2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Jeep Compass

$28,750 · Crossover

$26,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most striking divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Jeep Compass lies in their overall footprint, with the Santa Cruz measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Compass’s 173.4 inches, granting the Hyundai a significantly larger presence. Despite the size advantage, the Compass holds a performance edge, boasting 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque against the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the Jeep slightly, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined, reflected in the 24/32 MPG city/highway rating for the Compass versus 22/30 MPG for the Hyundai. Priced at $28,750, the Santa Cruz starts $1,850 higher than the Compass’s MSRP of $26,900. Furthermore, the Compass includes standard Four-Wheel Drive capability, whereas the base Santa Cruz is Front-Wheel Drive, impacting off-road potential despite the Hyundai's larger dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and smaller exterior dimensions for easier city parking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2025 Santa Cruz is the likely family choice due to its substantially longer exterior length (195.7 inches) suggesting greater interior volume and usability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass appeals more to driving enthusiasts with higher output figures, specifically 221 lb-ft of torque compared to the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass offers better value by starting $1,850 lower and including standard Four-Wheel Drive capability versus the Santa Cruz's FWD setup.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You require the larger overall vehicle footprint, measuring 195.7 inches in length.
You prefer the base setup utilizing Front-Wheel Drive.
You value the slightly increased highway cruising efficiency of 30 MPG over the competitor.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

Your primary concern is upfront cost, with an MSRP starting $1,850 lower.
You need the torque advantage, delivering 221 lb-ft versus 181 lb-ft.
Standard Four-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Jeep Compass
Length	195.7"	173.4"
Width	75.0"	73.8"
Height	66.7"	64.6"
Wheelbase	118.3"	103.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Hyundai	Jeep
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	four wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
4WD System Type	—	On Demand

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	324.0/432.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	54.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	49.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Jeep Compass.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the base models?

The base 2025 Jeep Compass comes standard with Four-Wheel Drive, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is equipped with Front-Wheel Drive. Additionally, the Compass generates significantly more torque at 221 lb-ft compared to the Santa Cruz’s 181 lb-ft.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare?

The Jeep Compass holds a slight advantage in efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined (24 city/32 highway). The Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Santa Cruz is substantially longer at 195.7 inches compared to the Compass’s 173.4 inches, suggesting a larger overall body and potentially more interior space. The Santa Cruz is also wider (75.0 inches vs 73.8 inches).

Is there a significant MSRP difference between these two crossovers?

Yes, the base Jeep Compass has an MSRP of $26,900, making it $1,850 cheaper than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which starts at $28,750.

How do the standard engine power outputs contrast?

The Jeep Compass is more powerful, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup. The Hyundai Santa Cruz provides 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.