What To Know
- However, the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger volume, providing slightly more legroom and headroom in the second and third rows.
- 5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander with the 3.
- 5-liter engine has a slight advantage in terms of fuel economy, achieving 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two formidable contenders emerge: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer a blend of comfort, capability, and advanced features, making them popular choices among families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Highlander to help you make an informed decision.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Santa Fe and Highlander offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger volume, providing slightly more legroom and headroom in the second and third rows. Both SUVs feature comfortable seats with adjustable lumbar support, and the Highlander offers optional heated and ventilated seats for added comfort.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Santa Fe and Highlander come with a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. The base Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs offer optional V6 engines with increased power and towing capacity.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Santa Fe has a slight advantage over the Highlander. The Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander with the 3.5-liter engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Santa Fe and Highlander come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Santa Fe offers a slightly more advanced safety system with features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking as standard. The Highlander, however, has a better overall NHTSA safety rating, earning a 5-star rating compared to the Santa Fe’s 4-star rating.
Technology and Connectivity
The Santa Fe and Highlander feature advanced infotainment systems with touchscreens, smartphone integration, and navigation. The Santa Fe’s system is slightly larger, with an 8-inch touchscreen compared to the Highlander’s 7-inch screen. Both SUVs offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the Highlander has the option of a premium audio system with JBL speakers.
Off-Road Capability
Both the Santa Fe and Highlander offer all-wheel drive options for enhanced off-road capability. However, the Santa Fe has a slight advantage in terms of ground clearance and approach angles, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers a more advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring for improved handling on slippery surfaces.
Towing Capacity
If towing is a priority, both the Santa Fe and Highlander offer impressive towing capacities. The Santa Fe can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine. Both SUVs feature trailer sway control systems to help maintain stability while towing.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize fuel economy, advanced safety features, and off-road capability, the Santa Fe is a great choice. If you value spaciousness, powerful performance, and a better overall safety rating, the Highlander is a solid option.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
A: Both SUVs offer comfortable interiors, but the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger space and legroom.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter engine has a slight advantage in terms of fuel economy, achieving 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: The Highlander has a better overall NHTSA safety rating, earning a 5-star rating compared to the Santa Fe‘s 4-star rating.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Santa Fe has a slight advantage in terms of ground clearance and approach angles, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain.
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: Both SUVs offer impressive towing capacities, with the Santa Fe able to tow up to 5,000 pounds and the Highlander able to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine.