2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lies in their MSRP, where the Santa Fe undercuts the Ridgeline by $5,350, starting at $34,800 compared to $40,150. Performance metrics show the Ridgeline boasting a slight horsepower advantage at 280 hp versus the Santa Fe's 277 hp, but the Santa Fe compensates with significantly higher torque at 311 lb-ft compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy heavily favors the Santa Fe, achieving a combined 24 MPG against the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, with the Santa Fe also delivering superior highway mileage at 29 MPG versus 24 MPG. Furthermore, the Santa Fe offers nearly double the inherent utility with 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's minimal 7.3 cu ft, despite being 10 inches shorter in overall length (190.2 inches vs. 210.2 inches).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the better commuter due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is better suited for families as it provides nearly double the enclosed cargo space at 14.6 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is favored by enthusiasts for its standard All-Wheel Drive system, contrasting with the Santa Fe's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides superior value by offering better fuel economy and substantially more cargo volume for $5,350 less than the Ridgeline.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- The buyer requires standard All-Wheel Drive capability immediately, as the Ridgeline includes this across its range.
- The buyer prioritizes a slightly higher peak horsepower figure of 280 hp for their driving needs.
- The buyer prefers a vehicle with a 9-speed automatic transmission setup rather than the Santa Fe's 8-speed unit.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- The buyer prioritizes minimizing fuel stops, given the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined rating versus 21 MPG for the Ridgeline.
- The buyer needs the maximum enclosed storage space, as the Santa Fe offers 14.6 cu ft versus 7.3 cu ft.
- The buyer seeks higher torque output for everyday responsiveness, with the Santa Fe delivering 311 lb-ft compared to 262 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Ridgeline | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.6" | 74.8" |
| Height | 70.8" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 125.2" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/468.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.7 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.6 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| 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 | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How does the price difference between the two crossovers affect long-term ownership costs?
The $5,350 initial MSRP difference strongly favors the Santa Fe for value buyers. However, the Ridgeline’s slightly lower combined MPG (21 vs 24) will result in higher annual fuel expenditures over time.
Which vehicle has better mechanical capability, given their differing drivetrains?
The Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), suggesting better traction in variable conditions, whereas the Santa Fe comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Is the Ridgeline’s greater length (210.2 inches) reflected in superior passenger or cargo space?
Despite being 10 inches longer than the Santa Fe (190.2 inches), the Ridgeline’s conventional cargo area is significantly smaller, measured at only 7.3 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft.
Which vehicle delivers more usable pulling power based on torque figures?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is superior in low-end power delivery, providing 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2025 Honda Ridgeline’s 262 lb-ft.
Do both vehicles require the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fuel purchasing decisions.
How do their highway efficiency ratings compare for longer trips?
The Santa Fe exhibits notably better highway efficiency at 29 MPG, outpacing the Ridgeline's highway rating of 24 MPG.
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