2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Head to Head Comparison

If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV that balances space, performance, and value, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are likely on your radar. But when it comes down to everyday benefits—especially for families—see which SUV pulls ahead in some important ways. At Steele Hyundai in Halifax, NS, we’re taking a closer look at how these two SUVs stack up in real-world categories that matter.

Price & Value: Hyundai Saves You Money

Let’s start with something everyone considers first, price. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe simply costs less starting at $42,499* than the Toyota Highlander’s $53,619*. That lower starting price doesn’t mean you’re missing out on premium features either. In fact, the Santa Fe packs more into its base trim, making it a smarter buy for drivers who want top-tier tech without paying top dollar.

More Power Under the Hood

If you want a bit more excitement when you press the gas pedal, the Santa Fe delivers with 277 horsepower. That’s noticeably more than the Highlander’s 265 horsepower, giving the Hyundai an edge in passing power and overall responsiveness. It’s just another reason why the Santa Fe feels more dynamic on the road, even when fully loaded with kids and cargo.

Fuel Efficiency That Makes a Difference

The 2025 Santa Fe shines with 6.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, giving you an impressive combined rating of 6.9 L/100 km. Compare that to the Highlander, which comes in at 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 L/100 km on the highway, with a combined rating of 9.9 L/100 km isn’t bad either for a vehicle its size. But that’s a significant difference, especially for families who drive a lot—whether for school runs or weekend trips—it adds up to real savings at the pump for Hyundai owners.

Comfort: More Room Where It Counts

One of the best parts of the 2025 Santa Fe is how much space it offers, especially for passengers. The Toyota certainly wins the comparison on the front of delivering more cargo capacity. Albeit, the front seats of Hyundai Santa Fe offer 44.4 inches of legroom, while rear passengers enjoy 42.3 inches. In the Highlander, you’re looking at 42.0 inches in the front and 38.7 inches in the rear, which means passengers in the Santa Fe have more space to stretch out, relax, or even nap on longer drives. Taller drivers and teens alike will appreciate the added comfort, especially on road trips.

Tech Advantage: Big Screen Comes Standard

In today’s connected world, in-car tech matters more than ever. The Santa Fe keeps things simple by giving you a 12.3-inch touchscreen right from the base trim, no need to pay more just to upgrade. In contrast, the Highlander starts with a much smaller 8-inch screen on lower trims, only offering the 12.3-inch display higher up the lineup. With the Santa Fe, you’re getting a sleek, modern infotainment system from day one, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

Maneuverability & City Driving

Another win for the Santa Fe is its practical dimensions. It’s slightly shorter and narrower than the Toyota Highlander, which makes it easier to navigate through busy city streets or slide into tighter parking spaces. Whether you’re commuting through Halifax or parallel parking downtown, that difference in size can take some stress out of your day.

Find Your Hyundai Santa Fe Today

At the end of the day, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe checks all the boxes: better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, a roomier interior, and more tech for less money. It’s a smart, stylish, and family-friendly SUV that gives you everything you need, without overpaying for features you actually want.

Stop by Steele Hyundai in Halifax, NS, to see the Santa Fe in person. Once you step inside and take it for a spin, you’ll understand why it’s the better choice for modern Canadian families.

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