2026 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

Picture of the 2026 Acura MDX

2026 Acura
MDX

MSRP*: $57,200
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Picture of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2025 Hyundai
Santa Cruz

MSRP*: $28,750 to $42,750
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MPG - City 19 MPG 18 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 MPG 26 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 95.0 ft3 27.0 ft3
Engine
  • 290-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 191-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 281-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 290 hp 191 - 281 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs 3,500 - 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 198.4 in 195.9 in
Exterior Width 78.7 in 75.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.6 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 41.4 in
Rear 36.5 in
Head Room Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 38.2 - 40.2 in
Rear 39.6 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
The Acura MDX offers passengers in its extended cab about the same head- and legroom as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers just a little more head- and legroom than the Acura MDX, making it a little roomier and more comfortable.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Acura MDX as you will with the Hyundai Santa Cruz, as they can travel a similar number of miles on a tank of gas.

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 Cruz, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Acura MDX is much wider than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. When looking at overall length, the Acura MDX takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

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

Performance
If you've got something you need to tow, the Acura MDX will do just as well as the Hyundai Santa Cruz, since they have about the same towing capacity. When it comes to horsepower, the Acura MDX greatly outmuscles the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

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

Utility
The Acura MDX offers a little more seating capacity than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, making it a better choice for those who often have a crew with them. You'll be able to haul more material in the Acura MDX than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, due to its significantly greater cargo capacity.