2026 Kia Sportage LX vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
$5,510 less and 3 mpg better vs 90 more hp and 133 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,510 price gap, 187 vs 277 hp, 26 vs 23 MPG.
The Sportage LX leads on $5,510 less, 3 MPG better. The Santa Fe SE leads on 90 more hp, 133 more lb-ft torque. 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 Kia Sportage LX | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,590 | $36,100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,827 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 110.8" |
| Length | 184.4" | 190.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.1" | 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 2026 Kia Sportage LX and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Kia Sportage LX starts at $30,590, $5,510 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at $36,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $97/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Sportage LX?
The 2026 Kia Sportage LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,510 in your pocket and the 2026 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Kia Sportage LX rates 26 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Kia Sportage LX or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 90 more than the 2026 Kia Sportage LX at 187 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Kia Sportage LX bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 5.8″ longer at 190.2″ vs 184.4″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 2.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain.
Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims
- 2026 Kia Sportage LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
How the Sportage and Santa Fe Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Kia Sportage LX ($30,590) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ($36,100) solve similar problems in different ways. The $5,510 gap adds up to $97/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: Sportage vs Santa Fe
The 2026 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 90 more hp (277 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 133 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Kia Sportage LX saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055. The 2026 Kia Sportage LX 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 weighs 659 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 2026 Kia Sportage LX when you want to keep $5,510 in your pocket and the 2026 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $97/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 Kia or Hyundai or any dealership.