2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lies in their overall size, with the Santa Cruz extending 12.5 inches longer at 195.7 inches compared to the Equinox's 183.2 inches. Performance figures show the Santa Cruz producing more peak output with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the Equinox counters with superior fuel economy, achieving a 27 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. Pricing is highly competitive, with the Equinox holding a slight $150 advantage at $28,600 MSRP against the Santa Cruz’s $28,750. Despite the size difference, the Equinox is narrowly more efficient on fuel (26 city MPG vs. 22 city MPG for the Santa Cruz). Both FWD crossovers utilize different transmissions, with the Santa Cruz using an 8-speed automatic and the Equinox employing a CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wins for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a larger overall exterior footprint, measuring 195.7 inches long, suggesting potentially more cabin room.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides better efficiency and a lower entry MSRP of $28,600.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize higher peak engine output with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the gear-shifting feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need the longer overall vehicle length of 195.7 inches for exterior presence or specific load-out requirements.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Achieving 27 MPG combined fuel economy is critical for your budget, surpassing the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
- A lower starting MSRP of $28,600 is necessary for budgeting.
- You prefer the city efficiency of 26 MPG delivered by the Equinox's CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 183.2" |
| Width | 75.0" | 74.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.3 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.2 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Chevrolet Equinox.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2026 Equinox?
The 2025 Santa Cruz boasts higher output with 191 horsepower and utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Equinox produces 175 horsepower but pairs its engine with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, aiding its superior efficiency.
Which vehicle offers a lower barrier to entry based on MSRP?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is marginally less expensive at an MSRP of $28,600. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $28,750, resulting in a $150 price differential.
How significant is the fuel economy gap for city driving?
The Equinox holds a clear advantage in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 26 city MPG. The Santa Cruz is rated lower for city driving at 22 MPG, which impacts overall commuting costs.
Which crossover has greater exterior dimensions?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is significantly larger externally, measuring 195.7 inches in length compared to the Equinox's 183.2 inches. This difference of 12.5 inches affects maneuverability and garage fit.
Do either of these base models offer all-wheel drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the base models for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox are configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard equipment.
Is there a significant torque difference between the two base engines?
The torque figures are very close; the Equinox generates 184 lb-ft, slightly surpassing the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft, despite the Santa Cruz having higher horsepower.
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