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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Nissan Pathfinder - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 295 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 36,700 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Nissan Pathfinder?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Nissan Pathfinder: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • clearly cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
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Nissan Pathfinder

  • 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 clearly cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Nissan Pathfinder costs 36,700 $ . That’s a price difference of around 7,900 $.

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

Pathfinder

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 Nissan Pathfinder offers barely more power – delivering 295 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 14 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a bit more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 270 lb-ft. That’s about 41 lb-ft more.

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: Nissan Pathfinder offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is somewhat lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,328 lbs. The difference is around 549 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Pathfinder 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 $36,700
Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 284 - 295 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

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder continues to be a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, offering a robust combination of style and versatility. With its spacious interior and user-friendly technology, the Pathfinder makes family road trips and daily commutes equally enjoyable. Its off-road capabilities, combined with a smooth ride on paved roads, provide a balanced driving experience for those seeking adventure without compromising comfort.

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Reviews Nissan Pathfinder

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Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
36,700 - 51,500 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
20 - 21 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
23 - 27 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 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
4,328 - 4,642 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
197.7 - 198.8 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
77.9 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
70 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
284 - 295 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
259 - 270 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
3.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Nissan
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.