2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$34,300 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is the $10,515 MSRP gap, with the Santa Fe starting at $34,300 versus the Toyota's $44,815. This price difference is substantial, especially when comparing running costs. The RAV4 PHEV achieves a superior combined fuel economy of 38 MPG compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG, resulting in a 14 MPG advantage for the Toyota, further amplified by its 42-mile electric range. Conversely, the Santa Fe is physically larger, measuring 190.2 inches in length compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches, which contributes to its smaller 14.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the RAV4's massive 33.5 cu ft. Power output slightly favors the Toyota at 302 hp versus the Santa Fe's 277 hp, though the Santa Fe generates more torque at 311 lb-ft compared to the PHEV's implied lower figure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the superior commuter due to its exceptional 42 miles of electric range and 38 combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV offers significantly more usable space, boasting 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV delivers higher peak power output at 302 hp, making it marginally quicker despite the Santa Fe's torque advantage.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a substantially lower barrier to entry with an MSRP that is $10,515 less than the Toyota model.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Your primary concern is initial acquisition cost, given the $34,300 starting MSRP.
You require a longer vehicle structure, as the Santa Fe is 190.2 inches long.
You prefer the Santa Fe's substantial 311 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, evidenced by the 38 combined MPG rating.
You frequently drive under 42 miles daily and can utilize its all-electric range.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	190.2"	180.9"
Width	74.8"	73.0"
Height	67.7"	67.0"
Wheelbase	110.8"	105.9"

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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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	—	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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	47.7 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	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the difference in drivetrain affect performance between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV utilizes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and has 302 hp, while the Santa Fe uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD) with 277 hp. This gives the Toyota a slight advantage in traction and peak power.

Is the smaller cargo capacity of the Santa Fe significant for typical use?

Yes, the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft is less than half of the RAV4 PHEV's 33.5 cu ft. This indicates the RAV4 is vastly better suited for hauling large items or significant family luggage.

What is the impact of the MSRP difference on long-term ownership?

The $10,515 higher price tag on the RAV4 PHEV must be weighed against its superior fuel economy (38 MPG vs. 24 MPG) and 42-mile EV range savings over several years.

Which vehicle uses a conventional automatic transmission?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with an 8-speed automated manual transmission. The Toyota RAV4 PHEV utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling requirements for both models.

How do the dimensions compare for parking and maneuvering?

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is 9.3 inches shorter in length (180.9 inches) and slightly narrower and shorter in height, potentially offering easier maneuverability in tight urban parking scenarios than the longer Santa Fe.