The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot each appeal to different priorities. Each competitor brings its own strengths, but the 2026 Santa Fe stands out for pairing strong standard tech with a lower starting price and hybrid efficiency the others can't fully match. Oklahoma shoppers can take the 2026 Santa Fe for a test drive at Tulsa Hyundai. The three-row family SUV segment is packed with strong choices, like the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and the 2026 Honda Pilot. With a bold, squared-off design, a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains, and a starting price that undercuts most of its rivals, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe makes a strong case as the best. However, each of these SUVs takes a different approach to family hauling, so the right choice comes down to what matters most to you. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe carries over with a handful of meaningful updates rather than a full redesign. Hyundai replaced the previous dual-clutch automatic with a smoother conventional eight-speed automatic, and the XRT trim gains new off-road driving modes for mud, snow, and sand. The top Calligraphy trim also adds a new Pecan Brown leather option for 2026. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Overview The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander enters its third model year without a redesign, carrying forward the same three-powertrain lineup and seating layouts that have defined it since launch. Toyota is holding the formula steady this year rather than introducing new features or trims. 2027 Kia Telluride Overview The 2027 Kia Telluride receives its biggest update since launch. Kia replaces the longtime 3.8-liter V6 with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, grows the lineup to seven trims with the addition of a sporty X-Line and an off-road-focused X-Pro, and adds a hybrid variant to the range for the first time. 2026 Honda Pilot Overview The 2026 Honda Pilot receives light updates rather than a full redesign. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard across every trim, and a new range-topping Black Edition joins the lineup for 2026. The Competition Each of these four SUVs, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and 2026 Honda Pilot, carves out a distinct lane rather than directly overlapping. The choice of which three-row SUV to choose comes down to personal priorities. Performance & Powertrain Comparison Buyers drawn to the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander tend to want the widest spread of powertrain choices. Kia Telluride shoppers want strong low-end torque from a fresh new engine design. Honda Pilot buyers prioritize the proven character of a traditional V6. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe slots in as the efficiency-minded alternative that offers a hybrid option across nearly its entire lineup. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower. It’s paired with a new conventional eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces last year's dual-clutch unit. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available for $1,800 more on most trims. Independent testing has clocked the gas 2026 Santa Fe at a 0 to 60 mph time of roughly 6.3 seconds. A hybrid powertrain is also available across most trims, delivering up to 36 mpg combined and an estimated range of up to 637 miles. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Performance The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains. Base gas engines are a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The standard hybrid uses a 2.5-liter engine for a combined 245 horsepower, prioritizing efficiency over speed. At the top of the range, the Hybrid Max setup delivers a spirited 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg on the gas model up to 34 to 36 mpg on the standard hybrid. 2027 Kia Telluride Performance The 2027 Kia Telluride drops its longtime 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A hybrid version is also available, combining the same engine with an electric motor for a combined output topping 300 horsepower. Towing capacity holds steady at 5,000 pounds on gas models. The new engine is designed to feel stronger off the line and during highway merges compared to the outgoing V6. 2026 Honda Pilot Performance Every 2026 Honda Pilot uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The available Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system comes standard from the TrailSport trim upward. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport and EX-L trims. The 2026 Pilot does not currently offer a hybrid option, making it the only SUV in this comparison without an electrified powertrain choice. Fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on most AWD trims. Interior Space and Comfort Comparison Cargo space and passenger room vary meaningfully across this group, even though all four SUVs compete for the same family-focused buyer. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe seats up to seven passengers, with available power-reclining second-row captain's chairs and a center console accessible from both the front and back seats. Depending on trim, the 2026 Santa Fe rides on 18-inch standard wheels or optional 20- or 21-inch wheels, and the top Calligraphy trim offers a Pecan Brown leather upholstery option, new for 2026. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Interior The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers standard eight-passenger seating. A seven-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain's chairs is available on every trim except the base LE. As Toyota's largest three-row SUV, the 2026 Grand Highlander prioritizes usable interior space for families who need to seat a crowd. Higher trims add leather-trimmed and Alcantara seating, a panoramic roof, and a full suite of comfort features designed for long road trips. 