Is The Toyota Highlander Bigger Than The Hyundai Santa Fe? Comparing Dimensions, Seating, And Cargo Space For The Ultimate Choice!

Are you torn between the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe, wondering which one offers a more spacious and comfortable ride? Size and interior space are crucial factors to consider when choosing a vehicle, especially for families or those who value ample cargo capacity. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the dimensions, seating configurations, cargo space, and overall practicality of these two popular SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Dimensions and Exterior Space:

1. Length:

• Toyota Highlander: 196.5 inches
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 193.5 inches

The Toyota Highlander has a slight edge over the Hyundai Santa Fe in terms of length, providing a bit more overall space.

2. Width:

• Toyota Highlander: 78.3 inches
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 78.7 inches

In terms of width, the Hyundai Santa Fe is marginally wider than the Toyota Highlander, offering a slightly more spacious feel inside.

3. Height:

• Toyota Highlander: 69.7 inches
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 68.8 inches

The Toyota Highlander has a slightly taller stance compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, resulting in a more commanding driving position and potentially better visibility.

Interior Space and Seating:

1. Passenger Capacity:

• Toyota Highlander: 8-passengers (standard)
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 7-passengers (standard)

The Toyota Highlander offers a standard 8-passenger seating capacity, accommodating up to eight individuals comfortably. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with 7-passenger seating, providing seating for up to seven passengers.

2. Seating Comfort:

Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe offer comfortable seating with supportive seats and ample headroom and legroom in all rows. However, the Highlander’s standard 8-passenger seating may result in slightly less legroom in the third row compared to the Santa Fe’s 7-passenger configuration.

Cargo Space and Practicality:

1. Cargo Capacity:

• Toyota Highlander: 16.1 cubic feet (behind the third row)
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 12.6 cubic feet (behind the third row)

With the third row upright, the Toyota Highlander offers a more generous cargo space of 16.1 cubic feet compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe’s 12.6 cubic feet. This additional space can be valuable for storing luggage, groceries, or other cargo.

2. Cargo Flexibility:

Both SUVs feature foldable rear seats to expand cargo capacity when not in use. The Toyota Highlander’s second-row seats fold flat, while the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s second-row seats fold 60/40, providing more flexibility in cargo arrangements.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance:

1. Fuel Efficiency:

• Toyota Highlander: Up to 21 MPG city / 29 MPG highway (V6 engine)
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Up to 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway (V6 engine)

Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe offer comparable fuel efficiency with their V6 engines, delivering an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

2. Performance:

• Toyota Highlander: 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft of torque (V6 engine)
• Hyundai Santa Fe: 277 horsepower, 248 lb-ft of torque (V6 engine)

The Toyota Highlander has a slight advantage in terms of performance, with its V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 277 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

Safety Features:

1. Standard Safety Features:

Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, ABS brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control.

2. Advanced Safety Technologies:

• Toyota Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (includes lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control)
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Hyundai SmartSense (includes forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring)

Both SUVs offer advanced safety technologies that enhance driver assistance and overall safety.

Price and Value:

1. Base Price:

• Toyota Highlander: Starting at $36,420
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Starting at $35,000

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly lower starting price compared to the Toyota Highlander, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.

2. Value for Money:

Both SUVs offer good value for money, with a range of features and capabilities that justify their price tags. The Toyota Highlander’s standard 8-passenger seating and more spacious cargo area may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.

The Verdict:

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize seating capacity, cargo space, and a slightly more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander is a compelling choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a comfortable 7-passenger seating configuration and a generous warranty, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a solid contender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: Which SUV has a better overall fuel economy?

A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe offer comparable fuel efficiency, with estimated ratings of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for their V6 engines.

2. Q: Does the Toyota Highlander have a third row of seats?

A: Yes, the Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-passenger seating configuration, including a third row of seats for additional seating capacity.

3. Q: Which SUV has a more comprehensive warranty?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more generous warranty coverage compared to the Toyota Highlander. It comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.