2025 Ford F-150 XL vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
134 more hp and 219 more lb-ft torque vs $11,215 less and 4 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 325 vs 191 hp, 20 vs 24 MPG.
The F-150 XL leads on 134 more hp, 219 more lb-ft torque. The Santa Cruz SE leads on $11,215 less, 4 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Ford F-150 XL | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,465 | $31,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.7L V6 Turbo | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 36.0 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,679 lbs | 3,922 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 141.5" | 118.3" |
| Length | 228.1" | 195.7" |
| Width | 79.9" | 75.0" |
| Height | 76.7" | 66.7" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Regular Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 8.0 ft | No published data |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Ford F-150 XL and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $31,250, $11,215 less than the 2025 Ford F-150 XL at $42,465. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $198/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Ford F-150 XL?
The 2025 Ford F-150 XL is the stronger pick when you need the extra 134 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 219 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $11,215 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $350/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Ford F-150 XL or 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE rates 24 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Ford F-150 XL or 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Ford F-150 XL produces 325 hp, 134 more than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE at 191 hp. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL also leads in torque at 400 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL runs a 2.7L V6 Turbo; the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE uses a 2.5L I4. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2025 Ford F-150 XL, AWD on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE.
Is the 2025 Ford F-150 XL bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Ford F-150 XL is 32.4″ longer at 228.1″ vs 195.7″. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL has a 23.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Ford F-150 XL and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL comes with 4WD, while the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE uses AWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Ford F-150 comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Ford trims, Ford F-150 trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims
- 2025 Ford F-150 XL Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
How the F-150 and Santa Cruz Stack Up
Two full-size trucks built for work and weekend. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL ($42,465) and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE ($31,250) take different approaches to the same job. The $-11,215 gap adds up to $198/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: F-150 vs Santa Cruz
The 2025 Ford F-150 XL runs a 2.7L V6 Turbo; the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE uses a 2.5L I4. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL has 134 more hp (325 vs 191). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL also delivers 219 more lb-ft of torque (400 vs 181), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2025 Ford F-150 XL, AWD on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE saves roughly $350/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,750.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Ford F-150 XL is 32.4″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL has a 23.2″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Ford F-150 XL weighs 757 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2025 Ford F-150 XL when you need the extra 134 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. Choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE when you want to keep $11,215 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or Hyundai or any dealership.