2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
Struggling to decide between practicality that saves cash and premium appeal? That’s the core dilemma facing buyers comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The Santa Fe leaps ahead in outright performance, boasting 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft. This power comes with better efficiency, as the Hyundai achieves 24 MPG combined versus the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined. However, the Discovery Sport offers superior utility despite being shorter in length (180.9 inches vs. 190.2 inches for the Hyundai), evidenced by its cavernous 32.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. With a steep MSRP gap of $15,600 separating the $34,300 Santa Fe from the Land Rover's $49,900 starting price, budget versus brand prestige becomes the deciding factor for most shoppers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the better commuter choice due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG and lower running costs.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport wins for families by offering significantly more usable space with 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to just 14.6 cu ft in the Santa Fe.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Fe for its higher output, delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides significantly better value, undercutting the Discovery Sport by a substantial $15,600 MSRP difference.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, as the Hyundai Santa Fe offers 4 MPG better combined efficiency (24 MPG vs. 20 MPG).
- You need maximum straight-line performance, benefiting from the Santa Fe's 31 hp advantage.
- You are sensitive to initial purchase price, as the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, saving you $15,600 over the Land Rover.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You absolutely require maximum packing room, as the Discovery Sport provides 32.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a traditional automatic transmission and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You are willing to pay a premium for the Land Rover badge and inherent brand cachet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 180.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | - |
| Height | 67.7" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.4 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 | 3 months |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Speaker System | — | 11 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
How much more cargo space does the Discovery Sport really offer over the Santa Fe?
The difference is substantial; the Land Rover Discovery Sport provides 32.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 14.6 cubic feet offered behind the rear seats of the 2025 Santa Fe.
Is the Santa Fe significantly faster than the Discovery Sport?
Yes, the Hyundai Santa Fe is noticeably quicker, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, beating the Land Rover’s output of 246 hp and 269 lb-ft.
What is the price gap between these two crossovers?
The price disparity is significant, with the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport starting at $49,900, placing it $15,600 higher than the Hyundai Santa Fe's $34,300 MSRP.
Which vehicle will cost less at the gas pump?
The 2025 Santa Fe is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving a combined 24 MPG compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined rating, and both use regular unleaded fuel.
Does the Land Rover offer standard All-Wheel Drive where the Hyundai does not?
That is correct; the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is listed with Front Wheel Drive.
How do their dimensions compare for parking purposes?
The Land Rover is physically smaller overall, measuring 180.9 inches long, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is longer at 190.2 inches; however, both share a similar height around 67.8 inches.
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