2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$28,750 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz bursts onto the scene with a more robust, truck-like demeanor, offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque for spirited driving. In contrast, the nimble 2026 Kia Seltos prioritizes efficiency, boasting an excellent combined MPG of 31 compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG. This battle pits raw capability against pure economy. The Santa Cruz commands a higher MSRP of $28,750, a significant $5,060 premium over the Seltos starting at $23,690. Furthermore, the power gap is undeniable: the Santa Cruz enjoys a 44 hp advantage. While the Seltos is significantly smaller at 172.6 inches long versus the Santa Cruz's 195.7 inches, this compactness aids its impressive fuel economy ratings, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious city dwellers prioritizing miles per gallon over muscle.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The longer 195.7-inch Santa Cruz likely offers better overall cabin space and utility than the more compact Seltos.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz delivers substantially more grunt with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 147 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides a compelling package at $23,690, undercutting the Santa Cruz by over $5,000.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You require the extra power delivered by its 191 hp engine for merging and passing maneuvers.
You prefer a larger footprint, evidenced by its 195.7-inch overall length, for potentially increased stability and presence.
You need the 181 lb-ft of torque available from the more potent powertrain configuration.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your primary concern is running costs, leveraging the 31 combined MPG rating.
You want to save $5,060 upfront, as the Seltos MSRP is $23,690.
You prefer a smaller vehicle, as the Seltos is 172.6 inches long, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight urban environments.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Kia Seltos
Length	195.7"	172.6"
Width	75.0"	70.9"
Height	66.7"	63.6"
Wheelbase	118.3"	103.5"

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	✓	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
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	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	continuously variable-speed 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	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	13.2 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 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	—

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.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	53.0 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.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	48.8 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	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 2026 Kia Seltos.

What is the primary difference in driving dynamics between the Santa Cruz and the Seltos?

The Santa Cruz offers a sportier, more powerful driving experience, leveraging its 191 hp engine and 181 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Seltos focuses on smooth, economical commuting with its continuously variable transmission and superior fuel efficiency.

How significant is the fuel economy advantage for the Kia Seltos?

The Seltos holds a distinct advantage, achieving 31 combined MPG, which is 6 MPG better than the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG rating, translating to substantial long-term fuel savings.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz powerful enough to feel sluggish against the Seltos?

Absolutely not; the Santa Cruz generates 44 more horsepower (191 hp vs. 147 hp) than the Seltos, giving it significantly better acceleration potential.

Which vehicle offers better value considering the price gap?

The Kia Seltos offers superior raw value, starting $5,060 cheaper at $23,690, while still providing a practical crossover experience and excellent mileage.

How much larger is the Santa Cruz physically compared to the Seltos?

The Santa Cruz is notably longer, measuring 195.7 inches compared to the Seltos’s 172.6 inches, indicating a larger physical footprint, though the Seltos specifies a 26.6 cu ft cargo capacity.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Kia Seltos are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs consistent between the two models.