2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$34,300 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with a bold, boxy aesthetic, emphasizing accessible power from its 277 hp engine. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander retains its proven, slightly longer frame at 194.9 inches and boasts standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Santa Fe tempts buyers immediately with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $34,300 versus the Highlander's $45,270, representing a striking $10,970 gap. While both crossovers achieve an identical 24 MPG combined rating, the Santa Fe offers 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 310 lb-ft, suggesting spirited performance potential. Furthermore, the Santa Fe is the more compact vehicle, measuring 74.8 inches wide, which might appeal to urban drivers navigating tight spaces, though the Highlander offers slightly more room with 16 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe's lower MSRP of $34,300 makes it the more financially sensible choice for daily commuting needs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Highlander provides superior utility with 16 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive, a boon for varying family travel conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe packs a slight edge in peak power, delivering 277 hp against the Highlander's 265 hp, promising more enthusiastic acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is the clear value champion, offering strong performance metrics for $10,970 less than the Highlander.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You demand the lowest barrier to entry, considering the $34,300 MSRP.
You prioritize maximum engine output, as it delivers 277 horsepower versus 265 hp in the competition.
You prefer an 8-speed automated manual transmission paired with Front Wheel Drive for potentially higher efficiency figures on paper.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Standard All-Wheel Drive security in all weather conditions is non-negotiable for your drives.
You require the maximum available storage space, as 16 cu ft of cargo capacity exceeds the competitor's offering.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Toyota Highlander
Length	190.2"	194.9"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	67.7"	68.1"
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	57.2 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger 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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

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	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Which crossover is inherently more spacious for passengers and cargo?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches and offers more usable cargo space with 16 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. This extra volume makes the Highlander more accommodating for larger family hauls.

How do the performance figures stack up between the two models?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe holds a minor power advantage, generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander is very close with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, but the Santa Fe carries the edge in raw output.

What is the primary financial difference when purchasing these vehicles?

The MSRP presents a massive difference; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $34,300, whereas the 2026 Toyota Highlander begins at $45,270. This $10,970 difference heavily influences the value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

Is there a difference in standard drivetrain technology affecting traction?

Yes, the Highlander includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for improved traction management. Conversely, the Santa Fe is specified with a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration in this base comparison.

Do both SUVs achieve the same fuel economy?

Both vehicles share an identical 24 MPG combined rating, running on regular unleaded fuel. However, the Highlander edges out slightly in pure city efficiency with 21 MPG versus the Santa Fe's 20 MPG city rating.

Which car feels more compact for city maneuvering?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is the physically smaller vehicle in overall footprint, measuring 74.8 inches wide and 190.2 inches long. This slightly reduced size could offer an advantage when navigating tight urban parking situations.