What To Know
- The turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The V6 engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid powertrain gets 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The rear of the vehicle is characterized by a vertical tailgate and a pair of taillights that are separated by a chrome strip.
The midsize SUV segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with automakers vying for the attention of discerning consumers. Two of the most popular contenders are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of space, comfort, and capability, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Efficiency
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 3.5-liter V6. The base engine delivers 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine generates 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander also features a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid powertrain. The base engine produces 194 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Toyota Highlander with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid powertrain gets 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. Available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander also provides a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. Available features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system.
Both vehicles offer a wide range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The Santa Fe offers additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander offers additional features such as a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and automated parking assist.
Exterior Design
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe features a bold and aggressive exterior design with a large grille, sleek headlights, and muscular lines. The rear of the vehicle is characterized by a sloping roofline and a pair of taillights that extend into the tailgate.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a more conservative exterior design with a traditional grille, rectangular headlights, and a boxy silhouette. The rear of the vehicle is characterized by a vertical tailgate and a pair of taillights that are separated by a chrome strip.
Off-Road Capabilities
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe is available with an optional all-wheel drive system that provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. However, it is not designed for serious off-roading.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is also available with an optional all-wheel drive system. However, like the Santa Fe, it is not intended for heavy off-road use.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe has a good reliability record, with few reported problems. It also has a relatively low cost of ownership, with average maintenance and repair costs.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has an excellent reliability record, with a reputation for durability and dependability. It also has a low cost of ownership, with below-average maintenance and repair costs.
Final Verdict: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander
The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of space, comfort, and capability. The Santa Fe offers a more powerful engine lineup, a more spacious interior, and a more aggressive exterior design. The Highlander offers better fuel efficiency, a more conservative exterior design, and a slightly lower cost of ownership.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and style, the Santa Fe is a great choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability, the Highlander is a better option.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more powerful engine lineup, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more spacious interior, with 111 cubic feet of passenger space and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel economy, with the hybrid powertrain getting 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a more reliable reputation?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more reliable reputation, with a higher rating in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.
Q: Which vehicle has a lower cost of ownership?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a slightly lower cost of ownership, with below-average maintenance and repair costs.