2026 Nissan Frontier S vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
119 more hp and 100 more lb-ft torque vs $6,300 less and 5 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 310 vs 191 hp, 19 vs 24 MPG.
The Frontier S leads on 119 more hp, 100 more lb-ft torque. The Santa Cruz SE leads on $6,300 less, 5 MPG better. 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 S | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,550 | $30,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 17 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 21 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 19 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 21.0 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,626 lbs | 3,922 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 126.0" | 118.3" |
| Length | 210.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 73.0" | 75.0" |
| Height | 72.4" | 66.7" |
| 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 S and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $30,250, $6,300 less than the 2026 Nissan Frontier S at $36,550. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $111/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Frontier S?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier S is the stronger pick when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 100 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $461/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Nissan Frontier S or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE rates 24 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Nissan Frontier S or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier S produces 310 hp, 119 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE at 191 hp. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S also leads in torque at 281 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE uses a 2.5L I4. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Frontier S, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE.
Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier S bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier S is 14.5″ longer at 210.2″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Nissan Frontier S and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S comes with 4WD, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE 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
The Frontier–Santa Cruz Decision
Truck buyers cross-shopping the Frontier and Santa Cruz are comparing more than price. Bed size, powertrain, and tow rating all factor in. The $-6,300 gap adds up to $111/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 Nissan Frontier S runs a 3.8L V6; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE uses a 2.5L I4. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S has 119 more hp (310 vs 191). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S also delivers 100 more lb-ft of torque (281 vs 181), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2026 Nissan Frontier S, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE saves roughly $461/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,305.
Living With the Frontier vs the Santa Cruz
The 2026 Nissan Frontier S is 14.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S has a 7.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Nissan Frontier S weighs 704 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 Nissan Frontier S when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE when you want to keep $6,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE 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 Nissan or Hyundai or any dealership.