2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the $10,410 MSRP difference, with the Santa Fe starting at $34,300 compared to the Toyota's $44,710. Fuel economy presents another major divergence, as the Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves 34 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined rating. Power output favors the Santa Fe, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque against the Toyota's 245 horsepower. Size metrics show the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers substantial advantages, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, and it is nearly 11 inches longer overall (201.4 inches vs. 190.2 inches). Buyers must weigh the immediate upfront savings of the Santa Fe against the long-term fuel and space advantages of the hybrid Toyota.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers a 34 MPG combined rating, which is 10 MPG better than the Santa Fe, resulting in lower operational costs.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid provides superior utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and a larger overall footprint (201.4 inches long) for passengers and gear.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe produces higher peak output with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245 hp.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe presents a better entry price point at $34,300, saving buyers $10,410 upfront relative to the 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Upfront purchase price is the primary constraint, as the Santa Fe starts $10,410 lower.
- The driver prioritizes maximum engine output, benefiting from 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Front-wheel drive operation with regular unleaded fuel is preferred for daily use.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by the 34 MPG combined rating (36 MPG city).
- Maximum hauling capability is required, due to the 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- All-wheel drive capability and superior exterior dimensions (78.3 inches wide, 72.1 inches high) are necessary.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.7" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 245 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 | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 619.2/550.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
What is the specific difference in fuel costs based on the MPG ratings?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves 34 MPG combined, which is a 10 MPG advantage over the Hyundai Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined. This difference suggests substantial long-term fuel savings for the hybrid, especially over long highway commutes rated at 32 MPG for the Toyota versus 29 MPG for the Santa Fe.
How much more interior space does the Grand Highlander Hybrid offer?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially exceeding the 14.6 cu ft found in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Furthermore, the Toyota is larger externally, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches.
Is the lower horsepower in the Toyota offset by its drivetrain?
The Santa Fe provides 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245 hp. Although the Toyota features standard All-Wheel Drive versus the Santa Fe's FWD configuration, the Hyundai holds a clear advantage in raw power specifications.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, preventing the need for premium gasoline for either model.
Which vehicle offers a more budget-friendly entry point?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear budget winner, with an MSRP of $34,300. This is $10,410 less than the $44,710 starting price for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How do the transmissions compare between the two crossovers?
The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Grand Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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