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Toyota Highlander vs. Hyundai SANTA FE

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

When we compare the Toyota Highlander's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: For a new model, the Toyota Highlander's price is between $44,569 and $56,389, with the Hyundai SANTA FE priced between $37,209 and $51,800.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 6.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.5 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 5 out of 31. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 and the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 5. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 5 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 8 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.1 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 7.7 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 Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 265 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Toyota Highlander
Hyundai SANTA FE

2025 Toyota Highlander
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Toyota Highlander for Sale

2026 Hyundai SANTA FE
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Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

44569 - 56389

Starting MSRP:

40320

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

38382

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

31990 - 43000

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

37209 - 51800

Starting MSRP:

34800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

49825

Price Range:

42944 - 56895

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

45804

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

36966 - 59949

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

17002

Depreciation %:

0.4216697

Resale Value $:

23318

Residual Value %:

0.5783303

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.48432299

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.30530799 - 0.56163117

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

17011

Depreciation %:

0.48881264

Resale Value $:

17789

Residual Value %:

0.51118736

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.51651297

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.36117337 - 0.54113436

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

13.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.9

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.7 - 16.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.387

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.145



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.499754929635315

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.5 - 39.2

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Midsize SUVs

1 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

4 / 29

Best Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 26

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

6 / 66

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 66

Best Family Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

9 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

9 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

17 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 29

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 54

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 33

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

25 / 26

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

29 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

29 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

31 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

44 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 54

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 29

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 26

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 15

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 15

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Safest Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

10 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

14 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 54

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

25 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

44 / 66

Summary Review

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

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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.

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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

Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE

Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.69 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

265 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm

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

0.064 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

277 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

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

0.064 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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Available

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.8 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

166.6 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4155 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4343 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

67.7 inches

Length:

190.2 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Green

Cypress

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Wind Chill Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black

Blue

Not available

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray

Green

Not available

Red

Not available

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Graphite

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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