2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid bursts onto the scene as the efficiency champion, netting an outstanding 36 combined MPG, crucial for covering long distances without frequent stops. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe grabs attention with a punchier 277 horsepower, significantly more than the Grand Highlander's 245 hp, and promises more immediate acceleration off the line. This comparison boils down to efficiency versus power and price; the Toyota is a larger vessel at 201.4 inches long, focusing on carrying capacity and frugal operation. The Hyundai, significantly less expensive with an MSRP of $34,800 compared to the Toyota's $44,210, offers better outright power. However, the Toyota’s superior 37 MPG city rating easily trumps the Santa Fe's 20 MPG city rating, creating a substantial $9,410 initial price gap that the Toyota’s 12 MPG combined advantage must overcome over time. The choice rests between economical dominance and spirited, cost-effective entry.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's stellar 36 combined MPG makes it the clear choice for saving fuel during daily driving routes.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The extra size and superior fuel economy of the Grand Highlander Hybrid better serve the hauling and economy needs of growing families.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers more immediate performance with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Grand Highlander's 245 hp.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers significantly better entry price point, starting $9,410 cheaper than the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency, evidenced by its 36 combined MPG rating.
- You need maximum interior space, as the Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long.
- All-wheel drive capability is mandatory for your typical driving conditions.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You prioritize initial purchase price, saving $9,410 over the Toyota starting at $34,800.
- You enjoy more responsive power delivery from the 277 hp engine.
- You prefer the driving dynamics of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.8" |
| Height | 72.1" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| 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 | 41.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 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 Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Grand Highlander Hybrid than the Santa Fe?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers a substantial advantage with a 36 combined MPG rating, which dwarfs the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG. This 12 MPG difference in efficiency is significant for yearly running costs.
Which crossover is more powerful for highway passing maneuvers?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe holds the edge in raw power, boasting 277 horsepower, noticeably higher than the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 245 hp. The Santa Fe also provides 311 lb-ft of torque.
Is the $9,410 price difference between the two models justified by the Toyota's features?
The higher MSRP of $44,210 for the Grand Highlander reflects its hybrid powertrain, standard AWD, and larger dimensions. Buyers must weigh this against the Santa Fe's lower starting price of $34,800.
How does the cargo space compare for family road trips?
The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid offers more usable space, providing 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The 2026 Santa Fe has less capacity at 14.6 cubic feet.
Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
No, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the base 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which impacts low-traction performance.
Which vehicle uses a more conventional transmission?
The 2026 Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for a more engaged feel compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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