2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a traditional, commanding SUV feel and modern efficiency can be tough when comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. If space and presence matter most, the Jeep’s substantial 204.9-inch length and 71.5-inch height provide a commanding road view, though it asks for a higher initial investment at $39,035 versus the Santa Fe's $34,800. The Jeep boasts 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly outmuscling the Santa Fe's 277 hp, but the trade-off is visible at the pump: the Santa Fe achieves a superior combined 24 MPG compared to the Jeep's 21 MPG, making the $4,235 price gap even more relevant over time. While the Jeep leans on RWD, the Santa Fe uses FWD, which might affect handling preference for certain drivers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the winner for commuters due to its better efficiency, delivering 24 combined MPG versus the Jeep's 21 MPG.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers more sheer size at 204.9 inches long, potentially translating to more usable cabin space.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L wins narrowly for enthusiasts by offering higher peak power with 293 hp compared to the Santa Fe’s 277 hp.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a compelling package for $34,800, significantly undercutting the Jeep's $39,035 MSRP.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...
- You need the extra physical presence provided by its 71.5-inch height and 204.9-inch length.
- You prefer the dynamics of a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform.
- You value having a slight edge in raw horsepower with 293 hp available.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Saving upfront costs is a priority, given the $34,800 MSRP versus the Jeep’s $39,035.
- Fuel economy is critical, as the Santa Fe achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the higher low-end pull provided by 311 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 190.2" |
| Width | 77.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.5" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 121.7" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | 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 Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Which car is cheaper to run daily based on fuel economy?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly better for daily running costs, achieving 24 combined MPG. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L only manages 21 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
How does the size difference impact practicality between these two crossovers?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is substantially larger overall, measuring 204.9 inches long compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches. While the Jeep has slightly less stated cargo capacity (17.2 cu ft vs 14.6 cu ft), its sheer exterior dimensions often translate to a roomier feeling cabin.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe less powerful than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
Yes, based on the provided metrics, the Jeep leads in horsepower with 293 hp versus the Santa Fe's 277 hp. However, the Santa Fe counters with greater torque, generating 311 lb-ft compared to the Jeep's 260 lb-ft.
Why is the starting MSRP difference $4,235?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $39,035, placing it in a more premium bracket than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, which begins at $34,800. This price difference reflects positioning and potentially standard features not listed here.
Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is a point of parity for owners concerned about premium fuel requirements.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the two?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform, whereas the Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). This affects weight distribution and handling characteristics.
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