2026 Ford Escape Platinum vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy
$10,710 less and 3 mpg better vs 27 more hp and 31 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $10,710 price gap, 250 vs 277 hp, 26 vs 23 MPG.
The Escape Platinum leads on $10,710 less, 3 MPG better. The Santa Fe Calligraphy leads on 27 more hp, 31 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 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 | 2026 Ford Escape Platinum | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,940 | $48,650 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 110.8" |
| Length | 181.2" | 190.2" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.0" | 69.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum starts at $37,940, $10,710 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy at $48,650. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $189/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum?
The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum is the stronger pick when you want to keep $10,710 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is the stronger pick when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the midsize SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum rates 26 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy produces 277 hp, 27 more than the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum at 250 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft. The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is 9.0″ longer at 190.2″ vs 181.2″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy has a 4.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Ford Escape 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 Escape trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims
How the Escape and Santa Fe Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum ($37,940) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy ($48,650) solve similar problems in different ways. The $10,710 gap adds up to $189/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: Escape vs Santa Fe
The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy has 27 more hp (277 vs 250), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy adds 31 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 280), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055. The 2026 Ford Escape Platinum wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum when you want to keep $10,710 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Escape Platinum covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the midsize SUV segment. At $189/month more, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 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.