2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (starting at $34,300) and the efficient 2026 Honda CR-V (starting at $30,920) often boils down to balancing power against practicality and price. If you prioritize hustle, the Santa Fe packs a punch with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CR-V's 190 hp output. However, the CR-V saves you money immediately with its lower MSRP and delivers superior running costs, netting 30 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG. While the Santa Fe is longer at 190.2 inches, suggesting a bigger cabin, it offers surprisingly small storage at just 14.6 cu ft compared to the CR-V's substantial 39.3 cu ft of cargo space. The CR-V clearly leans toward budget-conscious efficiency and usable storage capacity, while the Santa Fe trades fuel savings for raw performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the clear commuter winner due to its superior 30 combined MPG, offering significant ongoing fuel savings.
2026 Honda CR-V
Despite being smaller overall, the CR-V provides vastly more usable space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe dominates in performance metrics, offering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the CR-V's 190 hp.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V wins on value by being $3,380 cheaper upfront and saving owners substantial money annually through 6 MPG better fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You frequently drive alone and prioritize having 277 horsepower for merging and passing.
- You need the extra length (190.2 inches) for passenger space, assuming the cargo area configuration works for you.
- You prefer the immediate responsiveness of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Keeping ownership costs low is crucial, thanks to a starting MSRP of $30,920 and 30 combined MPG.
- You require maximum utility from your crossover, highlighted by its impressive 39.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Your driving style favors smooth, consistent efficiency over high power figures, utilizing its highly economical powertrain.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 184.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 73.5" |
| Height | 67.7" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.0 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 | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Speaker System | — | 4 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Honda CR-V.
Which vehicle is better for long highway road trips regarding fuel?
The 2026 Honda CR-V is significantly better for long trips, achieving 33 highway MPG. The 2025 Santa Fe is rated lower at 29 highway MPG, meaning more frequent—and costly—fuel stops in the Hyundai.
Is the Santa Fe’s extra size reflected in its interior cargo measurements?
Surprisingly, no. Although the Santa Fe is 5.4 inches longer than the CR-V, the Santa Fe only lists 14.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the CR-V boasts a cavernous 39.3 cu ft.
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the Santa Fe’s 277 hp is 87 horsepower more than the CR-V's 190 hp, giving the Hyundai noticeably stronger acceleration capability.
What is the cost benefit of choosing the CR-V over the Santa Fe?
You immediately save $3,380 by opting for the CR-V at the base MSRP level. This initial saving is compounded by the CR-V's better fuel economy using regular unleaded gas.
Are these vehicles very similar in handling feel due to shared drivetrain options?
Not exactly; they use different automatic transmissions. The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the CR-V uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which affects the acceleration feel differently.
Do either of these crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive standard?
Based on the provided data, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Honda CR-V are listed as having Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as the standard configuration.
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