2025 Toyota Highlander vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Looking for a reliable SUV that suits both daily errands and weekend getaways? The 2025 Toyota Highlander and the redesigned 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offer compelling options in the midsize SUV segment. Both models introduce updated styling, offer hybrid powertrains, and focus heavily on driver comfort and safety.
Choosing between them comes down to your priorities—whether that’s efficiency, ride comfort, third-row usability, or tech sophistication. Let’s break down the differences to help you find your perfect match.
Contrast that with the 2025 Santa Fe, which makes a bolder statement. Its box-shaped profile and squared-off lighting give it a rugged, adventure-ready feel. Designers prioritized cabin space with a stretched wheelbase and upright roofline. While it feels open and airy, some design choices, like the vertical rear and high dash, lean more toward personality than pure practicality.
Santa Fe matches this with Hyundai SmartSense, covering similar active safety features such as forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. What sets it apart is the blind-spot camera that displays in the digital cluster, available on mid-level trims and up. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on most versions, and the interface is praised for its fast response time and sharp graphics.
Santa Fe comes with two engines: a 2.5-liter turbo gas engine and a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid. The gas model delivers slightly more power at 277 horsepower, though it falls short in overall efficiency at about 24 mpg combined. Hybrid versions see gains here, reaching up to 36 mpg combined with a total range near 637 miles. However, the hybrid’s 6-speed automatic and performance tuning lean more toward daily comfort than sporty driving.
Santa Fe, on the other hand, stands out visually and introduces clever interior storage options along with high-end tech across more trim levels. While its hybrid variant impresses with efficiency, the third row is better suited for short trips or younger passengers. Some shoppers may find the overall shape unique and appealing, while others may prefer a more traditional layout.
We offer more than just test drives. Our on-site services include expert maintenance, certified technicians, financing assistance, and a welcoming showroom where questions are always encouraged. Schedule your visit today with us—we’re ready to help you find the right fit without pressure or confusion.
Choosing between them comes down to your priorities—whether that’s efficiency, ride comfort, third-row usability, or tech sophistication. Let’s break down the differences to help you find your perfect match.
Design & Style
Refinement meets functionality with the 2025 Highlander. Its body is sculpted for aerodynamic flow, while bold character lines give it a confident presence on the road. LED headlights and a wide grille anchor the front fascia, creating a balanced and modern look without feeling overdesigned. Inside, you’ll find well-organized controls, soft materials, and an available panoramic moonroof to open up the cabin.Contrast that with the 2025 Santa Fe, which makes a bolder statement. Its box-shaped profile and squared-off lighting give it a rugged, adventure-ready feel. Designers prioritized cabin space with a stretched wheelbase and upright roofline. While it feels open and airy, some design choices, like the vertical rear and high dash, lean more toward personality than pure practicality.
Technology & Safety
Advanced features come standard across both SUVs, but the way they are presented differs. Highlander models feature Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Touchscreen options span from 8 to 12.3 inches depending on the trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.Santa Fe matches this with Hyundai SmartSense, covering similar active safety features such as forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. What sets it apart is the blind-spot camera that displays in the digital cluster, available on mid-level trims and up. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on most versions, and the interface is praised for its fast response time and sharp graphics.
Performance
Smoothness and balance define the Highlander’s ride. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine puts out 265 horsepower and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional on most trims and standard with the hybrid. For drivers prioritizing fuel economy, the hybrid variant returns up to 35 mpg combined while still offering confident acceleration and traction control.Santa Fe comes with two engines: a 2.5-liter turbo gas engine and a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid. The gas model delivers slightly more power at 277 horsepower, though it falls short in overall efficiency at about 24 mpg combined. Hybrid versions see gains here, reaching up to 36 mpg combined with a total range near 637 miles. However, the hybrid’s 6-speed automatic and performance tuning lean more toward daily comfort than sporty driving.
The Bottom Line
Each SUV brings its own strengths to the table. Highlander offers a smoother driving experience, excellent fuel economy in its hybrid trims, and more flexible seating for families who need third-row access regularly. Its design may not be flashy, but it presents a mature, well-rounded package that holds up year after year.Santa Fe, on the other hand, stands out visually and introduces clever interior storage options along with high-end tech across more trim levels. While its hybrid variant impresses with efficiency, the third row is better suited for short trips or younger passengers. Some shoppers may find the overall shape unique and appealing, while others may prefer a more traditional layout.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
Want to explore how the 2025 Highlander fits into your lifestyle? Visit us at Interstate Toyota to experience it firsthand. Our team is here to walk you through every trim, hybrid option, and feature available.We offer more than just test drives. Our on-site services include expert maintenance, certified technicians, financing assistance, and a welcoming showroom where questions are always encouraged. Schedule your visit today with us—we’re ready to help you find the right fit without pressure or confusion.