2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 GMC Acadia

$34,300 · Crossover

$43,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The all-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene boasting bold, futuristic looks, offering a strong base package starting at just $34,300 with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the revamped 2026 GMC Acadia projects a more substantial presence, being significantly longer at 204.0 inches compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, and delivers superior punch with 328 horsepower. While the Santa Fe manages a slightly better combined 24 MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG, the Acadia counterbalances its thirstier nature with substantially more utility, offering a massive 23 cubic feet of cargo space against the Hyundai's 14.6 cubic feet. The Acadia demands a considerable $9,400 premium over the Santa Fe's entry price, presenting a clear trade-off between raw power and budget consciousness in this crossover showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $34,300 and marginally better fuel economy at 24 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 GMC Acadia is superior for families due to its much larger 23 cu ft cargo capacity and greater overall stature.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Acadia

Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 GMC Acadia for its superior output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers significantly better entry-level value, undercutting the Acadia's price by $9,400.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize an accessible entry price point under $35,000.
You want to maximize efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with a length of 190.2 inches, aiding urban maneuverability.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You demand higher performance, benefitting from the 328 horsepower engine.
Maximum hauling capability is essential, thanks to the impressive 23 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the robustness provided by the larger dimensions, including a height of 71.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	GMC Acadia
Length	190.2"	204.0"
Width	74.8"	79.6"
Height	67.7"	71.0"
Wheelbase	110.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
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	GMC
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
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.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	15.0 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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Speaker System	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	59.2 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	62.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	GMC
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 GMC Acadia.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 Acadia?

The 2026 Acadia is the more potent machine, boasting 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2025 Santa Fe offers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, meaning the GMC has a 51 hp advantage.

How much more expensive is the 2026 GMC Acadia compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The GMC Acadia has a significant cost differential, starting at $43,700, which is exactly $9,400 more than the Santa Fe’s MSRP of $34,300.

Which crossover is better suited for hauling significant luggage or gear?

The 2026 GMC Acadia offers vastly superior storage with a listed cargo capacity of 23 cu ft. This dwarfs the 14.6 cu ft available in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Are there noticeable differences in fuel consumption between the two models?

Yes, though both use regular unleaded fuel, the Santa Fe edges out the Acadia slightly in efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Acadia's 23 MPG combined.

Do the different transmissions affect the driving feel?

The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, suggesting a potentially quicker or more direct shift character. Conversely, the Acadia features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers a smoother operational feel.

How do the exterior footprints of these two crossovers compare?

The 2026 Acadia is the larger vehicle across all dimensions, notably being 13.8 inches longer (204.0 inches vs. 190.2 inches) and 4.8 inches taller (71.0 inches vs. 67.7 inches) than the Santa Fe.