2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue Comparison
The 2026 model year is bringing new launches for two of the most popular SUV nameplates: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Nissan Rogue. However, both models are built for slightly different missions. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV with three-row seating and multiple powertrains, while the Nissan Rogue is a compact two-row SUV designed for everyday efficiency and easy maneuverability. So, who wins in the Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Santa Fe?
This article is a no-fluff comparison of the areas buyers care about most: design, reliability, interior utility, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, pricing, etc. This will help you make an informed decision for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more.
Which Is Better, Hyundai Santa Fe or Nissan Rogue?
The ultimate answer to which model is superior depends heavily on your unique needs and specific lifestyle preferences. For this reason, we're doing a deep dive comparison to determine whether the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue comes out clearly on top.
Is a Hyundai Santa Fe More Reliable Than a Nissan Rogue?
When it comes to vehicle reliability, you can always base it on objective reliability signals. Hyundai is renowned for its long powertrain warranty. The auto giant's 2026 warranty handbook boasts a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, which stands as a significant ownership advantage for many buyers.
On the other hand, Nissan's U.S. warranty coverage is usually only about a 3-year/36,000-mile basic as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain. If you keep vehicles for longer periods, Hyundai's more extensive powertrain coverage can lower your downside risk.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue Exterior
The exterior difference between the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue is obvious even before you take a look at the specs. The Santa Fe is bigger, boxier, and more adventurous in its presentation and styling. The Rogue, on the other hand, has more compact and city-friendly dimensions.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
When you look at the Santa Fe's design direction, you'll quickly notice that it's tied to its three-row layout. It's a midsize SUV with an upright and more squared-off shape. It intentionally prioritizes cabin and cargo utility. While the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's exterior may seem rather simplistic to some, a closer look reveals the opposite. A sleek LED headlight setup, bold body lines and color options, and its numerous "H" (for Hyundai) motifs give it character, distinction, and modernity.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue's exterior packaging was designed with compact efficiency in mind. While the Santa Fe has a more solid and stoic appearance, the Nissan Rogue, by comparison, is more modern and even slightly more aggressive with its black front grille and bold headlight design. If you're looking for more aggressive styling on your SUV, the Rogue has numerous trim options available to meet that preference.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue Interior
This is where the size difference becomes most apparent between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue. A compact SUV can offer a very roomy experience for five people until you start comparing it with a midsize, three-row option.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is a six- or seven-passenger SUV (based on the seating configuration), offering a remarkably spacious and upscale feel for all occupants. Some of the key cabin technology and comfort features that are available as you progress through the trim lineup include the following:
- 12.3-inch gauge cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Wireless charging (trim-dependent)
And when it comes to cargo space? The Santa Fe specs cite 14.6 cu ft behind the third row, 40.5 cu ft behind the second row, and up to 79.6 cu ft total with rows down.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue stands as a five-passenger compact SUV. It doesn't even attempt to do three-row duty, but it works hard to optimize space for up to five people. Some of its interior features include the following:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in on higher trim levels
- 4-speaker audio system
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
Combined with an upscale interior, the Rogue also boasts plush seating that allows for support and comfort for every passenger. For this reason, the Rogue is as comfortable as it is stylish.
Performance and Handling
The 2026 Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Santa Fe have different driving dynamics on the road, largely due to their differing engines, gearboxes, and vehicle classes. Let's take a closer look at the ride quality and driving experience of both models.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
With its two powertrain options, the Santa Fe has varied performance capabilities. It boasts a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 277 hp and 311 lb-ft, as well as a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid setup with 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. A key 2026 detail: The non-hybrid Santa Fe shifted from an 8-speed dual-clutch to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic. This change was made after a recall involving the earlier DCT application.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue's powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that can generate up to 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a CVT (with FWD that comes as standard equipment on most trims, as well as AWD available based on trim). In everyday driving, this combination is usually tuned for smooth, efficient rides rather than hauling or fast acceleration with full loads. If your driving is mostly for city/suburbs applications with occasional highway excursions, the Rogue's strategy works.
Fuel Efficiency
How does the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue compare at MPG figures? Fuel economy is one of the Rogue's strongest features; however, the Santa Fe counters with available hybrid power. As a result, it still stands as a competitive counterpart within this important vehicle category.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Santa Fe all-wheel drive (2.5L turbo, 8-speed automatic) boasts fuel efficiency ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It's important to note that the Santa Fe Hybrid fuel economy will vary based on configuration.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is a force when it comes to fuel efficiency. It boasts high ratings that make it competitive when it comes to eco-friendliness. While its figures will vary based on trim and ride configuration, its highest rating is 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the 2026 Rogue FWD. So, if reducing fuel spend is your top priority, the Rogue is hard to ignore.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue Safety
Safety is the category where both the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue are neck and neck in comparison. Here's where we'll take a closer look at the safety and driver-assistance features that make these two models stand out in their vehicle classes.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is loaded with a suite of advanced safety features that give it a secure ride quality for everyone. These drive-assistance attributes include forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and much more.
2026 Nissan Rogue
Similar to the 2026 Santa Fe, the 2026 Nissan Rogue also comes fully equipped with an array of safety features. Some of these features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Both vehicles have very strong safety tech availability. However, the Santa Fe's IIHS ratings show a stronger "top-line" crash-test outcome in many updated tests.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue Pricing
Pricing is a big differentiator with the 2026 Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Santa Fe. As a result, it's important to know what you get for your hard-earned money. Let's take a closer look at the price points of both the Santa Fe and the Rogue.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe has 5 different trim levels, each with its corresponding price point. Here are the trims as well as their respective MSRPs.
- SE: $36,650
- SEL: $39,190
- XRT: $43,640
- Limited: $46,200
- Calligraphy: $49,200
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue has 6 trim levels compared to the Santa Fe's 5. Here are the corresponding prices.
- S: $30,585
- SV: $31,585
- Dark Armor: $34,435
- Rock Creek: $35,485
- SL: $37,085
- Platinum: $40,485
These models have many different features and qualities, and price points stand as another differentiator. However, for those willing to pay for quality, there's no competition (or doubt) that the extra money goes a long way in the final comparison.
Get Your Hyundai Santa Fe at Hyundai of Saco
Decided between the Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Santa Fe? The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a stylish, modern, and robust vehicle that offers everything you need for a quality driving experience. It's no wonder that this SUV crossover has become so popular among motorists across the country. The best part is that we at Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME, are here to pair you with one of your own, even a used Hyundai Santa Fe.
Our team of automotive experts is here to guide you through the vehicle-buying process. The goal is always to match you with the vehicle of your dreams (and budget). So, if you're ready, contact us today to learn more.
