2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$34,300 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Dodge Durango often boils down to balancing upfront cost against sheer size and capability. The Santa Fe enters the ring with a compelling MSRP of $34,300, significantly undercutting the Durango's $38,995 starting price. While both are crossovers, the Durango stretches nearly 10 inches longer at 200.8 inches, offering a generous 17.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. Performance is closely matched, with the Santa Fe delivering 277 hp versus the Durango's 295 hp. However, the efficiency gap is stark: the Santa Fe achieves 24 combined MPG, easily beating the Durango's 20 combined MPG, meaning annual fuel savings for the Hyundai.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

Families needing maximum space will appreciate the Durango, which offers substantially more length (200.8 inches) and 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The Durango appeals more to enthusiasts by offering slightly more horsepower at 295 hp and featuring standard rear-wheel drive architecture.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe wins on value by offering a $4,695 lower MSRP while still providing 277 hp and better running costs.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Your budget is firm, as the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, which is $4,695 less than the Durango.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Santa Fe delivers 24 combined MPG (29 highway MPG) versus 20 combined MPG for the competition.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint; the Santa Fe is 190.2 inches long, making city maneuvering potentially easier than the 200.8-inch Durango.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Maximum utility is necessary, highlighted by the Durango's 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
You want the slightly higher output engine, as the Durango boasts 295 hp compared to the Santa Fe's 277 hp.
You prefer the traditional dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, whereas the Santa Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Dodge Durango
Length	190.2"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	75.8"
Height	67.7"	72.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Dodge
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	24.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
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	—
Speaker System	—	6
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	58.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	57.0 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	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Dodge
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.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Dodge Durango.

What is the main financial difference between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 Durango?

The most immediate financial difference is the MSRP; the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, saving you $4,695 upfront compared to the Durango's $38,995 starting price. Additionally, the Santa Fe's 4 MPG advantage in combined driving (24 MPG vs. 20 MPG) will result in lower annual fuel expenses.

Which vehicle is objectively larger for hauling passengers or gear?

The 2026 Dodge Durango is significantly larger; it measures 200.8 inches long and 72.1 inches tall, compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2-inch length and 67.7-inch height. This translates to more usable space, evidenced by the Durango's 17.2 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

If I commute daily, which car saves me the most at the pump?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior commuter choice for fuel savings. It achieves 29 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG in the city, leading to a 24 combined MPG rating, which is four points better than the Durango.

Does the power difference between the two vehicles matter much in real-world driving?

While the Durango has a slight edge in peak power (295 hp vs. 277 hp), the Santa Fe counters with higher torque (311 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft). For most everyday driving scenarios, this difference in horsepower might not be dramatically noticeable, especially considering the Santa Fe's lower weight likely assists performance.

How do the transmissions affect the driving experience?

The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, focusing on efficiency, while the Durango uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which often provides a smoother, more conventional shifting feel. If driver control is important, the shiftable automatic in the Durango might feel more engaging.

Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Dodge Durango are rated to run on regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying fueling regardless of which model you choose.