Highlander vs santa fe: which 3-row suv reigns supreme in 2023?

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe are two popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that potential buyers should consider.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Engine Options:

• Highlander: 3.5L V6, 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid, 3.5L V6 hybrid
• Santa Fe: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid

Power and Torque:

• Highlander: 295 hp and 263 lb-ft (V6), 243 hp and 175 lb-ft (hybrid)
• Santa Fe: 191 hp and 181 lb-ft (2.5L), 281 hp and 311 lb-ft (turbocharged), 225 hp and 258 lb-ft (hybrid)

Fuel Economy:

• Highlander: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (V6), 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (hybrid)
• Santa Fe: 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (2.5L), 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (turbocharged), 36 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (hybrid)

Interior and Cargo Space

Seating Capacity:

• Highlander: 7 or 8 passengers
• Santa Fe: 5 or 7 passengers

Cargo Volume:

• Highlander: 16.1 cubic feet (behind third row), 48.4 cubic feet (behind second row), 84.3 cubic feet (with all seats folded)
• Santa Fe: 12.6 cubic feet (behind third row), 36.4 cubic feet (behind second row), 72.1 cubic feet (with all seats folded)

Interior Features:

Both the Highlander and Santa Fe offer a comfortable and spacious interior with a variety of features, including:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

Safety Features

Standard Safety Features:

• Highlander: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring
• Santa Fe: Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot collision warning

Optional Safety Features:

Both the Highlander and Santa Fe offer a variety of optional safety features, including:

• Head-up display
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive headlights
• Surround-view camera

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability Ratings:

• Highlander: 4.5 out of 5 (J.D. Power)
• Santa Fe: 4.0 out of 5 (J.D. Power)

Maintenance Costs:

The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Highlander is $540, while the estimated annual maintenance cost for the Santa Fe is $520.

Trims and Pricing

Highlander Trims and Prices:

• L: $35,850
• LE: $38,350
• XLE: $42,650
• Limited: $46,750
• Platinum: $50,450

Santa Fe Trims and Prices:

• SE: $28,000
• SEL: $31,000
• Limited: $36,000
• Calligraphy: $41,500

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe depends on your individual needs and preferences.

• If you prioritize performance and fuel economy, the Highlander is the better choice.
• If you need a spacious interior and a variety of safety features, the Santa Fe is a great option.
• If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable SUV, both the Highlander and Santa Fe are excellent choices.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?

The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 3,500 pounds.

2. Which SUV offers a third row of seating?

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a third row of seating.

3. Which SUV has a longer warranty?

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a longer warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, compared to the Toyota Highlander‘s 5 years or 60,000 miles.