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Choosing Between SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander

Choosing Between SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander

Mar 11, 2025 4 min read

When deciding between SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are top contenders. This guide will help you choose which one suits your needs top.

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Choosing Between SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander

When deciding between SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are top contenders. This guide will help you choose which one suits your needs top.

Performance and Engine Options

Hyundai Santa Fe: Engine and Handling

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a variety of engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a balanced blend of power and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more performance, a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is available, providing a significant boost in horsepower and torque.

Handling in the Santa Fe is commendable, making daily commutes and long road trips enjoyable. The SUV's suspension system comfortably absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride. Additionally, the Santa Fe's steering is responsive, making it relatively easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Toyota Highlander: Engine and Handling

The Toyota Highlander also offers a range of engine options. The base version comes with a solid 3.5-liter V6 engine, known for its reliable performance and smooth acceleration. For eco-conscious drivers, the Highlander is also available as a hybrid, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.

In terms of handling, the Highlander excels, providing a stable and composed ride. Its suspension system is adept at soaking up road irregularities, and steering is precise, giving drivers confidence behind the wheel.

Interior and Cargo Space

Hyundai Santa Fe: Interior Comfort and Utility

The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a well-designed interior with high-quality materials and a host of modern features. Passenger comfort is a priority, with ample legroom and supportive seats, especially in the front and second rows. The Santa Fe also offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

Technology-wise, the Santa Fe leaves no stone unturned. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a touchscreen interface, smartphone integration, and various connectivity options. Higher trims come equipped with additional luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system.

Toyota Highlander: Interior Comfort and Utility

The Toyota Highlander also impresses with its spacious and well-appointed interior. Passengers in all three rows will find comfortable seating and sufficient legroom, making long journeys less taxing. The Highlander's interior materials exude quality, and the overall design is both functional and attractive.

Cargo space in the Highlander is equally generous, accommodating large amounts of luggage or gear with ease. The vehicle's technology suite is top-notch, featuring an intuitive infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and available upgrades such as a head-up display, panoramic moonroof, and JBL premium audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai Santa Fe: Safety Features

The Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with an array of safety features that make it a standout in its class. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add advanced options such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.

The Santa Fe has earned high safety ratings from various testing agencies, giving drivers peace of mind on the road.

Toyota Highlander: Safety Features

Similarly, the Toyota Highlander comes packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard across all trims are Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ technologies, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features enhance safety further, such as a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a bird’s eye view camera.

The Highlander’s safety credentials are solid, backed by excellent ratings in crash tests and real-world performance.

Fuel Economy and Cost of Ownership

Hyundai Santa Fe: Efficiency and Costs

The Hyundai Santa Fe variations offer competitive fuel economy figures. The standard four-cylinder engine provides respectable miles per gallon (MPG), while the turbocharged variant trades a bit of efficiency for higher performance. However, even the turbo model remains efficient for its class.

Maintenance costs for the Santa Fe are generally on the lower side, thanks to Hyundai's comprehensive warranty coverage and relatively affordable parts and services.

Toyota Highlander: Efficiency and Costs

The Toyota Highlander prides itself on excellent fuel economy, especially the hybrid model, which boasts impressive MPG ratings. Even the V6 engine offers good efficiency compared to similar SUVs.

When it comes to cost of ownership, Toyota’s reputation for reliability stands firm. Highlanders typically incur lower maintenance costs over time, and with Toyota’s robust warranty, good ownership expenses are minimized.

Final Consideration: Which SUV is Right for You?

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences:

  • You prioritize a more affordable price point, modern technology, and a comfortable yet stylish interior. The Santa Fe is ideal for those seeking a balance between performance and efficiency.
  • You need a larger SUV with more passenger space, especially in the third row, and value good reliability and strong resale value. The Highlander’s hybrid option also makes it an attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers.

Both SUVs are excellent choices in their respective categories, and either would make a dependable, comfortable, and feature-packed addition to your garage. Evaluate your lifestyle and preferences to make the top decision for your next vehicle.

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