2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Kia Sportage is their overall length, with the Santa Cruz measuring 195.7 inches compared to the Sportage's 183.5 inches, resulting in a substantial 12.2-inch difference. This added length in the Santa Cruz translates to a slightly less fuel-efficient package, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Sportage's superior 28 MPG combined rating. Power output shows minor variation; the Santa Cruz offers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, marginally ahead of the Sportage's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. Pricewise, the Sportage holds a value edge starting at $27,390 MSRP compared to the Santa Cruz's $28,750. Both vehicles share a standard 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive configuration, but the Sportage provides 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, a metric not specified for the longer Santa Cruz.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage is the better commuter choice due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 28 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Sportage wins for families based on its $1,360 lower MSRP ($27,390 vs $28,750) and verified 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its marginally higher output of 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers better overall value due to its lower entry price of $27,390 and superior fuel economy rating.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize having 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque for maximum output potential.
- You require the longest overall body dimension, measuring 195.7 inches in length.
- You prefer the standard 22/30 MPG city/highway rating with a slightly larger physical footprint.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, as indicated by its 28 MPG combined rating (3 MPG better than car1).
- A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP starting $1,360 less than the Santa Cruz.
- You need documented utility, possessing a specified cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 183.5" |
| Width | 75.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.7" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 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 | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 25/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 357.5/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.8 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 | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 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 Kia Sportage.
What is the primary functional difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 Sportage?
The primary structural difference is the Santa Cruz's body style and superior length (195.7 inches) suggesting a utility focus, while the Sportage maintains a more conventional crossover design with better standard fuel economy (28 MPG combined).
How does the difference in horsepower impact real-world driving?
The horsepower difference is minimal; the Santa Cruz's 191 hp slightly edges the Sportage's 187 hp. This 4-horsepower margin is unlikely to produce a significant, measurable difference in daily driving acceleration or merging capability.
Which vehicle provides better efficiency for city commuting?
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient city vehicle, achieving 25 MPG in city driving compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz's 22 MPG city rating.
Considering the MSRP, does the Santa Cruz justify its higher price tag?
The Santa Cruz commands a $2,750 premium over the Sportage's $27,390 base price. Based solely on the provided specs, this premium covers the extra 12.2 inches in length and the marginal increase in power.
Are there significant differences in standard drivetrain or transmission?
No, both base models utilize a standard front-wheel drive layout and are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, indicating similar operational smoothness for routine driving.
What is the measurable impact of the size difference on dimensions?
The Santa Cruz is 12.2 inches longer and marginally wider (75.0 inches vs 73.4 inches) and taller (66.7 inches vs 65.4 inches), which may affect maneuverability in tight parking structures compared to the shorter Sportage.
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