2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs 2025 Honda CR-V EX
87 more hp and 132 more lb-ft torque vs $3,000 less and 5 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 277 vs 190 hp, 23 vs 28 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on 87 more hp, 132 more lb-ft torque. The CR-V EX leads on $3,000 less, 5 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 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 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | 2025 Honda CR-V EX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,850 | $33,850 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 14.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | 3,616 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.3" |
| Length | 190.2" | 184.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 73.5" |
| Height | 67.7" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 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 | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2025 Honda CR-V EX?
The 2025 Honda CR-V EX starts at $33,850, $3,000 less than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at $36,850. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $53/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when the extra 87 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Who should choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX?
The 2025 Honda CR-V EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,000 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $326/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2025 Honda CR-V EX?
The 2025 Honda CR-V EX rates 28 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2025 Honda CR-V EX?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 87 more than the 2025 Honda CR-V EX at 190 hp. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Honda CR-V EX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE bigger than the 2025 Honda CR-V EX?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 5.4″ longer at 190.2″ vs 184.8″. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 4.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Honda CR-V 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, Honda trims, Honda CR-V trims
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Honda CR-V EX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Santa Fe–CR-V Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Santa Fe and CR-V compare. The $-3,000 gap adds up to $53/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 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Honda CR-V EX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 87 more hp (277 vs 190). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 132 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 179), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Honda CR-V EX saves roughly $326/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,630.
Living With the Santa Fe vs the CR-V
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 870 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 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 87 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2025 Honda CR-V EX when you want to keep $3,000 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda CR-V EX 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 Hyundai or Honda or any dealership.