2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder (Car 2) lies in physical dimensions, specifically length, where the Pathfinder extends 7.5 inches longer at 197.7 inches versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches. This size disparity results in the Pathfinder offering superior utility, boasting 16.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. However, the Santa Fe counters with better fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG, edging out the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined rating. Performance metrics are tightly clustered: the Pathfinder generates 284 hp, slightly ahead of the Santa Fe's 277 hp, but the Santa Fe compensates with significantly higher torque delivery at 311 lb-ft versus the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft. Priced at $34,300, the Santa Fe also undercuts the Pathfinder's starting MSRP of $36,400 by $2,100.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers better fuel economy with a 24 MPG combined rating compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provides more usable space with a larger 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe achieves significantly better torque output at 311 lb-ft compared to the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe holds a $2,100 lower starting MSRP at $34,300 while offering marginally better fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Maximum torque delivery is prioritized, as the Santa Fe produces 311 lb-ft.
- Operating cost savings via fuel efficiency are key, demonstrated by its 24 MPG combined rating.
- A lower initial investment is required, starting at $34,300.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Greater physical presence and interior volume are needed, evidenced by its 197.7-inch length.
- Superior maximum horsepower is desired, as the Pathfinder outputs 284 hp.
- Maximum cargo utility is essential, with 16.6 cu ft available behind the last row.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 197.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 77.9" |
| Height | 67.7" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 114.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable 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) | 20/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 58.3 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 | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
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. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which vehicle is physically larger for easier maneuvering in tight city spots?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) is the more compact vehicle, measuring 190.2 inches in length and 74.8 inches in width. The Pathfinder is noticeably larger overall in every dimension, which might present challenges in very tight urban parking scenarios.
How do the transmissions compare in terms of specification?
The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the Pathfinder employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic. This suggests the Pathfinder has an extra gear ratio available for potential cruising efficiency or varied power delivery.
Is the horsepower difference between the two Crossovers significant for daily driving?
The difference in rated horsepower is marginal, with the Pathfinder at 284 hp and the Santa Fe at 277 hp. However, the Santa Fe compensates by offering 52 lb-ft more torque (311 vs. 259 lb-ft), which impacts initial acceleration feel.
Which model provides better economy based on the highway rating?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe achieves a higher highway MPG rating of 29 MPG compared to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s 27 MPG highway rating. Both share an identical 20 MPG city rating.
Does the higher MSRP of the Pathfinder justify its extra cost over the Santa Fe?
The Pathfinder starts $2,100 higher at $36,400, offering an extra 2.0 cu ft of cargo space and 7 hp. Buyers must weigh these marginal gains against the Santa Fe's superior torque and $2,100 initial savings.
Are the fuel requirements different for these two models?
No, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling options for owners of either vehicle.
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