2027 Kia Telluride Interior The Kia Telluride grows with a longer wheelbase for 2027, adding noticeably more cabin space and third-row access compared to the outgoing model. Standard acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows helps create a quieter cabin, and a new rear console folds into a table for added versatility. 2026 Honda Pilot Interior The 2026 Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers with a 1-touch fold second-row bench, or seven passengers on the TrailSport trim, which swaps in a stowable second-row center seat. Cargo volume reaches as much as 112.4 cubic feet across most trims. Technology and Infotainment Comparison Each of these latest model SUVs takes a different approach to in-cabin technology, from screen size to smart connectivity features. Families who want the newest connected features will find plenty to like across this entire group, though the specifics vary trim by trim. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a dual wireless phone charger on select trims, giving front-seat passengers a convenient way to keep devices powered without cables. Higher trims add a 12-speaker premium sound system with subwoofers for a more immersive audio experience. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe’s boxy dashboard design keeps physical controls within easy reach. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Technology The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen on base trims, with larger available displays on higher trims. Toyota's suite of connected services and smartphone integration comes standard across the lineup, and upper trims add additional charging options throughout the cabin. 2027 Kia Telluride Technology The 2027 Kia Telluride features dual 12.3-inch screens combining the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen into a single, modern layout. Two wireless charging pads keep front-seat devices powered, a new digital key entry mechanism lets owners unlock and start the vehicle from a compatible smartphone, and upper trims carry a Meridian 14-speaker sound system. Kia's Driving Assist 2 system also ties into the technology suite, blending convenience and safety features into one package. 2026 Honda Pilot Technology The 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across every trim. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard lineup-wide, adding built-in navigation and voice assistant features without needing a paired phone. Higher trims add wireless charging, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, plus CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems that let front-seat occupants keep an eye and an ear on rear-seat passengers. Safety and Driver Assistance Comparison Safety is one area where none of these four SUVs cut corners, though the details of their standard coverage differ. Families cross-shopping this segment will find that all four SUVs treat core safety technology as standard equipment rather than a costly add-on. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety The 2026 Santa Fe includes Hyundai's suite of standard driver-assist technology across the lineup, an important consideration for families who spend a lot of time on the road together. The XRT trim's new off-road driving modes for mud, snow, and sand also contribute to safer handling in adverse conditions. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Standard Safety Technology: Forward collision-avoidance assist Blind-spot collision warning Lane keeping assist Rear cross-traffic collision warning 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety The 2026 Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, across every trim in the lineup. Families hauling a full load of passengers benefit from the standard eight-passenger seating combined with a comprehensive base level of safety equipment. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Standard Safety Technology: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection Lane departure alert with steering assist Dynamic radar cruise control Blind spot monitor 2027 Kia Telluride Safety The 2026 Kia Telluride pairs its new engine and longer wheelbase with Kia's Driving Assist 2 system, standard across the lineup. The X-Pro trim adds an underbody camera system and electronic limited-slip differential, which can also aid safety and control in low-traction conditions. 2027 Kia Telluride Standard Safety Technology: Forward collision-avoidance assist Blind-spot collision warning Lane centering assist Rear occupant alert 2026 Honda Pilot Safety The 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive features across every trim in the lineup. Higher trims add CabinWatch and CabinTalk. This feature lets front-seat occupants monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers without turning around. Honda Pilot Standard Safety Technology: Collision mitigation braking system Road departure mitigation Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping assist 2026 SUV Pricing and Value On sticker price alone, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge over the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and 2026 Honda Pilot. The 2026 Santa Fe base price undercuts every competitor in this group while still offering a competitive standard engine and a hybrid option across most of the lineup. When you factor in Hyundai's well known warranty coverage, the 2026 Santa Fe price starts to look like it buys quite a bit more value than the sticker alone suggests. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prices range between $35,050 and $47,600 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander prices range between $42,855 and $55,045 2027 Kia Telluride prices range between $39,190 and $56,790 2026 Honda Pilot prices range between $42,395 and $54,990 Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe at Tulsa Hyundai Each of these three-row SUVs rewards a different kind of buyer. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers the widest spread of powertrain choices. 2027 Kia Telluride pairs a brand-new engine with a longer, roomier cabin. 2026 Honda Pilot delivers proven V6 power and best-in-class cargo space. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out by combining hybrid efficiency, bold styling, and a price that undercuts its rivals. Stop by Tulsa Hyundai to see the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in person, compare trims side by side, and take one out for a test drive. If you’re not interested in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Contact Tulsa Hyundai Phone: (918) 779-3302 Address: 9777 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133
