2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Jeep Compass

$34,300 · Crossover

$30,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with a robust 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering an engaging on-road presence built around its substantial 190.2-inch length. Contrast this with the ruggedly capable 2026 Jeep Compass, which brings standard Four-Wheel Drive and superior efficiency, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG. While the Santa Fe prioritizes raw power, the Jeep counters with nearly double the cargo space at 27.2 cu ft compared to the Hyundai’s 14.6 cu ft. This comparison pits Hyundai's sheer output and larger footprint against Jeep's off-road DNA and better fuel economy, creating a classic dynamic choice for buyers prioritizing brute force or pragmatic utility within the crossover segment. The $3,705 price gap is also a critical factor when balancing the Santa Fe's higher performance figures against the Compass's practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and standard Four-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Jeep Compass

The 2026 Jeep Compass offers significantly more utility with 27.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly outperforming the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear choice for driving dynamics, boasting an impressive 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass provides a lower entry price of $30,595 and better fuel efficiency, offering better overall long-term running value.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You need a larger overall vehicle footprint, reflected in its 190.2-inch length.
You prefer an 8-speed automated manual transmission paired with a more powerful engine.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the Compass delivers 27 MPG combined versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.
You require substantial storage space, utilizing the Compass's 27.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You demand the enhanced traction provided by standard Four-Wheel Drive for challenging conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Jeep Compass
Length	190.2"	173.4"
Width	74.8"	73.8"
Height	67.7"	64.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	103.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
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 Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Jeep
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	four wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
4WD System Type	—	On Demand

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	324.0/432.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
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	—	Leatherette/Simulated Alloy
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.4 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	—
Speaker System	—	6

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	54.1 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	✓	✓
Front Seat Material	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	49.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Jeep
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 Jeep Compass.

What is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe holds a major advantage in power, generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Jeep Compass produces a more modest 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 77 hp difference in favor of the Hyundai.

Which vehicle is better for fuel expenses?

The 2026 Jeep Compass is the clear winner for lower running costs, achieving a combined 27 MPG, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is rated for 24 MPG combined, making the Jeep more frugal on regular unleaded fuel.

Is the Santa Fe significantly larger than the Compass?

Yes, the Santa Fe is physically larger in all dimensions; its length measures 190.2 inches compared to the Compass’s 173.4 inches, giving it a more imposing road presence.

Does the price difference justify the performance upgrade in the Santa Fe?

The Santa Fe costs $3,705 more than the Compass, asking buyers to spend extra for 77 more horsepower and a larger exterior package. Value judgments depend heavily on whether raw power outweighs the Jeep's efficiency and cargo benefits.

Which crossover provides better utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Jeep Compass offers substantially better cargo utility, boasting 27.2 cubic feet of space, which is nearly double the 14.6 cubic feet available in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Why choose the Jeep Compass if it has less power?

Buyers choose the Jeep Compass for its standard Four-Wheel Drive system, superior fuel economy, significantly greater cargo capacity, and its lower starting MSRP of $30,595.