2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE vs 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport
$8,580 less and 5 mpg better vs 94 more hp and 79 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $8,580 price gap, 191 vs 285 hp, 24 vs 19 MPG.
The Santa Cruz SE leads on $8,580 less, 5 MPG better. The Gladiator Sport leads on 94 more hp, 79 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 | 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,250 | $38,830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 22.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $2,300/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,922 lbs | 4,662 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 137.3" |
| Length | 195.7" | 218.0" |
| Width | 75.0" | 73.8" |
| Height | 66.7" | 75.0" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $30,250, $8,580 less than the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport at $38,830. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $151/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 $8,580 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 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport is the stronger pick when you need the extra 94 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 79 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE rates 24 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport produces 285 hp, 94 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE at 191 hp. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport also leads in torque at 260 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 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport uses a 3.6L V6. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, 4WD on the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE bigger than the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport is 22.3″ longer at 218.0″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport has a 19.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport 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 Jeep Gladiator 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, Jeep trims, Jeep Gladiator trims
The Santa Cruz–Gladiator Decision
Truck buyers cross-shopping the Santa Cruz and Gladiator are comparing more than price. Bed size, powertrain, and tow rating all factor in. The $8,580 gap adds up to $151/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 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport uses a 3.6L V6. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport has 94 more hp (285 vs 191). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport also delivers 79 more lb-ft of torque (260 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 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport.
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 Gladiator
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport is 22.3″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport has a 19.0″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport weighs 740 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 $8,580 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport when you need the extra 94 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. At $151/month more, the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport 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 Jeep or any dealership.