2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a sports car. Key numbers: $4,340 price gap, 277 vs 315 hp, 23 vs 26 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on $4,340 less, AWD. The Mustang EcoBoost leads on 3 MPG better, 38 more hp. 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 Fe SE | 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,100 | $40,440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.3L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 16.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,700/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | 3,741 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 107.0" |
| Length | 190.2" | 189.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.5" |
| Height | 67.7" | 55.2" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 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 | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $36,100, $4,340 less than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost at $40,440. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $76/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,340 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; your priority is passenger space and cargo flexibility.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel; you want the 38 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps; your priority is driving engagement.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost rates 26 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost produces 315 hp, 38 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at 277 hp. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost also leads in torque at 350 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE, RWD on the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE bigger than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 0.8″ longer at 190.2″ vs 189.4″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 3.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs sports car), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses RWD. 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.
Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a sports car?
Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a sports car solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Ford Mustang 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 Fe trims, Ford trims, Ford Mustang trims
How the Santa Fe and Mustang Stack Up
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is a midsize SUV; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a sports car. They share a price range but not a purpose, which makes this comparison about lifestyle priorities, not trim-level features. The $4,340 gap adds up to $76/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: Santa Fe vs Mustang
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has 38 more hp (315 vs 277), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds 39 more lb-ft of torque (350 vs 311), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE comes with AWD; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses RWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is tuned for driving engagement over practicality. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 745 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 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when you want to keep $4,340 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel. At $76/month more, the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 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 Ford or any dealership.