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Hyundai SANTA FE Sport vs. Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and Toyota Highlander 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 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and the Toyota Highlander.

In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and Toyota Highlander have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.

Pricing: A used 2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport ranges from $11,990 to $20,998 while a used 2018 Toyota Highlander is priced between $20,950 to $33,994.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport and the Toyota Highlander makes 185 horsepower. The SANTA FE Sport is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE Sport the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Hyundai SANTA FE Sport has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Toyota Highlander has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.

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Model & Pricing
Hyundai SANTA FE Sport
Toyota Highlander

2018 Hyundai SANTA FE Sport
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Hyundai SANTA FE Sport for Sale

2018 Toyota Highlander
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Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,950

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,550 - $27,895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$31,230

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,126

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$22,995 - $34,810

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$16,371

Price Range:

$11,990 - $20,998

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,697

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$15,309 - $27,261

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

437

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

92,997

# Good or Great Deals:

163

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$27,256

Price Range:

$20,950 - $33,994

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$22,710

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$14,757 - $32,004

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

680

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

97,126

# Good or Great Deals:

176

Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

Not available

Safety:

Not available

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE Sport

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

3.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

3.8 - 7.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

8.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.6 - 7.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

67.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 13

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.1 - 16.3

Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Rankings

Not yet available

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 30

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 28

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Safest Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

17 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 56

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

27 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 34

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

47 / 56

Summary Review

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a compact SUV with seating for five. It was produced for the 2013 through 2018 model years. The Santa Fe Sport was discontinued after the 2018 model year. The pricing for the final year Santa Fe Sport, 2018, averages $21,359.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable and roomy interior
  • Strong fuel economy
  • Affordably priced

  • Subpar navigation graphics
  • Unrefined handling
  • Stiff ride

Pros and Cons

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Hyundai SANTA FE Sport Trim Levels

2.0T, 2.0T Ultimate, 2.4L

Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, XLE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years / 25000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 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 @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

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

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):


21 / 27 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

365 / 470 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

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

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

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

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

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

Roadside assistance:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.3 inches

Cargo Space:

35.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

71.5 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

143.4 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3624 lbs

Width:

74 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

185 inches

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

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

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P245/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Twilight Black

Blue

Marlin Blue / Nightfall Blue

Brown

Canyon Copper

Gray

Mineral Gray / Platinum Graphite

Red

Serrano Red

Silver

Sparkling Silver / Symphony Silver

White

Pearl White

Green

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Shoreline Blue Pearl

Brown

Toasted Walnut Pearl

Gray

Predawn Gray Mica

Red

Ooh La La Rouge Mica

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Green

Alumina Jade Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Gray

Gray

Black

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Gray

Ash

Black

Black

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