2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The most significant disparity between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Nissan Rogue is fuel efficiency, where the Rogue achieves a combined 32 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG, a 7 MPG advantage. The Rogue also boasts higher output with 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque versus the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Price competitiveness is tight, with the Rogue starting at $29,090 and the Santa Cruz at $29,500. However, the Santa Cruz is substantially longer at 195.7 inches compared to the Rogue's 183.0 inches, potentially impacting maneuverability. While the Rogue offers 31.6 cu ft of cargo space, the Santa Cruz's specification sheet does not list a comparable figure, though its crossover/truck hybrid nature suggests utility variation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is favored for families by offering 31.6 cu ft of measurable cargo capacity over the Santa Cruz.
2026 Nissan Rogue
Enthusiasts will prefer the Rogue's higher performance metrics, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue presents better measurable value with a lower MSRP of $29,090 and significantly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require a longer footprint, as the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches in length.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You prioritize a marginally lower starting MSRP, though the difference is only $410.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, given its 36 MPG highway rating versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG.
- You need defined cargo volume, as the Rogue explicitly lists 31.6 cu ft.
- You desire greater peak output, specifically the 225 lb-ft of torque provided by the Rogue.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 183.0" |
| Width | 75.0" | 72.4" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.1 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 | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
What is the primary difference in powertrain between the 2026 Santa Cruz and the 2026 Rogue?
The 2026 Rogue produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Santa Cruz produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Nissan Rogue than the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Nissan Rogue is substantially more efficient, achieving 32 MPG combined compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating. This results in a 7 MPG difference for everyday driving.
Which vehicle is physically larger, the 2026 Santa Cruz or the 2026 Rogue?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Rogue's 183.0 inches. Their respective widths and heights are much closer.
Are there any cargo specifications available for the Hyundai Santa Cruz in this comparison?
While the 2026 Nissan Rogue explicitly lists 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, specific cargo volume measurements for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz were not provided in the base specification data for direct comparison.
Which vehicle offers a lower entry price point for 2026 models?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue has the lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $29,090. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is priced slightly higher at $29,500.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Nissan Rogue are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires a premium fuel investment.
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