2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 1) and the rugged 2025 Toyota 4Runner (Car 2) boils down to prioritizing efficiency and price versus sheer size and capability. The Santa Fe hits the pavement with a lower MSRP of $34,300 compared to the 4Runner's $41,270, immediately saving you $6,970. While both offer similar horsepower (277 hp for the Santa Fe vs. 278 hp for the 4Runner), the crossover returns better efficiency with a combined 24 MPG versus the SUV’s 22 MPG. However, the 4Runner boasts significantly more utility; its substantial 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft in the comparable configuration. Though the Santa Fe is slightly shorter in length at 190.2 inches, the 4Runner’s superior height (72.6 inches) hints at its off-road readiness, whereas the Santa Fe aims for comfortable daily transit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the clear commuter winner due to its better fuel economy (24 combined MPG) and lower entry price.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner easily wins for families needing space, offering a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner appeals more to enthusiasts due to its taller stance, larger physical dimensions, and traditional SUV build geared toward capability.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe delivers comparable power for $6,970 less than the 4Runner, offering better initial financial value.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need to keep initial costs down, as the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, saving you $6,970.
- Fuel economy is a major daily factor; the Santa Fe achieves 24 combined MPG, besting the 4Runner's 22 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier city maneuvering, measuring 190.2 inches in length.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given the 4Runner’s exceptional 48.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You plan on tackling rougher terrain, benefiting from the 4Runner’s 72.6-inch height and SUV structure.
- You prefer the predictability of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Santa Fe's automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.0" |
| Height | 67.7" | 72.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 380.0/494.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 8 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P245/70R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
How much more practical is the 4Runner's cargo area compared to the Santa Fe?
The difference is huge; the 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than triple the Santa Fe's 14.6 cubic feet. If you frequently haul large gear or luggage, the 4Runner provides superior utility.
Is the power difference between these two vehicles noticeable?
Not really, as the power figures are nearly identical; the 4Runner has 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Santa Fe's 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Any performance difference will likely be masked by their weight and transmission tuning.
Which vehicle will cost less to run weekly?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe should be cheaper to run day-to-day because it offers better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Santa Fe uses regular unleaded fuel like the 4Runner, keeping per-gallon costs consistent.
What does the $6,970 price difference buy me?
That price gap gets you the 4Runner’s significantly larger, taller body, providing more ground clearance potential and substantially greater cargo volume. You are paying a premium for rugged construction and capability over standard crossover efficiency.
Are both vehicles front-wheel drive?
No, they use different basic setups. The standard 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with front-wheel drive, while the standard 2025 Toyota 4Runner utilizes a rear-wheel drive configuration.
Which vehicle is generally wider and taller on the road?
The 4Runner is the substantially larger vehicle overall, measuring 78.0 inches wide and 72.6 inches high. The Santa Fe is more compact, sitting at 74.8 inches wide and 67.7 inches tall.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool