The midsize SUV segment has become one of the most competitive automotive markets in recent years, with automakers vying for consumer attention with their latest offerings. Two vehicles that have gained significant traction in this segment are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer a blend of comfort, performance, and safety features that are highly sought after by families and individuals alike.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle and providing insights that will help you make an informed decision when choosing the SUV that best suits your needs.
Performance
The performance of an SUV is a significant factor to consider when making a purchase decision, as it affects the driving experience and overall ride quality. In terms of performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander offer unique features that make them stand out from each other.
Engine Specifications
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine offers more power and torque, making it a better option for those who prioritize performance. However, the Toyota Highlander’s V6 engine provides a smoother and more refined driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Dynamics
Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor that buyers consider when purchasing an SUV. The Hyundai Santa Fe’s base engine offers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the turbocharged engine provides an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
In terms of driving dynamics, both SUVs provide a comfortable ride, with the Hyundai Santa Fe offering better handling and sharper steering than the Toyota Highlander. However, the Toyota Highlander’s ride quality is smoother and more controlled than the Hyundai Santa Fe’s.
Interior
The interior of an SUV is where passengers spend most of their time, making it one of the most crucial aspects to consider when making a purchase decision. In terms of interior design and features, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander offer different approaches.
Interior Design and Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior is modern and stylish, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The SUV features a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. Higher trims offer a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Toyota Highlander’s interior is more traditional, with straightforward controls and a functional design. The SUV features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. Higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a JBL premium sound system, and a panoramic moonroof.
Space and Comfort for Passengers
Both SUVs offer spacious cabins that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides more headroom and legroom in the first and second-row seats, while the Toyota Highlander offers more headroom and legroom in the third-row seats. Both SUVs feature comfortable seats with ample support, making long journeys more comfortable for passengers.
Cargo capacity is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing an SUV, and both vehicles offer ample space. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which expands to 72.1 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, which expands to 73.3 cubic feet when the second and third-row seats are folded down.
Interior
Cargo Capacity and Storage Options
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander provide different cargo capacity and storage options. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a hands-free liftgate and additional storage space under the cargo floor, while the Toyota Highlander comes with a power liftgate and a storage compartment under the center console. Both vehicles offer ample storage space, with the Toyota Highlander providing more storage cubbies throughout the cabin.
Safety
Safety is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing an SUV, and both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander offer a range of safety features and ratings.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The Hyundai Santa Fe has received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Toyota Highlander also comes with a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The Toyota Highlander has received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the NHTSA.
Comparison of Advanced Driver-Assistance Technologies
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander offer different advanced driver-assistance technologies. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a blind-view monitor that shows a live video feed of the vehicle’s blind spots, while the Toyota Highlander offers a rear-seat reminder that alerts the driver to check the back seat for passengers or items. Both vehicles offer adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a head-up display.
Crash Test Results and Reliability Ratings
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander have received high ratings for crash tests and reliability. The Hyundai Santa Fe has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Toyota Highlander has been named a Top Safety Pick. Both vehicles have received high reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Toyota Highlander offers a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Technology
In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of the driving experience, and automakers are paying close attention to keep up with the latest trends. When it comes to technology, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander offer a range of features that cater to different needs.
Infotainment Systems and Connectivity Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes standard on all trims. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims offer a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a well-organized menu and responsive controls.
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system. The infotainment system is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a simple menu interface.
User-Friendliness and Ease of Use
Both SUVs offer user-friendly infotainment systems that are easy to navigate, with clear and responsive displays. The Hyundai Santa Fe’s infotainment system is more user-friendly, with a more straightforward menu and easier-to-use controls. The Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system has a steeper learning curve, but it offers more customization options and a more extensive range of features.
Price and Value
Price is a significant factor when making a purchase decision, and both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander offer competitive pricing options. However, the value for money varies depending on the features and trim levels.
MSRP and Pricing Options
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at an MSRP of $28,025 for the base model and goes up to $41,475 for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim. The SUV offers four trim levels, each with different features and price points.
The Toyota Highlander starts at an MSRP of $35,085 for the base model and goes up to $49,980 for the Platinum trim level. The SUV offers seven trim levels, each with different features and price points.
Value for Money and Cost of Ownership
Both SUVs offer excellent value for money, with a range of features that cater to different needs. However, the cost of ownership varies, depending on factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and depreciation.
According to US News & World Report, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower cost of ownership than the Toyota Highlander, thanks to its better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. The SUV also has a higher resale value, making it a better long-term investment.
In conclusion, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander offer unique features that make them stand out from each other. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers better performance, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a lower cost of ownership, while the Toyota Highlander provides a more refined driving experience, a larger cargo space, and a more extensive range of features. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences and needs.
