2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The most significant specification difference lies in torque output, where the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers 311 lb-ft, outperforming the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft, despite the Pathfinder offering slightly more horsepower at 284 hp versus 277 hp. Fuel efficiency also favors the Santa Fe with a combined 24 MPG compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG, aided by a superior 29 MPG highway rating (Pathfinder achieves 27 MPG highway). Dimensionally, the Pathfinder is substantially larger, measuring 197.7 inches in length versus the Santa Fe’s 190.2 inches, which corresponds to the Pathfinder’s greater cargo capacity of 16.6 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The Santa Fe holds a significant $1,600 MSRP advantage, starting at $34,800 compared to the Pathfinder’s $36,400.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG and lower entry price of $34,800.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The larger Pathfinder provides more usable space, boasting 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe appeals more to performance enthusiasts by delivering substantially higher torque output at 311 lb-ft versus the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers superior fuel economy (24 MPG combined) and a lower MSRP of $34,800, representing better baseline value.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You require maximum cargo volume, as the Pathfinder offers 16.6 cu ft.
- You prioritize peak horsepower, with the Pathfinder generating 284 hp.
- You prefer a marginally longer vehicle overall at 197.7 inches for a more substantial road presence.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Maximum pulling capability is essential, given the Santa Fe’s 311 lb-ft of torque.
- You are seeking a lower starting point, as the Santa Fe is priced $1,600 less at $34,800.
- Optimized highway efficiency is key, evidenced by the Santa Fe's 29 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 190.2" |
| Width | 77.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 70.9" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How significant is the difference in engine power between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder leads marginally in horsepower with 284 hp compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's 277 hp. However, the Santa Fe dominates in torque production, offering 311 lb-ft versus the Pathfinder's 259 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end pulling capability for the Hyundai.
Which vehicle offers more space for gear and luggage?
The Pathfinder is the larger choice for cargo, providing 16.6 cu ft behind the third row, which is exactly 2.0 cu ft more than the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft capacity. Furthermore, the Pathfinder is substantially longer overall at 197.7 inches.
What are the monetary differences when comparing the base models?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $34,800. This is $1,600 less than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, which begins at $36,400.
Is there a meaningful MPG advantage for daily driving?
Yes, the Santa Fe holds a slight edge in overall efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG rating versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG. On the highway, the Santa Fe manages 29 MPG compared to 27 MPG for the Pathfinder.
Do the transmissions affect driving dynamics significantly?
The Pathfinder utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed unit. While both are automatics, the Pathfinder’s extra gear ratio may slightly influence its highway cruising RPMs or responsiveness compared to the Santa Fe’s setup.
Are both vehicles equipped to handle regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal or standard performance.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool