Selecting the ideal midsize SUV requires balancing daily passenger comfort with the flexibility needed for weekend getaways. This comprehensive comparison examines how the bold, three-row 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe matches up against the two-row 2026 Honda Passport. By analyzing space, performance, safety, and long-term ownership value, we help you determine which vehicle best fits your household.
Table of Contents
- Comparing Cargo and Passenger Space for Active Lifestyles
- Performance and Handling Tailored for Oklahoma's Plains
- Safety and Driver Assistance Features That Protect Families
- Technology and Connectivity Designed for Commuters
- Ownership Costs, Warranty, and Maintenance Insights
- Which 2026 SUV Offers Better Value for Buyers?
- Frequently Asked Questions from Shoppers
- Experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Today
- Comparing Cargo and Passenger Space for Active Lifestyles
- Performance and Handling Tailored for Oklahoma's Plains
- Safety and Driver Assistance Features That Protect Families
- Technology and Connectivity Designed for Commuters
- Ownership Costs, Warranty, and Maintenance Insights
- Which 2026 SUV Offers Better Value for Buyers?
- Frequently Asked Questions from Shoppers
- Experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Today
Why Bethany Families Are Choosing Between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Honda Passport
Many of our customers are looking for a versatile vehicle that can transition from weekday school runs in Bethany to weekend outdoor recreation. The midsize SUV segment has evolved rapidly, presenting buyers with distinct design philosophies. Hyundai has completely reimagined its contender, positioning the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe as a boldly styled, adventure-ready three-row vehicle that bridges the gap between the compact crossover class and larger flagship haulers.
The 2026 Honda Passport continues to target the traditional two-row, five-passenger market with a focus on rugged, trail-ready packaging. While the Passport emphasizes short overhangs and a wide stance for off-pavement driving, the Santa Fe leverages a retro-inspired, blocky silhouette. This distinctive geometric styling is not just an aesthetic choice; it directly maximizes interior volume, creating a highly functional cabin that appeals to style-conscious parents and outdoor enthusiasts.
When exploring your options at Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, you will find an extensive new Hyundai inventory, including several configurations of the highly praised Santa Fe. For those seeking alternative body styles, we also carry options like the versatile new Hyundai Santa Cruz. If you are in the research phase and comparing brands, checking out our current 2026 Santa Fe selection reveals how this model delivers a premium experience without the luxury price tag. Additionally, budget-conscious shoppers can view pre-owned Hyundai models to find excellent value on previous model years.
Comparing Cargo and Passenger Space for Active Lifestyles
One of the first things families notice when sitting in these two cabins is the seating layout. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers standard three-row seating, accommodating 6 passengers in high-end trims like the Limited and Calligraphy with second-row captain's chairs, or up to 7 passengers in the entry-level SE trim. In contrast, the 2026 Honda Passport is strictly a two-row vehicle limited to 5 passengers. For families managing carpools, school activities, or hosting out-of-town guests, the Santa Fe provides crucial seating flexibility that the Passport simply cannot match.
While the Passport boasts a larger base cargo volume behind its second row, measuring about 44 cu ft, the Santa Fe focuses on adaptable utility. Its boxy design features a signature wide-opening tailgate that creates a terrace-like opening, allowing the flat-folding cargo area to serve as a spacious lounging spot for outdoor gatherings. With a curb weight of 4,343 lbs, the Santa Fe is lighter and more agile than the 4,478 lbs Passport, making it easier to maneuver through tight suburban spaces. For those who need to transport specialized gear, our dealership offers a variety of high-quality used vehicles with diverse storage configurations to meet your specific lifestyle demands.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L | 3.5L |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Performance and Handling Tailored for Oklahoma's Plains
How do these midsize SUVs handle the daily commute and highway driving? The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a standard 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 277 hp and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. This torque-rich powerplant is paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic wet dual-clutch transmission, delivering rapid gear shifts and immediate acceleration from a stop. This setup is highly responsive for merging onto fast-moving highway traffic or navigating city streets.
The 2026 Honda Passport utilizes a larger 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although the V6 engine offers slightly higher peak horsepower, it falls significantly short on torque compared to the turbocharged Santa Fe. The Santa Fe’s 311 lb-ft of torque is available much lower in the RPM range, providing stronger real-world acceleration during daily driving. While the Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe utilizes a highly efficient Front-wheel drive system that optimizes power delivery for paved roads while still offering a respectable towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features That Protect Families
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe features a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems designed to prevent accidents before they occur. Standard on the Calligraphy trim is the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 system, which goes far beyond basic automatic braking by including pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning/crossing, oncoming, and evasive steering assistance. Additionally, the Santa Fe provides an exceptional passive safety shield with a standard 10 airbag system, whereas the Honda Passport offers 8 airbags.
