2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
Deciding between legendary ruggedness and modern value often boils down to your daily drive. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at a higher MSRP of $41,270 compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's $34,800, a difference of $6,470 right off the bat. While both offer similar power—the 4Runner has 278 hp and 317 lb-ft, slightly edging out the Santa Fe’s 277 hp and 311 lb-ft—their missions diverge sharply. The 4Runner is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches long and standing taller at 72.6 inches, suggesting better ground clearance for off-roading, despite its slightly lower 22 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Santa Fe offers better fuel economy at 24 MPG combined and is more maneuverable at 190.2 inches long. For buyers prioritizing lasting capability and presence, the 4Runner leads, but the Santa Fe provides immediate savings and better city efficiency.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers significantly more usable storage space with 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the enthusiast choice, benefiting from its truck-based RWD architecture and taller 72.6-inch height, suggesting better capability.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers outstanding value, saving buyers $6,470 upfront compared to the 4Runner's starting price.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the 4Runner boasts 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a rear-wheel-drive platform and a traditional, rugged SUV build approach.
- You value higher peak torque (317 lb-ft) for towing or steep climbs, even if it costs more initially.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Saving $6,470 in initial purchase price is a major priority, with an MSRP of $34,800.
- You spend more time in the city and want better fuel efficiency (24 combined MPG).
- You prefer a smaller footprint for easier parking, evidenced by its shorter 190.2-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota 4Runner | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 72.6" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 380.0/494.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.8 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.1 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How does the horsepower difference between the two SUVs impact daily driving?
The difference is negligible for everyday use; the 4Runner has 278 hp while the Santa Fe has 277 hp. Both vehicles provide plenty of power for merging and highway cruising, though the 4Runner technically holds a slight edge in raw output.
Is the 4Runner much bigger to maneuver than the Santa Fe?
Yes, the 4Runner is noticeably larger, measuring 194.9 inches long versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, and it is significantly taller at 72.6 inches versus 67.7 inches. This height difference suggests better off-road clearance but potentially tighter clearances in parking garages.
Which vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe specify regular unleaded fuel. This helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both options.
Why is the 4Runner’s cargo capacity so much larger than the Santa Fe’s?
The 4Runner is built on a more traditional, boxier SUV frame focused on utility, providing 48.4 cu ft of cargo space. The Santa Fe, as a crossover, sacrifices some of that space for sleeker styling, resulting in a smaller 14.6 cu ft capacity.
What is the main mechanical difference in the drivetrain setup?
The 4Runner comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), typical of rugged trucks, while the Santa Fe uses a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) base setup, which is common for efficient crossovers.
Does the MPG difference matter for a city driver?
If you drive primarily in stop-and-go traffic, the Santa Fe's 20 MPG city rating aligns with the 4Runner's, but the Santa Fe’s 29 MPG highway rating beats the 4Runner’s 26 MPG, saving fuel on longer commutes.
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