2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Kia Telluride
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe electrifies its appeal with a potent 277 hp turbo engine delivering 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a highly efficient 24 MPG combined rating running on regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Telluride maintains its commanding road presence, boasting slightly more peak horsepower at 291 hp and a significantly larger footprint, measuring 196.9 inches long and offering a massive 21 cu ft of cargo capacity—a substantial advantage over the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The Telluride utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic, whereas the Santa Fe opts for an 8-speed automated manual transmission. While the Santa Fe starts at a lower MSRP of $34,300, the Telluride presents a more robust package focused on sheer utility and presence, even though it trails slightly in efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the superior family hauler, offering significantly more storage with 21 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 14.6 cu ft in the Santa Fe.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe appeals slightly more to driving enthusiasts because its 311 lb-ft of torque provides better pulling power than the Telluride's 262 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers better immediate value with a lower entry MSRP of $34,300 compared to the Telluride's $36,390.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You prioritize daily running costs and want the better fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG.
- You prefer the snappy response of a high-torque engine, leveraging 311 lb-ft for acceleration.
- Your budget is tighter, with an entry MSRP that starts $2,090 lower at $34,300.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- Maximum utility is critical, as evidenced by the expansive 21 cu ft of available cargo space.
- You want a slightly more powerful engine, as the Telluride outputs 291 hp versus the Santa Fe's 277 hp.
- You prefer the proven reliability and driving feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 196.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.7" | 68.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 114.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| 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 automated manual | 8-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) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 376.0/488.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 18.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 61.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 58.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 Fe and 2025 Kia Telluride.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy for city driving?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe leads in city driving efficiency with a 20 MPG rating, matching the Kia Telluride’s 20 MPG city rating, but it achieves 29 MPG on the highway compared to the Telluride's 26 MPG.
Is the size difference between these two crossovers significant?
Yes, the 2025 Kia Telluride is noticeably larger, measuring 196.9 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, whereas the 2025 Santa Fe is shorter at 190.2 inches and narrower at 74.8 inches.
How do the base MSRP figures compare for the FWD models?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a more accessible starting price of $34,300. The 2025 Kia Telluride begins at a higher MSRP of $36,390 for comparable FWD configurations.
Which vehicle offers more power for towing or spirited driving?
The 2025 Kia Telluride technically delivers more peak horsepower with 291 hp, though the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provides significantly higher torque (311 lb-ft versus 262 lb-ft), which often translates to better low-end pulling power.
Are both models running on the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Kia Telluride use regular unleaded gasoline, which helps keep running costs down compared to vehicles requiring premium fuel.
What is the main advantage of the Telluride's larger cargo space?
The Telluride’s 21 cu ft cargo area is substantially larger than the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, providing over 43% more room behind the rear seats for luggage or large family gear.
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