2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
So, you are stuck choosing between the capable 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the truly massive 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander? It often comes down to space versus initial cost. The Santa Fe hits the market at an attractive $34,300, significantly undercutting the Grand Highlander’s $40,860 MSRP, a difference of $6,560 right off the bat. While both deliver a solid 24 MPG combined, the Santa Fe offers a slight edge in power with 277 horsepower compared to the Toyota's 265 hp. However, space is where the Toyota dominates; it’s over 11 inches longer overall (201.4 inches vs. 190.2 inches) and offers substantially more cargo room—20.6 cubic feet versus the Hyundai's 14.6 cubic feet. For buyers prioritizing budget and efficiency while needing standard crossover utility, the Santa Fe wins, but those needing maximum third-row comfort and hauling capability will find the Toyota's extra bulk worth the premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the clear winner for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $34,300 and slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Grand Highlander offers significantly more utility, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides a slight performance edge with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The $6,560 lower MSRP, while achieving the exact same 24 MPG combined rating, makes the Santa Fe the better upfront value proposition.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need to keep your initial purchase price below $35,000, as the Santa Fe starts at only $34,300.
- You prefer a slightly more spirited drive, thanks to its higher 277 horsepower output.
- Maneuverability in tight spots is crucial, given its shorter overall length of 190.2 inches.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum hauling capacity is a requirement, as it offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room versus 14.6 cu ft.
- You routinely need the extra passenger volume that comes with its significantly larger frame (70.1 inches tall).
- You prioritize the proven reliability often associated with the Toyota nameplate, despite the $40,860 starting price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.7" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 116.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 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 automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | — | 6 |
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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 57.0 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 Grand Highlander.
How much more passenger or cargo space do I actually get with the Grand Highlander?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers 14.6 cubic feet, meaning the Toyota gives you an extra 6.0 cubic feet for luggage or groceries.
Is the higher price of the Grand Highlander justified by better fuel economy?
No, both vehicles are rated equally efficient for regular unleaded fuel, achieving 24 MPG combined, so you are not paying more for better mileage.
Which crossover is faster in a straight line?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight performance advantage, generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, beating the Grand Highlander's 265 horsepower.
What is the exact price gap between these two models?
There is a clear $6,560 difference in starting MSRP between the two; the Santa Fe begins at $34,300, while the Grand Highlander commands a $40,860 sticker price.
Are there any notable transmission differences between the two FWD crossovers?
Yes, the Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the larger Grand Highlander employs a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches long and 70.1 inches high, making it over 11 inches longer than the 190.2-inch Santa Fe.
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