Crossover showdown: hyundai santa fe vs. toyota highlander: the ultimate comparison

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of each vehicle to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe boasts a bold and modern exterior, characterized by its cascading grille, sleek headlights, and muscular body lines. Its aggressive stance and sharp angles give it a sporty and commanding presence on the road.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander, on the other hand, exudes a more conservative and refined appearance. Its angular headlights, wide grille, and flowing body lines create a sophisticated and understated look. It’s a vehicle that blends seamlessly into the urban landscape.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Hyundai Santa Fe: Inside, the Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. The dashboard is modern and intuitive, with an easy-to-use infotainment system and a plethora of advanced safety features.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s interior is equally impressive, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The seats are plush and offer excellent support, and the cabin is quiet and well-insulated. The infotainment system is user-friendly and provides a wide range of connectivity options.

Powertrain and Performance

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a choice of three powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid. The base engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while the turbocharged engines offer more punch for enthusiasts. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provides ample power and refinement, making the Highlander a pleasure to drive. However, it lacks the fuel efficiency of the Santa Fe‘s hybrid option.

Safety Features

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also offers advanced driver assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander also boasts a robust safety package, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available as options.

Reliability and Resale Value

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe has a solid reputation for reliability, with few reported problems or recalls. Its resale value is also strong, making it a smart investment in the long run.

Toyota Highlander: Toyota vehicles are renowned for their exceptional reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. It has consistently ranked among the most reliable SUVs on the market, and its resale value remains high.

Fuel Economy

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe’s fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain option chosen. The base engine achieves up to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged four-cylinder gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The hybrid system delivers an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s V6 engine achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. While not as fuel-efficient as the Santa Fe’s hybrid, it still offers respectable fuel economy for its size and performance.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize bold styling, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe is a compelling choice. If reliability, resale value, and a more conservative appearance are your top priorities, the Highlander is an excellent option.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: Both the Santa Fe and Highlander offer comparable interior space, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.

Q: Which vehicle offers the best fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe‘s hybrid powertrain delivers the best fuel economy, with up to 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander‘s 3.5-liter V6 engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s base four-cylinder engine. However, the Santa Fe’s turbocharged four-cylinder offers comparable performance.

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Santa Fe and Highlander have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Q: Which SUV has a higher resale value?
A: The Toyota Highlander typically retains its value better than the Hyundai Santa Fe over time, due to its reputation for reliability and brand loyalty.