2026 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Review

Picture of the 2026 Acura MDX

2026 Acura
MDX

MSRP*: $51,800 to $75,850
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Picture of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV

2025 Hyundai
Santa Fe HEV

MSRP*: $37,800 to $49,650
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 17 - 19 MPG 35 - 36 MPG
MPG - Hwy 21 - 26 MPG 34 - 35 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 seats 6 - 7 seats
Cargo Space 95.0 ft3 79.6 ft3
Engine
  • 290-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 355-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 231-hp, 1.6-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 290 - 355 hp 231 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 5,000 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 198.4 in 190.2 in
Exterior Width 78.7 in 74.8 in
Leg Room Front 41.6 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 44.4 in
Rear 41.5 in
Head Room Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 40.2 - 41.1 in
Rear 39.6 - 40.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV than in the Acura MDX, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Hyundai Santa Fe HEV will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Acura MDX.

Convenience
With the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Acura MDX, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Acura MDX will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Acura MDX is much wider than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Acura MDX, which is slightly longer than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.

Handling
The Acura MDX has a larger turning radius than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Acura MDX is clearly the choice over the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV for pulling heavy loads. The Acura MDX has a little more horsepower than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Acura MDX does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Acura MDX and the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV. The Acura MDX has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.