Room and Seating Flexibility

The latest Hyundai Santa Fe generation added a third row, making it the clear choice for larger families over the two-row Honda Passport. Even with the extra seats, passengers will still appreciate the greater personal space offered by Hyundai. In the second row, the 2026 Santa Fe provides 40.6 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom, compared to 39.6 inches and 40.9 inches in the Passport. Up front, the gap is even wider, as the Santa Fe offers 41.1 inches of headroom and 44.4 inches of legroom, while the Passport measures 39.1 inches and 41.1 inches.

Performance

Both SUVs come standard with strong engines, but the Santa Fe's powertrain options are more versatile. Its turbo-four engine produces 277 horsepower, which is slightly lower than the Passport's 285-horsepower V6. However, the Santa Fe delivers substantially more torque (311 vs. 262 pound-feet), which helps it feel livelier off the line, especially when loaded up with passengers and gear. On top of that, the Hyundai Santa Fe has an available hybrid variant for shoppers who prioritize fuel efficiency, something the Passport does not offer.

Features and Value

The 2026 Santa Fe stands out for how much equipment Hyundai builds into its lower trims. Features like a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and an extensive driver-assistance roster are standard, while amenities such as digital key access, dual wireless charging, panoramic displays, and various seating upgrades appear in midrange models that remain attainable. The Honda Passport offers similar standard features but at a much higher MSRP. Moving up the trim ladder, many premium upgrades are more accessible in the Santa Fe than in the Passport.

Inside, the Santa Fe feels closer to a family-focused flagship. It boasts classy cabin styling, high-quality materials, and a generous array of standard and available amenities. The Honda Passport exhibits a clean interior design that's rugged yet refined. However, even at a significantly higher price point, the Passport doesn't match the Santa Fe's premium feel, especially in luxurious trims like Limited and Calligraphy. Furthermore, the Santa Fe lineup offers several features that aren't available in any Passport configuration. Examples include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, a Head-up Display, Highway Driving Assist 2, and power-adjustable/power-folding rear seats.

Warranty

Hyundai offers superior warranty coverage compared to Honda. The 2026 Santa Fe comes with a longer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. By contrast, the 2026 Passport has a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.