2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$34,300 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe electrifies the mid-size crossover segment with its striking, boxy aesthetic and efficient, if adequate, performance, starting at an attractive $34,300. It delivers 277 horsepower and achieves 24 MPG combined, prioritizing smart packaging over sheer muscle. In contrast, the larger 2026 Chevrolet Traverse enters the arena with undeniable brawn, boasting 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, promising a more potent drive for its $40,800 starting MSRP. The Traverse demands a $6,500 premium over the Santa Fe but compensates with significantly superior utility, offering a cavernous 22.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. While the Santa Fe is smaller at 190.2 inches long, the Traverse stretches to an imposing 204.5 inches, clearly defining their distinct missions in the competitive crossover battle.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost and slightly better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse is the definitive family hauler, offering substantially more utility with a massive 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts will prefer the Traverse's 51 horsepower advantage, delivering 328 hp for a more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe provides a compelling proposition by starting $6,500 lower while still offering 277 horsepower.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize saving upfront costs, with the Santa Fe boasting an MSRP of $34,300.
You want marginally better everyday fuel efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG.
You prefer a more manageable footprint, as the Santa Fe is nearly 14 inches shorter in length than the Traverse.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

Maximum hauling ability is essential, given the Traverse's substantial 22.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You crave more exhilarating performance from the significantly more potent 328 horsepower engine.
You need the slightly elevated driving posture offered by the Traverse's 69.6-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	190.2"	204.5"
Width	74.8"	79.6"
Height	67.7"	69.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
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.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	17.7 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
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	62.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 Traverse?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse holds a notable edge, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, which is 51 more horsepower than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's 277 hp.

Is the higher price tag of the Traverse justified by its fuel economy?

No, the Traverse carries a $6,500 higher MSRP and offers slightly worse fuel economy at 23 combined MPG, compared to the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers significantly more room for gear and luggage?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the clear cargo champion, providing 22.9 cu ft of space, vastly exceeding the 14.6 cu ft found in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel and transmission configuration?

Yes, both crossovers require regular unleaded fuel. However, the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission while the Traverse employs a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.

If I drive mostly city miles, which car makes more sense financially?

Both are rated at 20 MPG city, but the Santa Fe has a lower entry price of $34,300, making it the better starting financial choice for city drivers.

How much larger is the physical footprint of the Traverse compared to the Santa Fe?

The Traverse is substantially larger, measuring 204.5 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, compared to the Santa Fe’s 190.2-inch length and 74.8-inch width.