2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the newly redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the spacious 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander often boils down to prioritizing size versus upfront cost. If your main concern is immediate savings, the Santa Fe starts at a compelling $34,300, significantly undercutting the Grand Highlander’s $41,360 MSRP. However, that extra investment buys substantial utility; the Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. Performance figures are tightly matched: the Santa Fe edges out slightly with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the Toyota's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both deliver the same 24 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The key trade-off is navigating the nearly 11-inch difference in length, which impacts maneuverability in tight urban settings where the smaller Santa Fe excels.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Santa Fe is nearly 11 inches shorter, making it easier to maneuver and park during daily city driving.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Grand Highlander offers significantly more cargo room at 20.6 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, which is vital for family gear.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe boasts a slight performance edge with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Grand Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
With an MSRP difference of $7,060, the Santa Fe provides comparable standard fuel economy at a much lower entry price.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need to save upfront, as the Santa Fe starts $7,060 less expensive than the Grand Highlander.
- You prefer a slightly more potent engine, as the Santa Fe offers 277 hp.
- You value slightly better fuel efficiency on the highway, with 29 MPG highway versus 28 MPG in the Toyota.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given the Grand Highlander's massive 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need the greater presence and interior volume provided by its larger 70.1-inch height and 201.4-inch length.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the Santa Fe's automated manual setup.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 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 | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the primary physical difference between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander is the physically larger vehicle in nearly every dimension; it is 201.4 inches long compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches. This difference results in the Grand Highlander having substantially more cargo volume (20.6 cu ft vs 14.6 cu ft).
Are there significant differences in fuel economy between these two FWD crossovers?
No, their combined fuel economy is identical at 24 MPG. The Santa Fe gets a slight edge on the highway (29 MPG vs 28 MPG), but both use regular unleaded fuel.
Is the performance gap between the two models noticeable?
The performance gap is negligible on paper; the Santa Fe produces 277 hp, beating the Grand Highlander's 265 hp by only 12 horsepower. Both deliver essentially the same low-end pulling power with 311 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft of torque.
How does the starting price impact the value proposition?
The $7,060 price difference heavily favors the Santa Fe for budget-conscious buyers seeking a new crossover. While the Grand Highlander is larger, the Santa Fe offers comparable fundamental specs for much less money.
Which vehicle has a more traditional transmission setup?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which some drivers might perceive differently during shifts.
If I often drive on narrow city streets, which car is the better choice?
You should favor the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, as it is 11 inches shorter overall and nearly 3.5 inches narrower than the Grand Highlander. This reduced footprint aids immensely in tight city environments.
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