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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Kia Telluride - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 291 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 36,400 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Kia Telluride?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Kia Telluride: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • visibly cheaper
  • marginally more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
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Kia Telluride

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

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is visibly cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Kia Telluride costs 36,400 $ . That’s a price difference of around 7,640 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs marginally better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 20 mpg for the Kia Telluride. That’s a difference of about 2 mpg.

Telluride

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Telluride offers barely more power – delivering 291 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers moderately more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 262 lb-ft. That’s about 49 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.

Seats: Kia Telluride offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is very slightly lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,134 lbs. The difference is around 355 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Telluride is barely 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 $36,400
Telluride

Kia Telluride

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel, Front Wheel
  • Power HP : 291 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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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Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is the family hauler that looks like it just walked out of a premium showroom, then remembered it’s still superb value. With a hushed, comfortable ride, a genuinely upscale cabin and loads of easy-to-use tech, it makes road trips effortless, and its confident demeanor even makes school runs feel like a victory lap.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz
Kia Telluride

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
36,400 - 53,700 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 - 20 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
24 - 26 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
18.8 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
4,134 - 4,524 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
196.9 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
78.3 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
68 - 70 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
291 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
262 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
3.8 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Kia
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.