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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs BMW X3 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 393 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 50,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or BMW X3?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs BMW X3: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • considerably cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
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BMW X3

  • visibly more power
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the BMW X3 costs 50,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 21,200 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs only slightly better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 21 mpg for the BMW X3. That’s a difference of about 1 mpg.

X3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW X3 offers visibly more power – delivering 393 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 112 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW X3 delivers visibly more torque with 428 lb-ft compared to 311 lb-ft. That’s about 117 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is somewhat lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,176 lbs. The difference is around 397 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is slightly ahead 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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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
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General
View detailed analysis

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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Reviews Hyundai Santa Cruz

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BMW X3

The BMW X3 blends real-world practicality with that familiar Bavarian poise, turning everyday errands into a small celebration of good steering. Inside, it feels classy without shouting, and the ride has the calm confidence that makes you invent detours just to keep driving.

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Reviews BMW X3

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BMW X3

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
50,000 - 64,700 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 28 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.2 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
4,176 - 4,535 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
187.2 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
75.6 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
65 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
255 - 393 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
295 - 428 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2 - 3 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
BMW
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Starting from 28,800 $.

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.