2026 Midsize Truck Comparison: Where the Hyundai Santa Cruz Falls In
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and Honda Ridgeline stand as the industry’s midsize truck/SUV crossovers. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz' stands apart with turbocharged trims that can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Tulsa-area drivers can take the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for a test drive at Tulsa Hyundai. The compact pickup segment is small but fiercely contested, and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out among a tight field that includes the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline. Each of these three trucks blends SUV-like comfort with genuine utility, but they take noticeably different approaches to power, price, and capability. Here's an honest look at how the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz compares. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries forward many features of the 2025 refresh, but with a few improvements. The biggest update being a switch from a dual-clutch transmission to a conventional 8-speed automatic on the turbocharged engine. This year’s model gives buyers a choice between a 191-horsepower naturally aspirated engine and a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine. Built on the Tucson SUV platform with unibody construction, the 2026 Santa Cruz suits drivers who want genuine pickup versatility, including a lockable in-bed trunk, without giving up the ride quality and refinement of a crossover. 2026 Ford Maverick Overview The 2026 Ford Maverick sees only minor updates this year, adding two new exterior colors and making the Ford Connectivity Package standard across every trim. Performance wise, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine returns with a front-wheel-drive option and a standard 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain that returns up to 42 mpg city. The 2026 Maverick class-leading efficiency makes it the pick for DIY enthusiasts who want real truck capability without a big fuel bill. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Overview The 2026 Honda Ridgeline carries its full six-trim lineup forward with a larger standard touchscreen and no reduction in features. It continues to rely on its proven 280-horsepower V6 and standard all-wheel drive across every trim. The 2026 Ridgeline is the roomiest in this comparison, with a wider cabin and a lockable in-bed trunk that Honda pioneered. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline suits families and drivers who want the most passenger space and refinement in a midsize unibody truck and don't mind paying a premium for it. The Midsize Truck Competition Each of these three compact and midsize pickups, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and Honda Ridgeline, occupies a different corner of the same unibody truck niche. The right choice comes down to priorities around power, efficiency, and cabin space. Performance and Powertrain Comparison The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz wins on raw horsepower. 2026 Ford Maverick models win on efficiency by a wide margin, and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline splits the difference with a smooth, proven V6. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Performance The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. XRT and Limited models step up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive. Turbocharged models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the Ford Maverick maximum rating. 2026 Ford Maverick Performance Every 2026 Ford Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat trim comes standard with a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain returning up to 42 mpg city and 38 mpg combined. The available 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, standard on the 2026 Maverick Lobo and Tremor, trades efficiency for towing capacity up to 4,000 pounds and adds available all-wheel drive. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Performance Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline trim uses the same 280-horsepower, 262 lb-ft V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds, matching the turbocharged 2026 Santa Cruz. However, the 2026 Ridgeline combined fuel economy of 20 to 21 mpg trails both the hybrid 2026 Maverick and the naturally aspirated 2026 Santa Cruz. Interior Luxury and Comfort Comparison Cabin materials and space vary meaningfully here. From the Hyundai Santa Cruz SUV-like refinement to the Honda Ridgeline genuinely roomier back seat, luxury interiors are a given. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers roughly 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in black or medium gray interior color schemes. Stain and odor-resistant cloth upholstery are on the SE, whereas H-Tex leatherette is on the SEL through XRT trims. Genuine leather with ventilated front seats are on the Limited model. The bed offers about 27 cubic feet of volume with a lockable, drainable in-bed trunk and side storage compartments, features neither the 2026 Maverick nor 2026 Ridgeline can fully match for everyday convenience. 