Choosing from the plethora of 3-row SUVs can be overwhelming. We are here to help by comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, two familiar vehicles in this class. Both are on the smaller side of 3-row SUVs, which means they aren’t as spacious as some of their larger competitors. However, the trade-off is that they’re generally more affordable, more fuel efficient, and easier to park.
Let’s take a closer look at these two practical SUVs and see which is right for you.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a reliable compact midsized SUV that blends a distinctive style while maintaining its practicality. Though on the smaller side, there is a lot of versatility within its spacious interior, giving you a third-row option when you need it, and more cargo space when you don’t.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
Stronger engine: The Santa Fe has a considerably more powerful engine than the Outlander. The Hyundai pumps out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, giving it authoritative acceleration, even when full of passengers.
Quality interior: Santa Fe features a Panoramic Curved Display that integrates the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen into one seamless unit. Curved displays can reduce eye strain and fatigue. The twist-to-drive column shifter frees up the center console for the wireless charging pad (higher trims offer dual wireless charging pads).
Roominess: The Hyundai Santa Fe is the roomier of the two in this comparison. Compared to the Outlander, the Santa Fe has an extra 2.4 inches of second-row legroom and a whopping 10.9 inches more of third-row legroom. It also has a bigger cargo hold, to boot: 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79.6 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded down.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the new Santa Fe models for sale near you.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV offers standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a long warranty, and a lower price point compared to other vehicles in its class. Falling somewhere between compact and midsize, the Outlander is a good buy for anyone who can benefit from 3-row seating but doesn’t want a huge and expensive SUV. The Outlander is all about value, which is enhanced by its excellent warranty coverage and good fuel economy.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Bargain pricing: The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has the distinction of being America’s most affordable vehicle with three rows of seats. This is a big deal in an automotive market where affordability is on everyone’s mind.
Equipment: The 2026 Outlander offers rain-sensing windshield wipers, and rear parking sensors are now an option. The SEL model offers leather seating as a standard feature. Another big perk: a standard Yamaha premium audio system on every trim.
Fuel economy: The Mitsubishi Outlander is more fuel efficient than the Hyundai Santa Fe, leading to lower fuel costs. The Santa Fe returns up to 23 combined mpg, but the Outlander gets 27 mpg in mixed driving.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the new Outlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both the Santa Fe and Outlander have similar warranties of five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain’s coverage is 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hyundai offers a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan, while Mitsubishi offers a 2-year/30,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. Additionally, both have hybrid options: a conventional hybrid for the Santa Fe and a plug-in hybrid for the Outlander.
Pricing
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (55401)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,295 |
$36,100 |
|||
$38,835 |
$38,400 |
|||
$43,285 |
$43,000 |
|||
$45,845 |
$45,500 |
|||
$48,845 |
$48,500 |
New 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (55401)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and New 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm | N/A |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | N/A |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic | N/A |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 0 years/0 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | N/A |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | N/A |
| Overall Length | 190.2 inches | N/A |
| Width | 74.8 inches | N/A |
| Height | 67.7 inches | N/A |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.6 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.7 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 44.4 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.3 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.0 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.5 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 14.6 feet | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 40.5 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 79.6 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
With its much roomier interior and much stronger engine, most families will be better off with the stylish and high-tech Hyundai Santa Fe. However, if affordability is your top priority, then the attractive starting price of the Mitsubishi Outlander is hard to ignore, as are its lower fuel costs and equally excellent warranty coverage. The right 3-row SUV for your family depends on your priorities and your budget.
