Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Grand Highlander: Which Is The Better Family Suv?

In the realm of three-row SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Grand Highlander. Both vehicles boast impressive features, spacious interiors, and powerful engines, making them formidable contenders in the competitive SUV market. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each SUV, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision. From performance and fuel efficiency to comfort and technology, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to determine which SUV reigns supreme.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Delicate Balance

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a choice of two potent engines: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid that produces a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration. The Santa Fe’s fuel economy ratings are impressive, with the turbocharged four-cylinder achieving up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model boasts up to 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander also offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that generates a combined 243 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless gear changes. The Grand Highlander’s fuel economy ratings are slightly lower than the Santa Fe’s, with the turbocharged four-cylinder achieving up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model delivers up to 34 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe’s cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with ample room for up to eight passengers. The front seats offer excellent support and adjustability, while the second row provides ample legroom and headroom. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use, as it can be cramped for adults. The Santa Fe’s cargo capacity is generous, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 72.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander offers even more interior space than the Santa Fe, with seating for up to eight or ten passengers, depending on the configuration. The front seats are宽敞and supportive, while the second row provides excellent legroom and headroom. The third row is more spacious than the Santa Fe’s, offering more legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The Grand Highlander’s cargo capacity is also impressive, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Technology and Safety Features: Keeping You Connected and Protected

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe comes well-equipped with a suite of advanced technology and safety features. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a heads-up display. The Santa Fe also offers a comprehensive range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander matches the Santa Fe in terms of technology and safety features. The standard infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include a 14-inch touchscreen, a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a heads-up display. The Grand Highlander also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Price and Value: Which SUV Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers excellent value for money, with a starting price of $34,745 for the base SE trim. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim starts at $49,345. The Santa Fe offers a wide range of standard features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a hands-free liftgate.

Toyota Grand Highlander: The Toyota Grand Highlander is priced slightly higher than the Santa Fe, with a starting price of $36,650 for the base L trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $53,735. The Grand Highlander offers a similar range of standard features to the Santa Fe, including a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a hands-free liftgate.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Grand Highlander are both excellent three-row SUVs with a lot to offer. The Santa Fe offers impressive performance, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior at a competitive price. The Grand Highlander offers even more interior space, a slightly more powerful engine, and a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Verdict: A Closely Contested Battle

In the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Grand Highlander showdown, both SUVs emerge as formidable contenders. The Santa Fe offers impressive performance, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior at a competitive price. The Grand Highlander counters with even more interior space, a slightly more powerful engine, and a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. While the Grand Highlander has a slight edge in terms of interior space and power, the Santa Fe offers better fuel economy and a lower starting price. In the end, the decision between these two exceptional SUVs boils down to your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Toyota Grand Highlander?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers better fuel economy than the Toyota Grand Highlander. The Santa Fe’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieves up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model boasts up to 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Grand Highlander’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieves up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid model delivers up to 34 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Q2: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Toyota Grand Highlander?

A: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Grand Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Santa Fe has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 40.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 72.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Q3: Which SUV has more advanced technology features, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Toyota Grand Highlander?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Grand Highlander offer a comprehensive suite of advanced technology features, with each SUV having its unique strengths. The Santa Fe features an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a heads-up display. The Grand Highlander features a 12.3-inch or 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a heads-up display. Both SUVs offer a wide range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.