2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Buick Envista
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a traditional crossover feel and the utility of a compact truck often causes a headache for buyers. If you're weighing up the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz against the 2026 Buick Envista, the choice hinges on budget versus capability. The Envista wins on entry price, starting at just $24,600, saving you $4,150 compared to the Santa Cruz's $28,750 MSRP. This budget focus translates to better efficiency, with the Envista offering 30 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. However, the Santa Cruz flexes significantly more muscle, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Envista's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft figures. Furthermore, the Santa Cruz is substantially larger, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Envista's 182.6 inches, suggesting more overall usable space, though the Envista explicitly lists 20.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista is the winner for daily commuting due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
While smaller than some SUVs, the Santa Cruz is physically larger overall, measuring 195.7 inches long versus the Envista's 182.6 inches.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz clearly dominates performance metrics with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Buick Envista
The Envista provides a compelling entry point with an MSRP of $24,600, significantly undercutting the Santa Cruz by $4,150.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need noticeably more power, thanks to the 191 hp engine.
- You plan to tow or carry more gear, leveraging its higher torque rating of 181 lb-ft.
- You prefer the slightly more substantial physical presence (195.7 inches in length).
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- Keeping the upfront cost low is critical, as it starts at $24,600.
- Maximizing fuel stops is important, given its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You only need standard crossover storage, utilizing its stated 20.7 cu ft cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Buick Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 182.6" |
| Width | 75.0" | 71.5" |
| Height | 66.7" | 61.2" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 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 | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.0 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 | 3 months |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 52.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Buick Envista.
Is the 2025 Santa Cruz or 2026 Envista faster in a straight line?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is significantly faster, offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The 2026 Buick Envista lags behind with only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a noticeable difference in acceleration.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Buick Envista?
The Envista is considerably more economical on fuel, achieving 30 MPG combined (28 city/32 highway). The Santa Cruz is rated for 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway), resulting in a 5 MPG advantage for the Envista.
Does the price difference cover the difference in capability?
There is a $4,150 MSRP difference, with the Santa Cruz being more expensive. This premium pays for a 54 hp advantage and likely opens up utility features not explicitly detailed for the Envista, despite both being FWD crossovers.
Which vehicle offers better technology, considering the fuel type?
While specific tech packages aren't detailed, the Envista has the flexibility of using flex-fuel (E85), which the Santa Cruz lacks, only taking regular unleaded gasoline. This offers a potential niche fueling option for Envista owners.
How do their physical dimensions compare for city parking?
The 2026 Buick Envista is the smaller and nimbler option, being 13.1 inches shorter in length (182.6 inches vs. 195.7 inches) and narrower (71.5 inches vs. 75.0 inches), making it easier to maneuver and park.
Are the transmissions functionally different?
Yes, the Santa Cruz uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting potentially smoother operation and better power management compared to the Envista's 6-speed shiftable automatic.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool