2025 Kia Telluride LX vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE wins on 49 more lb-ft torque, AWD. The 2025 Kia Telluride LX has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 291 vs 277 hp, 22 vs 23 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on 49 more lb-ft torque, AWD. 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 Kia Telluride LX | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,390 | $36,100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,248 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 110.8" |
| Length | 196.9" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.9" | 67.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride LX and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $36,100, $290 less than the 2025 Kia Telluride LX at $36,390. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Telluride LX?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX is the stronger pick when you prefer the Kia approach to the midsize SUV segment.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $290 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Telluride LX or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE rates 23 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Telluride LX or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX produces 291 hp, 14 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at 277 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Telluride LX runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Kia Telluride LX, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride LX bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX is 6.7″ longer at 196.9″ vs 190.2″. The 2025 Kia Telluride LX has a 3.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Kia Telluride LX and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE comes with AWD, while the 2025 Kia Telluride LX uses FWD. 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?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain.
Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Telluride trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims
- 2025 Kia Telluride LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Telluride–Santa Fe Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Telluride and Santa Fe compare. The $-290 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Kia Telluride LX runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 14 hp difference (291 vs 277) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 49 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 262), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE comes with AWD; the 2025 Kia Telluride LX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE saves roughly $83/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $415.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Kia Telluride LX when you prefer the Kia approach to the midsize SUV segment. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when you want to keep $290 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Kia or Hyundai or any dealership.