Hyundai Santa Fe 84·Kia Telluride 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Santa Fe about $4,187 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,187 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Telluride counters with more cargo room (21 vs 14.6 cu ft) and seating for 8.
Go with the Hyundai Santa Fe for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Telluride if you prioritize more cargo space and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2027 Kia Telluride.
Metric
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid Score
84
80
Cost of Ownership
81
72
Powertrain
62
60
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
71
63
Safety
97
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$53,690
$57,877
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,997
$20,771
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,320
$10,760
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,274
$5,896
Registration (5-yr)
$1,000
$1,080
Starting Price
$35,050
$39,190
Horsepower
277 hp
291 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
14.6 cu ft
21 cu ft
Seating
7
8
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2027$39,190
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$965
$57,877 / 5 years
Best for families
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
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
Telluride
72
Winner: Santa Fe
$4,187 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
Telluride
60
Winner: Santa Fe
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
Telluride
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
Telluride
63
Winner: Santa Fe
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Santa Fe is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,187 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Telluride still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Telluride
Better safety rating with more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
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
Kia Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Santa Fe comes out about $4,187 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.
