2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport (Car 2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), establishing a substantial $15,100 gap ($34,800 vs. $49,900). Performance metrics favor the Santa Fe, which delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy also leans towards the Hyundai, achieving a combined 24 MPG against the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Discovery Sport offers significantly greater utility, boasting 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, despite being 9.3 inches shorter in length (180.9 inches vs. 190.2 inches). While Car 2 employs AWD standard, Car 1 is FWD with an 8-speed automatic transmission, contrasting with Car 2's 9-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers superior fuel efficiency at 24 MPG combined and a lower entry price point for daily driving economy.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport provides substantially more dedicated storage space, offering 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 14.6 cu ft in the Santa Fe.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Santa Fe provides a measurable advantage in raw output with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
With a $15,100 lower MSRP and 4 MPG better combined fuel economy, the Santa Fe presents a demonstrably better overall value proposition.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Budget consciousness is paramount, given the $34,800 starting MSRP.
- Maximum horsepower is desired, as Car 1 produces 277 hp.
- The user prefers a vehicle optimized for maximizing distance per gallon, achieving 29 MPG highway.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement.
- The driver prefers the engagement of a 9-speed automatic transmission over an 8-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 180.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | - |
| Height | 67.7" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Speaker System | — | 11 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
What is the primary difference in performance specifications between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) leads in power, generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Land Rover Discovery Sport's output of 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
How does the usable space compare, especially regarding cargo volume?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport (Car 2) offers nearly double the practical storage, measuring 32.4 cu ft, whereas the Santa Fe (Car 1) provides only 14.6 cu ft behind the second row. This makes the Land Rover better suited for larger gear hauling.
Is the price disparity reflected in the powertrain hardware?
Yes, Car 1 starts at $34,800 (FWD) while Car 2 starts at $49,900 (AWD). Although Car 1 is cheaper, Car 2 features a standard All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 9-speed automatic, contrasting with Car 1's FWD and 8-speed setup.
Which vehicle is superior for long-distance commuting based on fuel consumption?
The Santa Fe is the more economical choice, posting a combined 24 MPG rating versus the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage results in fewer stops at the pump for the Hyundai owner.
Are the physical dimensions vastly different for parking purposes?
The Santa Fe is noticeably longer at 190.2 inches compared to the Discovery Sport's 180.9 inches, making the Land Rover slightly easier to maneuver and fit into tight parking spots despite similar height profiles.
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