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Acura MDX vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (355 HP vs 281 HP), trunk space and price (51,200 $ vs 28,800 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Acura MDX or Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Acura MDX vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key differences

Acura MDX

  • markedly more power

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • significantly cheaper
  • a bit more efficient
  • moderately lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MDX

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is significantly cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Acura MDX costs 51,200 $ . That’s a price difference of around 22,450 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs a bit better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 19 mpg for the Acura MDX. That’s a difference of about 3 mpg.

Santa Cruz

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Acura MDX offers markedly more power – delivering 355 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 74 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Acura MDX delivers a bit more torque with 354 lb-ft compared to 311 lb-ft. That’s about 43 lb-ft more.

MDX

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Acura MDX offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is moderately lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,268 lbs. The difference is around 489 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has the upper hand in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 281 HP
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Acura MDX
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View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
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General
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Acura MDX

The Acura MDX blends upscale comfort with a surprisingly playful chassis, making school runs feel like detours you actually want to take. Tech and cabin quality punch above the badge, while the confident styling tells the neighbors you’ve graduated from minivan life without going full luxury-brand showoff.

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01 2023 Acura MDX
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Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Acura MDX
Hyundai Santa Cruz

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,200 - 75,300 $
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
FuelEconomy City
17 - 19 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
21 - 26 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SH-AWD, SUV
Body Type
Pickup
Seats
7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,268 - 4,776 lbs
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
198.4 in.
Length
195.9 in.
Width
78.7 in.
Width
75 in.
Height
67 in.
Height
66 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
290 - 355 HP
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Torque
267 - 354 lb-ft
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Acura
Brand
Hyundai
What is the starting MSRP for the Acura MDX?

Starting from 51,200 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.