2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$34,300 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB (Car 2) is the MSRP, with the Santa Fe starting $9,500 lower at $34,300 compared to the GLB's $43,800. Performance metrics also heavily favor Car 1, as the Santa Fe generates 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the GLB’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Conversely, the GLB offers superior operational economy, achieving 28 MPG combined using premium fuel, whereas the Santa Fe registers 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe is longer by 7.8 inches (190.2 vs. 182.4 inches) but offers substantially less passenger/cargo flexibility, exhibiting a notably smaller 14.6 cu ft cargo capacity against the GLB's 22 cu ft minimum volume. These specifications create a clear split between price-conscious performance seekers and those prioritizing premium efficiency and compact utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a superior 28 MPG combined rating versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG, reducing long-term operational costs for regular driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Santa Fe’s greater exterior dimensions, specifically its 190.2-inch length, suggest better inherent interior volume and comfort potential compared to the shorter GLB.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe decisively wins on power, delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the GLB’s 221 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers significantly higher baseline horsepower for a price tag that is $9,500 lower than the base GLB.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Maximum horsepower is prioritized, as the Santa Fe provides 277 hp compared to the GLB's 221 hp.
Budget sensitivity is high, given the Santa Fe's $34,300 MSRP versus the GLB's $43,800.
The requirement is for regular unleaded fuel, saving on immediate fueling costs compared to the GLB's premium requirement.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Achieving 28 MPG combined is critical, surpassing the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined rating.
A compact footprint is preferred, as the GLB is 7.8 inches shorter in length than the Santa Fe.
Greater primary cargo utility is needed, evidenced by the GLB's 22 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	190.2"	182.4"
Width	74.8"	72.2"
Height	67.7"	66.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	111.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 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	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	55.9 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: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.9 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	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Does the fuel requirement difference impact the true cost of ownership between these two crossovers?

Yes, the requirement for premium unleaded in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB will increase ongoing operational costs, especially when factoring in the Santa Fe’s 4 MPG advantage (24 MPG combined vs. 28 MPG combined).

How much larger is the 2025 Santa Fe compared to the 2026 GLB?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is larger in length by 7.8 inches (190.2 inches vs. 182.4 inches) and slightly wider and taller; however, the GLB manages to offer 50% more minimum cargo capacity (22 cu ft vs. 14.6 cu ft).

Which vehicle provides a better acceleration profile based purely on available specifications?

Based on power output, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior choice for acceleration, possessing 56 more horsepower and 53 more lb-ft of torque than the GLB.

Is the $9,500 price premium for the GLB justified by the fuel economy rating?

While the GLB offers a 4 MPG improvement, the $9,500 MSRP gap suggests that achieving breakeven solely on fuel savings would require an extensive amount of mileage accumulation.