2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited
$880 less and 29 more hp vs 4 MPG better and 30 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $880 price gap, 310 vs 281 hp, 18 vs 22 MPG.
The Frontier PRO-4X leads on $880 less, 29 more hp. The Santa Cruz Limited leads on 4 MPG better, 30 more lb-ft torque. 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 | 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,870 | $42,750 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 16 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 20 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 21.0 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,763 lbs | 4,295 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 126.0" | 118.3" |
| Length | 210.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 74.7" | 75.0" |
| Height | 72.9" | 66.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 5.0 ft | No published data |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 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 | 3yr/36k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X starts at $41,870, $880 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at $42,750. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $16/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is the stronger pick when you want to keep $880 in your pocket and the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X covers your needs; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $424/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver; 30 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited rates 22 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X produces 310 hp, 29 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at 281 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 281 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is 14.5″ longer at 210.2″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X comes with 4WD, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses AWD. 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?
The Nissan Frontier comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Nissan trims, Nissan Frontier trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims
Frontier vs Santa Cruz: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited compete directly in the midsize truck segment, where towing capacity, payload, and cab comfort separate the contenders. The $880 gap is about $16/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X has 29 more hp (310 vs 281), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also delivers 30 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 281), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
Running Costs: Frontier vs Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited saves roughly $424/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,120. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited costs more upfront but recovers some of that gap through lower running costs. At $424/year in savings, it takes about 2.1 years to close the $880 sticker difference.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is 14.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X weighs 468 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X when you want to keep $880 in your pocket and the 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $424/year less on fuel. At $16/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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 Nissan or Hyundai or any dealership.