2025 Jeep Compass vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Jeep Compass (Car 1) and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (Car 2) lies in their external dimensions; the Santa Cruz spans 195.7 inches in length compared to the Compass’s 173.4 inches, a difference of 22.3 inches, which correlates with differences in utility. Performance metrics slightly favor the Compass, delivering 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque versus the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, despite the Santa Cruz having a slightly higher base MSRP of $29,500 versus the Compass’s $26,900. Fuel economy also tips toward Jeep, achieving a combined 27 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG. Furthermore, the standard four-wheel drive configuration of the Compass provides a measurable advantage over the Santa Cruz’s standard front-wheel drive layout, directly impacting off-road capability metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Jeep Compass
The 2025 Jeep Compass offers superior fuel efficiency at 27 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG, optimizing daily running costs.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The substantially longer 195.7-inch Santa Cruz likely offers more usable interior space and potentially greater rear-seat comfort than the 173.4-inch Compass.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Compass provides greater torque (221 lb-ft) and standard four-wheel drive capability, appealing more to dynamic driving requirements.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass has a lower entry price of $26,900 and superior base fuel economy (27 MPG vs. 25 MPG).
Choose the Jeep Compass if...
- Absolute purchase price is critical, as the MSRP is $2,600 less at $26,900.
- Maximizing miles per gallon is a priority, evidenced by its 27 combined MPG rating.
- Year-round, low-traction surface capability is required via its standard four-wheel drive system.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- Maximum exterior length (195.7 inches) and overall bulk are desired for cabin or utility volume.
- A truck-like functionality is preferable, suggested by the crossover/truck hybrid body style.
- Comfortable highway cruising is prioritized, even with slightly lower torque figures (181 lb-ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Compass | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.4" | 195.7" |
| Width | 73.8" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.6" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | On Demand | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 324.0/432.0 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.3 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.2 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Compass and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Which vehicle offers better on-road performance based on horsepower and torque?
The 2025 Jeep Compass holds a measurable advantage in power output, delivering 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trails slightly with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the Compass has quicker acceleration potential.
How does the standard drivetrain configuration differ between these two models?
The Jeep Compass comes standard with four-wheel drive, suggesting better capability in snow or light off-road conditions right off the lot. Conversely, the Hyundai Santa Cruz utilizes a standard front-wheel drive configuration.
Is the cargo capacity directly comparable between the Compass and the Santa Cruz?
Only the Jeep Compass provides a measurable cargo specification at 27.2 cubic feet; the Santa Cruz's specific cargo area volume is not provided, although its greater length suggests potential overall volume advantages.
What is the financial difference between the base models?
The 2025 Jeep Compass starts at an MSRP of $26,900, which is $2,600 less than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s base price of $29,500.
Which vehicle has better highway fuel economy?
The Jeep Compass offers superior highway fuel economy at 32 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz’s 30 MPG rating. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
How significant is the size difference, particularly in length?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is considerably longer at 195.7 inches, making it 22.3 inches longer than the 173.4-inch Jeep Compass, which impacts overall road presence and potentially interior volume.
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