Head-to-head · vehicle level

Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Hyundai Santa Fe 84Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai Santa Fe about $3,550 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,550 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more cargo room (37.7 vs 14.6 cu ft) and more power (324 vs 277 hp).

Go with the Hyundai Santa Fe for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
MetricHyundai Santa FeJeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score8473
Cost of Ownership8169
Powertrain6254
Driver Assistance3238
Livability7147
Safety9799
5-Year Cost to Own$53,690$57,240
Depreciation (5-yr)$18,997$20,897
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$14,034$14,111
Insurance (5-yr)$10,320$10,635
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,915$2,670
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,150
Financing (5-yr)$5,274$5,717
Registration (5-yr)$1,000$1,060
Starting Price$35,050$37,995
Horsepower277 hp324 hp
MPG (combined)24 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume14.6 cu ft37.7 cu ft
Seating75
Towing capacity6,200 lbs
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Gas
2026$35,050
   in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$37,995
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Hyundai Santa Fe scores higher overall.

Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
Grand Cherokee
69
Winner: Santa Fe
$3,550 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
Grand Cherokee
54
Winner: Santa Fe
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
Grand Cherokee
38
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
Grand Cherokee
47
Winner: Santa Fe
+24 pts
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Santa Fe
97
Grand Cherokee
99
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+2 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Hyundai Santa Fe is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,550 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.

Daily commuter
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai Santa Fe comes out about $3,550 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

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