2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Toyota Highlander and 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.
When comparing the 2019 Toyota Highlander's and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and interior volume. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The 2019 Toyota Highlander and 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Toyota Highlander's and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2019 Toyota Highlander ranges from $22,804 to $35,302 while a used 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE is priced between $14,997 to $25,819.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Toyota Highlander retains 6.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.7 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 9 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 4 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 and the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 6. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 10 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs while the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 3 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.9 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE makes 185 horsepower. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. This gives the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,979
Price Range:
$22,804 - $35,302
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
791
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
79,532
# Good or Great Deals:
275
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,121
Price Range:
$14,997 - $25,819
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
673
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
77,947
# Good or Great Deals:
230
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, XLE
2019 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Limited 2.0T, Limited 2.4L, SE 2.4L, SEL 2.4L, SEL Plus 2.4L, Ultimate 2.0T, Ultimate 2.4L
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 24 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 545 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
158.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4165 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
192.5 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3803 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
187.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Brown
Toasted Walnut Pearl
Gray
Predawn Gray Mica
Green
Alumina Jade Metallic
Red
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Beige
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Stormy Sea
Brown
Not available
Gray
Machine Gray
Green
Rainforest
Red
Scarlet Red
Silver
Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White
Beige
Earthy Bronze
Orange
Lava Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Ash
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Espresso/Gray
Gray
Not available
Beige
Beige/Black