2026 Ford Maverick Interior The 2026 Ford Maverick offers 42.8 inches of front legroom and 35.9 to 36.9 inches of rear legroom depending on powertrain. Sloth upholstery is standard, but you have the option of moving up to available ActiveX synthetic leather on the Lariat and Lobo trims. Its 54.4-inch FLEXBED provides 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume and is designed so a standard 4x8-foot sheet of plywood can lie flat between the wheel wells. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Interior The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers 108.9 to 109.7 cubic feet of passenger volume with 40.9 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches of rear legroom. Interior colors include Black Leather and Brown Leather with contrast stitching on higher trims. The 60/40 split lift-up rear seat reveals 2.9 cubic feet of underseat storage per side, while the bed's lockable 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate that swings open like a door remain features unique to the Honda Ridgeline. Technology and Infotainment Comparison Each of these trucks takes a different approach to screens. That said, the 2026 Maverick offers the largest standard display and the 2026 Santa Cruz spreads a sizable touchscreen across its entire lineup. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Technology Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen regardless of trim giving even the base SE a modern infotainment setup, paired with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster on the SE and SEL. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and a six-speaker sound system are standard. A wireless smartphone charger and heated steering wheel come standard on higher trims. 2026 Ford Maverick Technology Every 2026 Ford Maverick trim comes standard with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running SYNC 4, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.. Audio ranges from a standard 6-speaker AM/FM system up to an available Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker system with a subwoofer, standard on the Lariat and Tremor. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Technology Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a 9-inch HD touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims step up to a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker premium sound system. A unique available truck bed audio system turns the bed itself into a giant speaker, a feature neither the 2026 Santa Cruz nor 2026 Maverick offers. Safety and Driver Assistance Comparison All three trucks treat core driver assistance technology as standard equipment, though the packaging and naming differ by brand. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a solid foundation of Hyundai SmartSense features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear Cross-Traffic Warning Lane Keeping Assist Driver Attention Warning Higher trims add a Blind-Spot View Monitor that shows a live camera feed in the instrument cluster when signaling a lane change. 2026 Ford Maverick Safety Every 2026 Ford Maverick comes standard with a meaningful safety package before any optional Co-Pilot360 upgrade. Pre-Collision Assist Automatic Emergency Braking Pedestrian Detection Forward Collision Warning Dynamic Brake Support Lane-Keeping System Intersection Assist Auto LED High-Beam Headlamps The available Ford Co-Pilot360 package, standard on the Lobo and above, adds Blind Spot Assist with cross-traffic alert, while Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera on the Lariat and Tremor. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Safety The full Honda Sensing suite comes standard across every 2026 Honda Ridgeline trim. This gives every buyer the same baseline of protection regardless of price point. Collision Mitigation Braking Automatic Emergency Braking Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keeping Assist Blind-Spot Information System Because Honda Sensing is standard rather than trim-gated, 2026 Ridgeline buyers get the same safety technology whether they choose the base Sport or the range-topping Black Edition Two-Tone. 2026 Pricing and Value On sticker price alone, the 2026 Ford Maverick undercuts both rivals at the entry point. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz turbocharged trims land between the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline. Hyundai Santa Cruz prices range between $32,495 and $44,945 Ford Maverick prices range between $28,145 and $41,425 Honda Ridgeline prices range between $40,795 and $47,895 It’s important to note that value extends beyond the number on the window sticker. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz backs its pricing with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is the longest coverage of any truck in this comparison and well ahead of the Ford Maverick 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and the Honda Ridgeline 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. That warranty advantage, paired with more standard power and features like the lockable in-bed trunk, gives the 2026 Santa Cruz a stronger long-term value case than its starting price alone suggests. Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tulsa Hyundai Each of these three trucks rewards a different kind of buyer. The 2026 Ford Maverick offers the lowest price of entry and unmatched fuel economy for budget-conscious commuters. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline models deliver the roomiest cabin and the most refined ride for families who want maximum comfort. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out by combining the most horsepower, a genuinely upscale interior, and the longest powertrain warranty in the segment. Stop by Tulsa Hyundai to see the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in person, compare trims side by side, and take one out for a test drive. If you decide that the Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t for you, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Contact Tulsa Hyundai Phone: (918) 779-3302 Address: 9777 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133 Return to Blog