The Santa Fe also introduces high-tech safety monitors that are absent on the base Passport RTL. This includes the Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), which projects a live camera feed of the adjacent lanes directly onto the digital instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. Parking is also simplified with the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), allowing the driver to stand outside the vehicle and guide it into tight spaces using the smart key. The Highway Driving Assist II (HDA 2) system further reduces driver fatigue on long highway trips by combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and semi-autonomous lane-change assistance.
Technology and Connectivity Designed for Commuters
If you appreciate modern, intuitive cabin electronics, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a major technological leap forward. The dashboard is dominated by a stunning, continuous curved display housing a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This setup supports standard Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly mirror your smartphone without messy cables. The cabin also features a unique UV-C Sanitizer Glove Box to quickly sterilize high-touch personal items like phones, wallets, and keys.
The 2026 Honda Passport also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but its digital gauge cluster is smaller at 10.2 inches, and its overall dashboard layout feels more traditional. Hyundai elevates convenience with standard Dual Wireless Device Charging pads in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, allowing both the driver and front passenger to charge their phones simultaneously. Passengers in all three rows of the Santa Fe enjoy dedicated USB-C high-power charging ports, ensuring everyone stays connected during extended road trips.
Pricing
Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim | MSRP | 2026 Honda Passport Trim | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $35,050 | RTL | $44,950 |
| Limited | $44,600 | RTL Towing | $45,650 |
| Calligraphy | $47,600 | RTL Blackout | $46,150 |
Ownership Costs, Warranty, and Maintenance Insights
A direct comparison of fuel economy highlights the efficiency advantages of the Hyundai powertrain. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe achieves an EPA-estimated 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined MPG. This significantly outperforms the 2026 Honda Passport, which is rated at 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG due to its heavier weight and less efficient V6 engine. Over years of daily driving, the Santa Fe's superior fuel economy translates into substantial savings at the pump.
When comparing the initial purchase price, the Santa Fe also offers a more accessible entry point. The entry-level Santa Fe SE starts at an MSRP of $35,050, which is significantly lower than the entry-point Honda Passport RTL at $44,950. Even the luxurious, top-tier Santa Fe Calligraphy is priced competitively at $47,600, offering premium quilted Nappa leather and advanced tech for just slightly more than a base-level Passport. To keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency, you can easily book your routine maintenance online using our convenient online service scheduler.
Which 2026 SUV Offers Better Value for Buyers?
When evaluating long-term value, Hyundai's legendary warranty coverage provides unmatched peace of mind. Every new Santa Fe is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Honda’s warranty is much shorter, offering only a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. This makes the Santa Fe a much safer long-term investment.
If you are ready to experience the modern tech, premium comfort, and bold styling of the Santa Fe, we invite you to explore our complete new vehicle inventory. Our finance team is here to make your purchase smooth and straightforward. You can get started today by completing our secure online credit application to check your financing eligibility. If you plan on trading in your current vehicle, you can receive a quick estimate of its worth using our trade-in valuation tool. For the widest selection of family-friendly crossovers, check out our new SUV inventory to find the perfect trim for your driveway.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy and range by trim
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| MPG | 20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined |
Frequently Asked Questions from Shoppers
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe more fuel-efficient than the Honda Passport?
Yes, the Santa Fe is significantly more fuel-efficient. Thanks to its advanced turbocharged engine, it achieves 24 combined MPG compared to the Passport's 21 combined MPG. This difference can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly fuel budget.
Which SUV offers more passenger seating?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers standard three-row seating, accommodating 6 passengers in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, or up to 7 passengers in the SE trim. The Honda Passport only has two rows of seats and is limited to 5 passengers.
How do I find the dealership to take a test drive?
We are conveniently located east of Oklahoma City. For detailed turn-by-turn routing to our showroom, you can view our location on Google Maps or give our friendly sales team a call directly at (405) 733-1611 to schedule your visit.
Which vehicle has a better manufacturer's warranty?
Hyundai offers a vastly superior warranty package. The Santa Fe comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is double the length of Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Today
While the 2026 Honda Passport is a capable SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe ultimately pulls ahead with its superior fuel efficiency, advanced interior technology, and versatile seating flexibility—all backed by Hyundai's industry-leading warranty. Whether you are navigating daily commutes or packing up for a weekend road trip, the Santa Fe delivers the everyday comfort and modern value that drivers demand.
Ready to see the winning SUV for yourself? Visit Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City to get behind the wheel of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. Our team is here to walk you through its features and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
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