2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Nissan Rogue

$28,750 · Crossover

$28,590 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz leaps forward with its adventurous crossover-meets-truck DNA, boasting a 195.7-inch length that hints at utility, although its base 191 hp output trails slightly. Contrast this with the hyper-efficient 2025 Nissan Rogue, a quintessential compact crossover that dominates on fuel economy, achieving an outstanding 33 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined—a full 8 MPG difference. While the Rogue offers a better base torque figure at 225 lb-ft powering its FWD setup, the Santa Cruz promises a unique open-bed experience for hauling gear. The starting price points are nearly identical, with the Rogue listing at $28,590 and the Santa Cruz at $28,750, making the decision hinge heavily on prioritizing practicality and efficiency (Rogue) or rugged styling and an available utility bed (Santa Cruz). The Rogue is narrower at 72.4 inches, making urban navigation easier.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 33 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue offers more contained, predictable passenger transport with 31.6 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz's unique body style and slightly more engaging automatic transmission offer a more spirited driving proposition than the Rogue's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Rogue

For only $165 less, the Rogue delivers significantly better running costs due to its exceptional 33 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You desire the unique flexibility of a compact, open utility bed for weekend projects.
You prefer the shiftable 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
You appreciate the slightly more muscular road presence given by its 195.7-inch length.

Choose the Nissan Rogue if...

Maximum fuel efficiency is a top priority, given its 37 MPG highway rating.
You need reliable, safe hauling for groceries and gear within a fully enclosed 31.6 cu ft cargo area.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint in city driving, with a width of 72.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Nissan Rogue
Length	195.7"	183.0"
Width	75.0"	72.4"
Height	66.7"	66.5"
Wheelbase	118.3"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	201 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	30/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	435.0/536.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
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)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.1 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	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	P235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Nissan Rogue.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is the clear champion here, netting 33 MPG combined. This is a massive 8 MPG advantage over the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined rating, leading to substantial long-term savings.

How does the horsepower and torque compare between these two base models?

The Nissan Rogue edges out the Santa Cruz in raw power, producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Santa Cruz’s 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, suggesting slightly punchier acceleration from the Rogue.

Is the Santa Cruz truly larger than the Rogue?

Yes, the Santa Cruz is noticeably longer at 195.7 inches compared to the Rogue's 183.0 inches, giving it a more substantial stance, although the Rogue is only negligibly shorter in height.

What is the transmission difference that might affect the driving feel?

The Santa Cruz uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for distinct gear changes, while the Rogue employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) designed primarily for optimized efficiency.