What To Know
- When it comes to interior space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more generous cabin than the Toyota RAV4.
- In terms of safety ratings, the Santa Fe and RAV4 have both earned top scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- When comparing similarly equipped trims, the Santa Fe offers a slightly higher level of standard features and a more spacious interior for a comparable price.
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 are two highly popular midsize SUVs that have captured the attention of countless drivers worldwide. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, advanced features, and impressive performance. However, one question that often arises is: is the Hyundai Santa Fe bigger than the Toyota RAV4? To answer this question, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the two SUVs’ dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity.
Dimensions and Exterior Design
At first glance, the Hyundai Santa Fe appears to be larger than the Toyota RAV4. This is evident in its overall length, width, and height. The Santa Fe measures 193.5 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 68.3 inches high, while the RAV4 comes in at 180.9 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 67.2 inches high. The Santa Fe’s larger dimensions translate into a more imposing presence on the road, with a more muscular and aggressive stance.
Interior Space
When it comes to interior space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more generous cabin than the Toyota RAV4. The Santa Fe boasts 109.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to the RAV4’s 98.9 cubic feet. This translates into more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers in both rows. The Santa Fe’s wider stance also contributes to a more spacious interior, particularly noticeable in the second row.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity is another important consideration for SUV buyers. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a slightly larger cargo area than the Toyota RAV4. With the second row of seats up, the Santa Fe provides 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the RAV4 offers 37.5 cubic feet. However, when the second row is folded down, the Santa Fe’s cargo capacity increases to an impressive 72.1 cubic feet, compared to the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet. This makes the Santa Fe a more practical choice for hauling larger items, such as luggage, sports equipment, or bulky purchases.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 offer a range of engine options, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Santa Fe’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel efficiency, the RAV4 has a slight advantage over the Santa Fe. The RAV4’s hybrid powertrain achieves an impressive 41 mpg combined, while the Santa Fe’s hybrid powertrain gets 36 mpg combined.
Technology and Safety Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 come equipped with a wide range of technology and safety features. Both SUVs offer advanced infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and navigation. They also feature a suite of driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. In terms of safety ratings, the Santa Fe and RAV4 have both earned top scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Price and Value
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 are priced competitively within the midsize SUV segment. The Santa Fe’s starting price is $28,300, while the RAV4’s starting price is $27,950. When comparing similarly equipped trims, the Santa Fe offers a slightly higher level of standard features and a more spacious interior for a comparable price. However, the RAV4’s better fuel efficiency and slightly lower starting price may make it a more attractive option for some buyers.
Final Thoughts
So, is the Hyundai Santa Fe bigger than the Toyota RAV4? The answer is yes, the Santa Fe is larger in terms of overall dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity. This makes it a more suitable choice for buyers who prioritize space and practicality. However, the RAV4 offers better fuel efficiency and a slightly lower starting price, making it a more compelling option for those who value fuel economy and affordability. Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has more legroom in the second row?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more legroom in the second row, with 41.3 inches compared to the Toyota RAV4’s 37.8 inches.
Q: Does the RAV4 have a larger cargo area than the Santa Fe?
A: No, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a larger cargo area than the Toyota RAV4, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down.
Q: Which SUV offers a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota RAV4 offers better fuel economy than the Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly with the hybrid powertrain. The RAV4 hybrid gets 41 mpg combined, while the Santa Fe hybrid gets 36 mpg combined.