2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$34,300 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the roomy, affordable 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the highly efficient 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be tough, as they target slightly different priorities. If budget is king, the Santa Fe starts significantly lower at $34,300 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's hefty $47,020. However, the Highlander Hybrid fights back hard where fuel costs matter, achieving an impressive 35 combined MPG, which smokes the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG ang that runs on regular unleaded. While the Santa Fe offers more raw power with 277 hp versus the Toyota's 243 hp, the Highlander Hybrid offers the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive versus the Santa Fe's standard Front-Wheel Drive setup. Ultimately, deciding comes down to whether you prioritize lower upfront costs and more immediate punch, or long-term fuel savings and superior mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its outstanding 35 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly reducing trips to the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Families benefit from the Highlander Hybrid's slightly larger 16 cu ft of cargo space and standard All-Wheel Drive security.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Santa Fe appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the hybrid.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers significantly better upfront value, costing $12,720 less than the Highlander Hybrid.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You need the most immediate power, thanks to the Santa Fe's 277 hp engine.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as the MSRP starts at just $34,300.
You prefer the slightly more conventional feel of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is your top concern, as the Highlander Hybrid boasts an 11 MPG advantage with 35 combined MPG.
You require All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
You need slightly more space, as the Highlander offers 16 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 14.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	243 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	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

What is the primary fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a significant advantage with 35 combined MPG. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe only achieves 24 combined MPG, meaning the Toyota will save you substantial money over time at the pump.

Which vehicle offers better initial affordability?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear budget choice, starting at $34,300, undercutting the Highlander Hybrid's $47,020 MSRP by $12,720.

Does the Santa Fe's higher horsepower translate to better driving engagement?

The Santa Fe has 34 more horsepower (277 hp vs 243 hp) and higher torque (311 lb-ft), which should give it quicker acceleration off the line compared to the hybrid.

Is the Cargo Space difference between the two substantial?

The difference is marginal; the Highlander Hybrid offers 16 cu ft of cargo space, slightly beating the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, though both are fairly compact behind the rear seats.

How do the drive types differ between the standard models?

The standard 2025 Santa Fe comes with Front Wheel Drive, while the standard 2026 Highlander Hybrid includes All Wheel Drive, which is beneficial for slippery conditions.