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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Nissan Frontier - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 310 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 32,100 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Nissan Frontier?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Nissan Frontier: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • moderately cheaper
  • a bit more efficient

Nissan Frontier

  • marginally more power

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 moderately cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Nissan Frontier costs 32,100 $ . That’s a price difference of around 3,300 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs a bit better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 18 mpg for the Nissan Frontier. That’s a difference of about 4 mpg.

Frontier

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 Nissan Frontier offers marginally more power – delivering 310 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 29 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers only slightly more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 281 lb-ft. That’s about 30 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Frontier holds a slight edge 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 $32,100
Frontier

Nissan Frontier

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 310 HP
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Nissan Frontier

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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General

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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.

details

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is the no-nonsense midsize pickup that doubles as a weekday workhorse and a weekend adventure buddy, with just enough modern polish to keep your commute civilized. Against glossier rivals, it wins you over with straightforward capability, tough-guy charm, and the kind of dependability that doesn’t need to shout about it.

details
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Nissan Frontier

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
32,100 - 45,600 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
22 - 24 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
21.1 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
King Cab, Pickup
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
-
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
210.2 - 224.1 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
73 - 74.7 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
71 - 72 in.

Engine and Performance

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

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Nissan
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.