2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz explodes onto the scene with a sportier, truck-adjacent flair, offering a punchier 191 hp from its base engine. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross embraces supreme efficiency, boasting an impressive 32 combined MPG, significantly outperforming the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG. The difference is palpable in the wallet, as the Corolla Cross undercuts the Santa Cruz by $3,815 at the starting MSRPs of $24,935 versus $28,750. While the Santa Cruz feels more robust at 195.7 inches long, the Corolla Cross remains commendably compact at 71.9 inches wide. If power matters more than pennies, the Santa Cruz delivers 22 more horsepower, but the Corolla Cross’s superior fuel economy promises substantial long-term savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross wins for daily commuting due to its superior efficiency, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is likely the family choice given its larger footprint, offering superior interior space despite the lack of provided cargo data.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Cruz for its greater output, generating 191 hp versus the Corolla Cross's 169 hp.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers better entry value with an MSRP of $24,935, saving buyers $3,815 upfront.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You crave more horsepower, as the Santa Cruz offers 191 hp compared to 169 hp.
- You prefer the engagement of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You require a longer vehicle stance, as the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches in length.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, with the Corolla Cross delivering 32 combined MPG.
- You are looking to save $3,815 upfront with a starting MSRP of $24,935.
- You prefer the smoother operation of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 176.1" |
| Width | 75.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 52.6 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Corolla Cross than the 2025 Santa Cruz?
The Corolla Cross holds a significant edge, achieving 32 combined MPG. The Santa Cruz base model is rated at only 25 combined MPG, meaning the Toyota saves you 7 MPG on the EPA cycle.
Which vehicle provides a more engaging driving experience based on specifications?
The 2025 Santa Cruz is likely more engaging for spirited driving, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This is notably higher than the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
What is the difference in starting price between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the more affordable entry point at $24,935 MSRP. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $28,750, creating a difference of $3,815 between the two base models.
Do these vehicles offer similar dimensions for parking and maneuvering?
No, the Santa Cruz is physically larger; it is 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. The Corolla Cross is more compact, measuring 176.1 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, which can aid in tight city parking.
Are there differences in the transmission types offered in the base trims?
Yes, the transmission philosophies differ greatly. The Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for a more traditional feel, whereas the Corolla Cross uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) often favored for smooth, steady acceleration.
Does the base Corolla Cross offer usable cargo space?
While specific cargo details for the Santa Cruz are not provided, the 2026 Corolla Cross lists a standard cargo capacity of 24 cubic feet, offering decent utility for a smaller crossover.
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