 72.4-inch width.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You demand spirited driving, benefiting from 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You frequently carry bulky gear, as its crossover/truck design implies greater utility.
- You prefer the more engaging feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.8" | 195.7" |
| Width | 72.4" | 75.0" |
| Height | 63.4" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | 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) | 26/32 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/448.0 mi. | 389.4/531.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| 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 | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 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 | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R H | 245/60R18 |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 HR-V and the 2025 Santa Cruz?
The 2025 Santa Cruz has a clear performance edge, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 HR-V offers a modest 158 hp and 138 lb-ft, making the Santa Cruz noticeably quicker off the line.
Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to matter for daily commuting?
Yes, the HR-V is the efficiency champion here, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined. For high-mileage commuters, the HR-V saves money over the long run on regular unleaded fuel.
How much more expensive is the Hyundai Santa Cruz compared to the Honda HR-V?
The Santa Cruz carries an MSRP premium of $3,350 over the HR-V. This difference buys you increased power and size, moving you from the HR-V's $25,400 starting price to the Santa Cruz’s $28,750 starting price.
Which vehicle is better suited for highway cruising efficiency?
The 2025 Honda HR-V edges out the competition on the highway, rated for 32 MPG, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated slightly lower at 30 MPG highway.
Does the transmission type affect the driving feel significantly?
It does; the HR-V utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency. The Santa Cruz features a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for delivering distinct gear changes.
How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two crossovers?
The Santa Cruz is the larger machine in every dimension provided, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the HR-V's 179.8 inches. It is also slightly wider and taller, hinting at more robust road presence.
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