2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the practicality of a new crossover and the rugged capability of a true SUV can be tough. If you prioritize daily efficiency and lower ownership costs, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe seems the clear winner here. The Santa Fe starts at a much more accessible MSRP of $34,300 compared to the Bronco's $40,495. While the 2026 Ford Bronco boasts a slightly higher output of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, the Santa Fe counters with significantly better fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, whereas the Bronco struggles at 19 MPG combined, requiring premium fuel. Furthermore, the Santa Fe offers greater length at 190.2 inches for a comfortable road presence. However, the Bronco utilizes its 71.9-inch height and 4WD system to provide superior cargo space at 20.6 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy and significantly lower starting price of $34,300.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Bronco offers more usable space with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and a robust 4WD system for varying weather conditions.
2026 Ford Bronco
Enthusiasts will prefer the Bronco's engagement, featuring a 7-speed manual transmission paired with 300 horsepower.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides substantially lower running costs thanks to its $6,195 lower MSRP and better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need the most budget-friendly option, with an MSRP $6,195 lower than the competitor ($34,300).
- Your primary concern is efficiency, as the Santa Fe delivers 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer a smooth, automated driving experience provided by the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You value driver engagement, indicated by the presence of a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You require maximum utility, as the Bronco offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
- You regularly face off-road or severe weather conditions that necessitate standard four-wheel drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 173.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.9" |
| Height | 67.7" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.0 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 | — | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.3 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ford Bronco.
Which vehicle will cost me less to drive every week?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheaper option for weekly driving. It achieves 24 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG combined, saving you fuel expense over time.
Is the extra power of the Bronco worth the premium fuel requirement?
The 2026 Ford Bronco produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the Santa Fe's 277 hp, but you must factor in that the Bronco requires recommended premium unleaded fuel.
How does the cargo space compare for road trips?
The 2026 Ford Bronco is significantly better for hauling gear, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the 14.6 cubic feet available in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the primary difference in the driving experience?
The Santa Fe uses a smoother 8-speed automated manual transmission and FWD, while the Bronco provides a more engaging, rugged experience with a 7-speed manual and standard 4WD.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Ford Bronco?
The Bronco has a notably higher starting price, listed at $40,495, making it $6,195 more expensive than the Santa Fe's base MSRP of $34,300.
Is the Santa Fe significantly smaller than the Bronco?
The Santa Fe is longer, measuring 190.2 inches in length compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches, but the Bronco is slightly wider and considerably taller at 71.9 inches.
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