Value for money: hyundai santa fe xl or toyota highlander: your ultimate comparison

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and the Toyota Highlander stand out as two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, impressive performance, and an array of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Hyundai Santa Fe XL against the Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Powertrain

Both the Santa Fe XL and Highlander offer a range of engine options. The Santa Fe XL comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque is available as an upgrade.

The Highlander, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque is available as an option.

In terms of performance, the Highlander’s V6 engine provides a slight edge over the Santa Fe XL‘s V6. However, the Santa Fe XL’s four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than the Highlander’s four-cylinder.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Santa Fe XL’s four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The Highlander’s four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

While both vehicles offer similar fuel economy with their four-cylinder engines, the Highlander’s V6 engine is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Santa Fe XL‘s V6.

Interior and Space

Both the Santa Fe XL and Highlander offer spacious interiors with seating for up to eight passengers. The Santa Fe XL has a slightly larger cargo capacity behind the third row of seats than the Highlander. However, the Highlander has a larger cargo capacity behind the second row of seats.

In terms of interior features, both vehicles offer a variety of amenities such as heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. The Santa Fe XL offers a few unique features, such as a hands-free liftgate and a dual-screen infotainment system.

Safety and Technology

Both the Santa Fe XL and Highlander have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

In terms of technology, the Santa Fe XL and Highlander offer similar features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the Santa Fe XL offers a few unique features, such as a wireless charging pad and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Reliability is an important factor to consider when choosing an SUV. Both the Santa Fe XL and Highlander have a good reputation for reliability. However, the Highlander has a slightly better reliability rating than the Santa Fe XL.

In terms of ownership costs, the Santa Fe XL is slightly cheaper to own than the Highlander over a five-year period. This is due to lower maintenance costs and insurance premiums.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and the Toyota Highlander depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious SUV with good fuel economy and a long list of features, the Santa Fe XL is a great option. If you’re looking for a slightly more powerful SUV with better reliability and a more spacious interior, the Highlander is a better choice.

The Verdict

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and the Toyota Highlander are excellent midsize SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Santa Fe XL is a good choice for buyers who want a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a long list of features. The Highlander is a better choice for buyers who want a slightly more powerful SUV with better reliability and a more spacious interior.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?

The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Santa Fe XL can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2. Which SUV has a better warranty?

The Toyota Highlander has a better warranty than the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Santa Fe XL comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

3. Which SUV has a more comfortable ride?

The Toyota Highlander has a more comfortable ride than the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The Highlander’s suspension is tuned for a smoother ride, while the Santa Fe XL’s suspension is tuned for a sportier ride.