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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (277 HP vs 265 HP), trunk space and price (34,300 $ vs 39,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • a bit cheaper
  • only slightly more power

Toyota Highlander

  • clearly more efficient
  • only slightly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Fe

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Hyundai Santa Fe is a bit cheaper – starting at 34,300 $ , while the Toyota Highlander costs 39,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 4,970 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander performs clearly better – achieving 36 mpg, compared to 20 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That’s a difference of about 16 mpg.

Highlander

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers only slightly more power – delivering 277 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 12 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers very slightly more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 310 lb-ft. That’s about 1 lb-ft more.

Santa Fe

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 7.

In terms of curb weight, Toyota Highlander is only slightly lighter – 4,155 lbs compared to 4,343 lbs. The difference is around 188 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Highlander is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $39,300
Highlander

Toyota Highlander

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 243 - 265 HP
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View detailed analysis

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Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe shows up like the family SUV that actually remembered to be cool, with adventurous styling and a cabin that feels built for road‑trip legends. It’s calm on the commute, confident on a light trail, and stacked with clever features and available hybrid power that make ownership feel more like a life hack than a compromise.

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Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota Highlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,300 - 48,700 $
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
FuelEconomy City
19 - 20 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 29 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
6 - 7
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,343 - 4,486 lbs
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
190.2 in.
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Width
74.8 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
67 - 69 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
277 HP
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Torque
311 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Toyota
How much does the Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at 34,300 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.