2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Kia Sportage lies in exterior length, with the Santa Cruz measuring 195.7 inches compared to the Sportage's 184.4 inches, providing a distinct footprint difference. Fuel economy also separates the two, as the Sportage achieves a superior combined 25 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG (Note: Sportage has 28 combined MPG, Santa Cruz has 25 combined MPG as per provided data). The Santa Cruz offers a slight edge in raw power, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque against the Sportage's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Priced nearly identically, the Sportage enters at $28,690 while the Santa Cruz starts at $28,750. While both share FWD configurations and 8-speed automatics, the Sportage gains an advantage with a specified cargo capacity of 39.6 cu ft, a metric absent for the Santa Cruz in the base comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its 3 MPG advantage in highway driving (33 MPG vs. 30 MPG for the Santa Cruz).
2026 Kia Sportage
The Sportage is the likely choice for families because it explicitly lists a 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity, suggesting better utility than the Santa Cruz base model.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals slightly more to enthusiasts by producing a higher 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers better baseline efficiency (28 combined MPG) at a marginally lower MSRP of $28,690.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize slightly higher base engine output, evidenced by 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the longer exterior length of 195.7 inches for assumed stability or aesthetic preference.
- You prefer the Santa Cruz's specific FWD setup paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Sportage delivers superior 28 combined MPG and 33 highway MPG.
- You need quantifiable storage space, indicated by the Sportage's 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You are seeking the lowest initial investment, with an MSRP of $28,690, which is $60 less than the Santa Cruz.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 184.4" |
| 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 357.5/471.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 2026 Kia Sportage.
How much better is the fuel economy for the 2026 Kia Sportage over the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2026 Kia Sportage achieves 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway), marking a 3 MPG advantage in combined driving over the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz (25 combined MPG, 22 city/30 highway). This results in greater annual fuel savings for the Sportage.
Which vehicle offers superior performance specifications in base trim?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz holds a slight performance advantage with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sportage's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles utilize a front-wheel-drive configuration and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
What is the main size difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is substantially longer, measuring 195.7 inches in length, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage is shorter at 184.4 inches. The Santa Cruz is also slightly wider (75.0 inches vs. 73.4 inches) and taller (66.7 inches vs. 65.4 inches).
Does the Kia Sportage offer measurable cargo space compared to the Santa Cruz?
Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage explicitly lists a cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet. Cargo specifications for the base 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz were not provided in the comparison data, making direct utility assessment difficult.
Are there significant price disparities between the base models?
The MSRPs are nearly identical; the 2026 Kia Sportage starts at $28,690, making it $60 cheaper than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which has an MSRP of $28,750. Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.
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