2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$38,995 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged, traditional muscle of the 2026 Dodge Durango and the efficiency-focused, modern utility of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe presents a real dilemma for modern SUV shoppers. The Durango starts at a higher MSRP of $38,995 compared to the Santa Fe's $34,800, immediately creating a $4,195 difference right off the bat. Performance leans toward the Durango, boasting 295 hp against the Santa Fe's 277 hp, though the Durango suffers at the pump with only 20 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe’s superior 24 combined MPG. Despite being significantly larger (200.8 inches long versus 190.2 inches), the Durango actually carries slightly less cargo at 17.2 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft in this configuration. If you prioritize traditional RWD handling and sheer presence, the Durango is substantial, but the Santa Fe offers clear upfront savings and better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe wins for daily commuting due to its 4 MPG better fuel economy (24 combined MPG) and lower operational cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango is the winner here because its considerably larger physical dimensions, specifically its 72.1-inch height and 200.8-inch length, suggest superior interior space and passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 hp rating and traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers better value by starting $4,195 cheaper than the Durango while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You require a vehicle with traditional rear-wheel drive architecture for handling characteristics.
You prefer a more powerful engine delivering 295 hp.
You value a significantly larger physical footprint, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 72.1 inches in height.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Your primary concern is minimizing running costs through better fuel efficiency (24 combined MPG).
You want to save over four thousand dollars upfront with an MSRP of $34,800.
You benefit from the slightly better low-end pull provided by the Santa Fe's 311 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	200.8"	190.2"
Width	75.8"	74.8"
Height	72.1"	67.7"
Wheelbase	119.8"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 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	Dodge	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.1 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	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	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 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

How significant is the difference in size between the 2026 Durango and Santa Fe?

The Durango is noticeably larger; it is over 10 inches longer (200.8 in vs 190.2 in) and over 4 inches taller (72.1 in vs 67.7 in). This size difference translates to a more commanding presence on the road, although surprisingly, the Durango only offers slightly more measured cargo capacity in this spec.

Is the Durango’s extra horsepower worth the fuel economy penalty?

The Durango offers 295 hp compared to the Santa Fe's 277 hp, but you pay for it at the pump. The Durango achieves only 20 combined MPG, whereas the Santa Fe pulls ahead significantly with 24 combined MPG, which adds up over a year of driving.

Which SUV is better equipped for towing or heavy hauling based on specs?

While specific towing capacities are not listed, the Durango's RWD setup and higher torque output (260 lb-ft vs. 311 lb-ft for the Santa Fe's FWD setup, noting the difference in application) might suggest better inherent capability for heavy loads, especially if maximizing towing potential is a priority.

What accounts for the $4,195 price difference between the two crossovers?

The majority of the $4,195 price gap is likely related to the Durango's positioning as a potentially higher-trim standard model or its inherent cost structure associated with larger body-on-frame or traditional SUV platforms, as both use regular unleaded fuel.

How does the driving experience change between RWD (Durango) and FWD (Santa Fe)?

The Durango’s rear-wheel drive layout often provides better weight distribution and a more engaging feel favored by driving enthusiasts. Conversely, the Santa Fe's front-wheel drive setup prioritizes stable, predictable handling, especially beneficial in poor weather for general commuting.

If I drive mostly highway miles, which car saves me more money?

The Santa Fe is the clear winner for highway cruisers, showing 29 Highway MPG compared to the Durango’s 25 Highway MPG. This 4 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump, increasing savings substantially over long commutes.