VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
310hp @ 6400
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
26 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
—
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 191hp @ 6100 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Santa Cruz returns 26 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 $39,490 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 CruzSE FWD 2026 - From $29,750
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x4 SV 2026 - From $39,490
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
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
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22 (Est)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195.9in
210.2in
Width (in)
75in
73in
Height (in)
66.7in
72in
Wheelbase (in)
118.3in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3779lbs
4657lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
27cu ft
40.1cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
—
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ 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 (26 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 26 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 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 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 $39,490. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $9,740 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 3500lbs 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