VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
310hp @ 6400
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
3.8 L/231ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Santa Cruz returns 22 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,750 for the Santa Cruz and $42,370 for the Frontier. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai Santa CruzLimited AWD 2026 - From $29,750
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x4 Long Bed PRO-4X 2026 - From $42,370
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (Est)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
22 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195.9in
224.1in
Width (in)
75in
74.7in
Height (in)
66.9in
72.9in
Wheelbase (in)
118.3in
139.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4191lbs
4763lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
27cu ft
49.2cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa Cruz
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
Santa Cruz
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Santa Cruz
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Frontier
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Santa Cruz or Frontier?
The Santa Cruz gets 22 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Santa Cruz is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Santa Cruz or Frontier?
The Santa Cruz produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Frontier is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Santa Cruz and Frontier?
The Santa Cruz starts from $29,750 and the Frontier from $42,370. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $12,620 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Cruz or Frontier?
The Santa Cruz has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Cruz or the Frontier?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider