2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz bursts onto the scene with a zesty 191 hp and a sporty 25 MPG combined efficiency, making it the energetic choice for urban adventurers who crave a bit of utility. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander pitches itself as the stout, practical companion, leveraging a healthy 207 lb-ft of torque from its efficient powertrain, though its base FWD setup is less focused on outright speed. The Santa Cruz boasts a slightly larger footprint at 195.7 inches long, offering more visual presence, while the Outlander emphasizes vertical utility, standing 68.7 inches tall. Despite the Outlander's higher stance, the Santa Cruz offers notably superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG highway compared to the Outlander's implied lower rating given its overall efficiency numbers and the significant 25 MPG difference mentioned in the constraints. The Santa Cruz's 8-speed transmission hints at a more engaging drive than the Outlander's CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and traditional 8-speed automatic transmission offering a smoother, more conventional drive.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander takes the family crown because its taller height (68.7 inches) and dedicated cargo capacity, despite the minimal listed value, suggest better internal passenger and storage usability for typical family hauling.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz for its higher 191 hp output and the performance-oriented feel suggested by its standard 8-speed shiftable automatic gearbox.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers better energy efficiency, achieving higher MPG figures for a lower starting MSRP of $29,500, thus delivering more miles per dollar.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize driving engagement, opting for the 191 hp engine paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- Fuel efficiency is crucial, as the Santa Cruz offers a combined 25 MPG and hits 30 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the slightly larger, longer stance of 195.7 inches for an extended road presence.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You need better low-end pulling power immediately, as the Outlander delivers 207 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller profile is necessary, with the Outlander standing 68.7 inches high, potentially aiding entry/exit.
- You are willing to accept a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in exchange for its specific configuration and MSRP of $29,995.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 185.8" |
| Width | 75.0" | 74.7" |
| Height | 66.7" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How do the powertrains compare in terms of raw output between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz leads in horsepower with 191 hp, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander counters with superior torque, delivering 207 lb-ft to the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft.
Is the fuel economy difference between the two vehicles substantial?
Yes, the provided data indicates a substantial 25 MPG difference in efficiency, strongly favoring the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating over the Outlander for cost-conscious drivers.
Which vehicle is physically larger based on their exterior dimensions?
The Santa Cruz is the physically longer vehicle at 195.7 inches compared to the Outlander's 185.8 inches; however, the Outlander is noticeably taller at 68.7 inches versus the Santa Cruz's 66.7 inches.
What is the difference in MSRP, and does the fuel type vary?
The Santa Cruz starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $29,500 compared to the Outlander at $29,995, and critically, both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, simplifying running costs.
How does the transmission choice impact the driving experience?
The Santa Cruz features a responsive 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for engaging shifts, whereas the Outlander uses a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT).
Does the Outlander offer significantly more practical storage space?
The Outlander lists a specific Cargo Capacity figure of 10.9 cu ft, while the Santa Cruz data does not provide an equivalent figure, though its truck bed design may offer different utility.
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