2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical differentiator between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Nissan Rogue is fuel economy, with the Rogue achieving a substantial 7 MPG combined advantage (32 MPG vs. 25 MPG). The Rogue also boasts higher output, producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque compared to the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. However, the Santa Cruz maintains a lower entry cost at an MSRP of $28,750 versus the Rogue's $29,090. In terms of footprint, the Santa Cruz is significantly longer at 195.7 inches, whereas the Rogue is more compact at 183.0 inches. Both vehicles feature front-wheel drive as standard. Ultimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing the Rogue's superior efficiency and power over the Santa Cruz's lower initial price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers 32 combined MPG, significantly reducing annual fuel expenditure for daily commuting.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue provides a measured 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is superior for hauling family essentials.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue delivers superior power figures with 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque compared to the Santa Cruz's output.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a lower initial purchase price of $28,750.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require the lower starting MSRP of $28,750.
- You prefer the longer overall body length of 195.7 inches.
- You prefer the consistent gear ratios provided by an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Fuel efficiency is the top priority, as indicated by its 32 combined MPG rating.
- You need the better performance metrics, including 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
- You benefit from the defined 31.6 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
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 | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 420.5/522.0 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 | 235/65R17 |
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2026 Rogue?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue generates more power with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
How significant is the difference in size and maneuverability?
The Santa Cruz is considerably longer at 195.7 inches compared to the Rogue's 183.0 inches. While the Rogue is shorter, both share similar height dimensions, with the Rogue being marginally narrower at 72.4 inches.
Which vehicle is the better choice for maximizing fuel savings?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the definitive choice for fuel savings, achieving 32 combined MPG. This is a 7 MPG advantage over the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG rating.
Is there a notable difference in MSRP between the two crossovers?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz undercuts the 2026 Nissan Rogue on price. The Santa Cruz starts at $28,750, while the Rogue begins at $29,090.
Do either of these models offer standard all-wheel drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Nissan Rogue are listed with a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.
How does the cargo space compare for utility purposes?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue specifies 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Cargo volume specifications for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz were not provided in the initial data set.
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