2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE vs 2025 Nissan Frontier S
$6,200 less and 5 mpg better vs 119 more hp and 100 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $6,200 price gap, 191 vs 310 hp, 24 vs 19 MPG.
The Santa Cruz SE leads on $6,200 less, 5 MPG better. The Frontier S leads on 119 more hp, 100 more lb-ft torque. 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 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE | 2025 Nissan Frontier S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,250 | $36,450 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 21 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 21.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,922 lbs | 4,660 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 126.0" |
| Length | 195.7" | 210.2" |
| Width | 75.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 72.4" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | No published data | 5.0 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2025 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $30,250, $6,200 less than the 2025 Nissan Frontier S at $36,450. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $109/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,200 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $461/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2025 Nissan Frontier S is the stronger pick when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 100 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2025 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE rates 24 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2025 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2025 Nissan Frontier S produces 310 hp, 119 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE at 191 hp. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S also leads in torque at 281 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Nissan Frontier S uses a 3.8L V6. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, 4WD on the 2025 Nissan Frontier S.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE bigger than the 2025 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2025 Nissan Frontier S is 14.5″ longer at 210.2″ vs 195.7″. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2025 Nissan Frontier S have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE comes with AWD, while the 2025 Nissan Frontier S uses 4WD. 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 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Nissan Frontier offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims, Nissan trims, Nissan Frontier trims
The Santa Cruz–Frontier Decision
Truck buyers cross-shopping the Santa Cruz and Frontier are comparing more than price. Bed size, powertrain, and tow rating all factor in. The $6,200 gap adds up to $109/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Nissan Frontier S uses a 3.8L V6. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S has 119 more hp (310 vs 191). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S also delivers 100 more lb-ft of torque (281 vs 181), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, 4WD on the 2025 Nissan Frontier S.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE saves roughly $461/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,305. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Living With the Santa Cruz vs the Frontier
The 2025 Nissan Frontier S is 14.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Nissan Frontier S weighs 738 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE when you want to keep $6,200 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Nissan Frontier S when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. At $109/month more, the 2025 Nissan Frontier S needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
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 Hyundai or Nissan or any dealership.