2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,100 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Price divergence establishes the primary differentiation point: the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe retails for $10,300 less than the 2026 Acura RDX, starting at $34,800 versus $45,100. Mechanically, the Santa Fe offers a superior torque figure, generating 311 lb-ft compared to the RDX's 280 lb-ft, though the RDX achieves a marginally higher 272 hp rating against the Santa Fe’s 277 hp. Fuel economy favors the Santa Fe slightly, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the RDX's 23 MPG combined, specifically benefiting from a 29 MPG highway rating against the RDX's 27 MPG highway. Dimensional analysis shows the Santa Fe is 2.8 inches longer (190.2 inches vs. 187.4 inches) and 2.0 inches taller (67.7 inches vs. 65.7 inches), yet the RDX boasts nearly double the listed cargo capacity at 29.5 cu ft versus 14.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the RDX utilizes premium unleaded fuel, contrasting with the Santa Fe's use of regular unleaded.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum utility in a compact footprint is prioritized, evidenced by 29.5 cu ft of cargo space.
A preference exists for the marginally higher 272 horsepower output.
All-wheel drive capability is required over the standard front-wheel drive configuration.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Budget sensitivity dictates a $10,300 lower initial purchase price ($34,800 MSRP).
The ability to use regular unleaded fuel is necessary for long-term operating cost reduction.
Maximum hauling/towing potential is desired, indicated by the 311 lb-ft torque figure.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	187.4"	190.2"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	65.7"	67.7"
Wheelbase	108.3"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	311 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	Acura	Hyundai
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

How does the required fuel type impact long-term running costs between these models?

The 2026 Acura RDX requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded specified for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. This difference directly affects cumulative annual fuel expenditures.

Given the horsepower parity, what powertrain difference separates the RDX and Santa Fe?

While the Santa Fe lists slightly more horsepower at 277 hp versus the RDX's 272 hp, the Santa Fe exhibits substantially greater pulling power with 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the RDX's 280 lb-ft.

Why does the smaller RDX have dramatically more listed cargo capacity than the larger Santa Fe?

The specifications indicate the 2026 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo volume, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lists only 14.6 cu ft. This suggests differences in packaging or how the manufacturers define the measurement standard, favoring the RDX substantially in measured space.

What are the implications of the different standard drive configurations?

The RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive, potentially offering better traction in low-grip conditions. Conversely, the Santa Fe is listed with front-wheel drive, which usually contributes to better stated fuel economy ratings.

How significant is the difference in height and length dimensions?

The Santa Fe is 2.8 inches longer (190.2 in vs. 187.4 in) and 2.0 inches taller (67.7 in vs. 65.7 in). Taller dimensions often correlate with increased headroom but do not necessarily translate to superior usable cargo volume, as evidenced by the volume discrepancy.