2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the updated 2026 Ford Escape often comes down to balancing size, power, and budget. If you need maximum space and muscle, the Santa Fe boasts a substantial 277 hp and significantly more length at 190.2 inches. However, that added capability comes at a cost: it starts at $34,300, nearly $4,000 more than the Escape's $30,350 base price. The Escape clearly wins on efficiency, delivering a combined 30 MPG compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG, meaning fewer stops at the pump over the long haul. While the Santa Fe offers 311 lb-ft of torque for brisk acceleration, the smaller Escape remains the sensible choice for budget-conscious daily drivers prioritizing fuel savings and cargo access despite having only 180 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The larger 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is better suited for families, offering a more substantial road presence with its 190.2-inch length and presumably more passenger space.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Fe because it offers nearly 100 more horsepower (277 hp vs. 180 hp) and significantly more torque (311 lb-ft vs. 199 lb-ft).
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape provides better value, costing $3,950 less and delivering 6 MPG better efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You frequently carry more passengers or need the extra power delivered by its 277 hp engine.
- You value the longer overall vehicle length of 190.2 inches for a commanding presence or potentially more interior room.
- Your driving style demands quicker acceleration supported by 311 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Saving money upfront is a priority, as the Escape starts $3,950 cheaper at $30,350.
- You want to maximize fuel stops with its impressive 30 combined MPG rating.
- You need easier loading access, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo space despite its smaller exterior dimensions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 180.1" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.1" |
| Height | 67.7" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.7" |
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 | 3 |
| 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 | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 55.2 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 | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 53.3 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 Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Ford Escape.
Which car is more fuel-efficient for long road trips?
The 2026 Ford Escape is the clear efficiency leader here, rated at 30 combined MPG versus the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG. This 6 MPG difference will result in substantial long-term savings.
How much does the size difference affect cargo?
Despite the Santa Fe being 10.1 inches longer overall, the Escape provides significantly more usable cargo room with 37.5 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft when measured against the base figures provided.
Is the Santa Fe much faster than the Escape?
Yes, the Santa Fe offers substantially more power, generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Escape lags behind with 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, making the Hyundai the better choice for spirited driving.
What is the price gap between these two crossovers?
There is a notable $3,950 price difference favoring the Ford Escape, which starts at $30,350, while the larger Santa Fe begins at $34,300.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Ford Escape utilize regular unleaded fuel, keeping daily running costs predictable for both models.
Are the transmissions similar between the two?
While both feature 8-speed transmissions, the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the Escape is equipped with a conventional 8-speed automatic, which may feel smoother to some drivers.
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