When it comes to compact SUVs, the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are two of the most popular choices, each offering unique features. While the Honda CR-V is known for its dynamic driving experience and advanced tech, the Hyundai Santa Fe shines in offering spaciousness, comfort, and practicality. Let’s compare both SUVs in terms of performance, comfort, technology, and value to help you make the right decision.
Interior: Which SUV Offers More Comfort and Space?
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V offers a comfortable interior, focusing on practicality and space. The cabin is spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers, especially in the rear seats. The cargo space in the CR-V offers around 39.2 cubic feet with the seats up, which is generous for a compact SUV. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and higher trims offer features like leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort. While not as luxurious as the Santa Fe, the CR-V is designed with everyday functionality in mind, making it ideal for families and daily commuters.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe takes things a step further with a premium interior. The cabin features high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces in higher trims, giving it a luxurious feel that rivals larger SUVs. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making it perfect for tall passengers. The cargo space is also quite generous, offering 40.9 cubic feet with the seats up. The overall feel of the interior is more upscale, with a focus on comfort and advanced features.
Verdict: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, while the Honda CR-V provides a more practical and family-friendly cabin.
Technology: Which SUV Keeps You More Connected?
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model, which is upgraded to a 9-inch display in higher trims. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Honda also offers the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking. Higher trims of the CR-V include an upgraded audio system and navigation.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe takes tech to the next level with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in higher trims. It also features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, along with Hyundai’s BlueLink connected services. The Santa Fe also offers advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Santa Fe comes with an option for a premium sound system, providing an enhanced in-car experience.
Verdict: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more advanced tech and a larger display, while the Honda CR-V provides solid tech features that are easy to use and functional.
Performance: Which SUV Delivers the Best Drive?
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower in the base model, and a more powerful 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower in higher trims. The CR-V offers front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available in higher trims. The CR-V is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive steering and decent power for everyday driving. It’s perfect for those looking for a more efficient and city-friendly SUV.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers more performance options, starting with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower. The 2.5L turbocharged engine offers 277 horsepower, providing a significant performance boost for those who desire more power. The Santa Fe comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, providing better traction and handling, especially in rough or slippery conditions. It’s designed to provide a more rugged and powerful driving experience, ideal for those who like a more sporty ride or need a vehicle for outdoor activities.
Verdict: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more power and rugged performance, making it a better choice for those who want more from their SUV. The Honda CR-V is ideal for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and smooth handling.
Pricing and Value: Which SUV Offers the Best Deal?
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at around $27,000 for the base model and can go up to $35,000 for higher trims. It offers great value for those looking for a practical and efficient compact SUV with solid tech and reliable performance. It’s an excellent option for families who want a budget-friendly SUV without compromising too much on features.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at approximately $29,000, with higher trims reaching around $40,000. The Santa Fe offers more advanced features, including a larger touchscreen, premium interior, and rugged performance. While it’s a bit more expensive than the CR-V, the Santa Fe provides better value for those seeking a luxury SUV with extra space, power, and advanced tech.
Verdict: The Honda CR-V offers a more affordable option, while the Hyundai Santa Fe provides better value for those seeking a luxurious SUV with more features.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda CR-V is perfect for buyers who want a fuel-efficient, practical, and comfortable compact SUV. It’s a great choice for families and daily commuters who need an affordable and reliable vehicle.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, is ideal for those who want a luxurious, rugged, and powerful SUV. It offers more space, tech, and performance for those who want a more premium experience.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the affordability and efficiency of the Honda CR-V or the luxury, power, and advanced features of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
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Sarthak Singh, an automotive enthusiast from Varanasi, India, is currently pursuing a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Sustainable Energy Technology at NIT Kurukshetra. Born on 23rd May 2003, Sarthak blends his technical background with a deep passion for the automotive world, particularly focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
With over 2 years of experience in automotive content writing, Sarthak brings valuable insights into the latest trends, reviews, and innovations in the automotive industry. His expertise enables him to deeply explore how green technologies, like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, are shaping the future of transportation.
Through his contributions to MotorGold.net, Sarthak provides expert advice on vehicle maintenance, understanding modern automotive trends, and embracing sustainable solutions for a greener future.