2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

$29,800 · Crossover

$29,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 (Car1) and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (Car2) lies in fuel economy, with the RAV4 achieving a 5 MPG advantage in combined driving (30 MPG vs. 25 MPG). Pricing is nearly identical, with the Santa Cruz slightly undercutting at an MSRP of $29,500 compared to the RAV4's $29,800. Power output favors the RAV4, delivering 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque against the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Dimensions show the Santa Cruz is notably longer at 195.7 inches versus the RAV4's 180.9 inches, while the RAV4 offers superior practicality with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Cruz's undefined capacity for its unique bed configuration. Both vehicles share a standard FWD configuration and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4's 30 combined MPG offers a substantial operational cost saving over the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 provides a known and quantifiable 37.6 cu ft of secured cargo capacity essential for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 claims a marginal advantage in performance metrics with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft compared to the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz provides a lower entry cost at $29,500 while delivering a unique body style, despite slightly lower fuel economy.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, demonstrated by its 30 combined MPG rating.
Maximum secure cargo capacity is needed, offering 37.6 cu ft.
You prefer slightly higher output from the engine, rated at 203 hp.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

A lower starting MSRP of $29,500 is a key purchasing factor.
The need for greater exterior length (195.7 inches) is present.
A body style incorporating an open bed configuration is desired over a traditional SUV trunk.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4	Hyundai Santa Cruz
Length	180.9"	195.7"
Width	73.0"	75.0"
Height	67.0"	66.7"
Wheelbase	105.9"	118.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Toyota	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	22/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.5/507.5 mi.	389.4/531.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 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	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	56.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	53.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

How much more efficient is the RAV4 than the Santa Cruz?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 achieves 30 combined MPG, which is 5 MPG better than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG rating. This efficiency gain impacts long-term fuel expenditures significantly.

What are the horsepower differences between the two models?

The RAV4 generates 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Santa Cruz produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 12 hp advantage for the RAV4.

Is the Santa Cruz or the RAV4 larger overall?

Dimensionally, the 2026 Santa Cruz is longer, measuring 195.7 inches compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches. However, the RAV4 specifies 37.6 cu ft of sealed cargo space, a figure not provided for the Santa Cruz's bed area.

Do these vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz come standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Upgrades would be required to secure AWD capability for either model.

What is the price gap between the base models?

The difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is minimal; the Santa Cruz starts at $29,500, positioning it $300 less expensive than the RAV4's starting MSRP of $29,800.

Are the transmissions different between these two Crossovers?

No, both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This indicates similar intended driving dynamics in terms of gear shifts and responsiveness between the two models.