2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE

$4,255 less and 4 mpg better vs 96 more hp and 121 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,255 price gap, 181 vs 277 hp, 27 vs 23 MPG.

The short answer

The Bronco Sport Big Bend leads on $4,255 less, 4 MPG better. The Santa Fe SE leads on 96 more hp, 121 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$4,255
Price Gap
96 HP
HP Diff
4 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend
Starts at $31,845
VS
Higher price
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
Starts at $36,100

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I3 Turbo
vs
2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
181 hp
vs
277 hp
Torque
190 lb-ft
vs
311 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
23 MPG combined
Fuel Tank
16.0 gal
vs
17.7 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$31,845Bronco Sport Big Bend
$36,100Santa Fe SE
Engine
1.5L I3 TurboBronco Sport Big Bend
2.5L I4 TurboSanta Fe SE
Horsepower
181 hpBronco Sport Big Bend
277 hpSanta Fe SE
Torque
190 lb-ftBronco Sport Big Bend
311 lb-ftSanta Fe SE
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticBronco Sport Big Bend
8-speed automated manualSanta Fe SE
City MPG
25Bronco Sport Big Bend
20Santa Fe SE
Highway MPG
30Bronco Sport Big Bend
28Santa Fe SE
Combined MPG
27Bronco Sport Big Bend
23Santa Fe SE
Fuel Tank
16.0 galBronco Sport Big Bend
17.7 galSanta Fe SE
Wheelbase
105.1"Bronco Sport Big Bend
110.8"Santa Fe SE
Length
172.7"Bronco Sport Big Bend
190.2"Santa Fe SE
Width
74.3"Bronco Sport Big Bend
74.8"Santa Fe SE
Height
70.2"Bronco Sport Big Bend
67.7"Santa Fe SE
NHTSA Overall
5/5 starsBronco Sport Big Bend
4/5 starsSanta Fe SE
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kBronco Sport Big Bend
5yr/60kSanta Fe SE
Powertrain
5yr/60kBronco Sport Big Bend
10yr/100kSanta Fe SE
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedBronco Sport Big Bend
7yr/unlimitedSanta Fe SE
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kBronco Sport Big Bend
5yr/unlimitedSanta Fe SE

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.

Spec2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
Pricing
MSRP$31,845$36,100
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I3 Turbo2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower181 hp277 hp
Torque190 lb-ft311 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed automated manual
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2520
Highway MPG3028
Combined MPG2723
Fuel Tank16.0 gal17.7 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,600/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data4,486 lbs
Wheelbase105.1"110.8"
Length172.7"190.2"
Width74.3"74.8"
Height70.2"67.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars4/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k5yr/60k
Powertrain5yr/60k10yr/100k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited7yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend starts at $31,845, $4,255 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at $36,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $75/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,255 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $270/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when the extra 96 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend rates 27 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 96 more than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend at 181 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 190 lb-ft. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 17.5″ longer at 190.2″ vs 172.7″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Ford Bronco Sport comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Bronco Sport trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims

Official sources

How the Bronco Sport and Santa Fe Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend ($31,845) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ($36,100) solve similar problems in different ways. The $4,255 gap adds up to $75/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: Bronco Sport vs Santa Fe

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 96 more hp (277 vs 181). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 121 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 190), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend saves roughly $270/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,350. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 17.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend when you want to keep $4,255 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 96 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $75/month more, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 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 Ford or Hyundai or any dealership.

Keep Exploring