2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz often boils down to prioritizing traditional SUV practicality versus versatile truck utility. If saving money upfront is key, the HR-V starts at a friendly $25,400, significantly undercutting the Santa Cruz's $29,500 sticker price. However, the Santa Cruz offers a noticeable performance boost, packing 191 hp compared to the HR-V's 158 hp. While the HR-V is slightly more fuel-efficient with a combined 28 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG, its smaller footprint means less utility. The HR-V measures 179.8 inches long, whereas the larger Santa Cruz offers more overall space but uses regular unleaded just like its competitor. For buyers needing better city maneuvering and lower cost, the HR-V wins, but those needing power and utility lean toward the Santa Cruz.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V provides better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG and has a slightly smaller body for easier urban navigation.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz's larger dimensions (195.7 inches long) likely translate to more passenger comfort and interior versatility for family use.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers significantly more power with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the HR-V's 158 hp.
2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V presents a lower barrier to entry with a $4,100 lower MSRP, providing adequate utility for less money.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- You are focused strictly on minimizing your purchase price, as the HR-V starts at $25,400.
- Your primary need is efficiency, demonstrated by its 28 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle profile (179.8 inches long) for simpler parking and tight city driving.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need more assertive power, benefiting from the Santa Cruz's 191 hp engine.
- You value the added utility that comes with the Santa Cruz's larger body, including its greater width (75.0 inches).
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the HR-V's CVT setup.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the main tradeoff when choosing between the HR-V and the Santa Cruz?
The main tradeoff is price versus utility and power. The HR-V saves you $4,100 on the MSRP, but the Santa Cruz offers a robust 191 hp output and a larger physical structure for hauling tasks.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily commuting?
The 2025 Honda HR-V is the more economical choice for daily driving, achieving 28 combined MPG, while the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz returns 25 combined MPG.
Is the Santa Cruz significantly larger than the HR-V?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is notably larger across all dimensions, being 15.9 inches longer (195.7 inches vs. 179.8 inches) and wider.
Do I get better highway mileage with either vehicle?
The HR-V has a slight edge on the highway with 32 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG, though both use regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is better for performance driving?
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz because it offers 33 more horsepower than the HR-V, giving it a much punchier acceleration profile.
How much cargo space can I expect behind the second row in the HR-V?
The 2025 Honda HR-V offers 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is quite reasonable for a compact crossover.
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