Should You Buy a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe or a 2023 Toyota Highlander?

Should You Buy a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe or a 2023 Toyota Highlander?

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe VS 2023 Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe features a lot of interior space and a wide powertrain lineup that includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions along with two traditional gas-powered engines. The Santa Fe also stands out with its interior versatility as well as its value, giving you a lot more features for less money. Santa Fe has a lot of competition, including the 2023 Toyota Highlander, but its value proposition as well as its performance and efficiency make it a great option for active buyers or families looking for their next sport utility vehicle. Let's take a closer look.

Comparison Specifications

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 2023 Toyota Highlander
Starting Price
$40,106 $48,695
Top Powertrain
2.5-litre turbo 2.4-litre turbo
Max Horsepower/Torque
281 hp / 311 lb.-ft. 264 hp / 310 lb.-ft.
Fuel Economy City
10.6 l/100 km. 11.8 l/100 km
Fuel Economy Combined
10.0 l/100 km 10.3 l/100 km

A Lot More for Less in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price that is roughly $8,000 less than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. The price difference continues as you go up the lineup, with the top-of-the-line and best-equipped Santa Fe being significantly less than the premium Toyota Highlander. Moreover, with 18-inch aluminum wheels, standard all-wheel drive, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and push-button start, as well as the full suite of driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe delivers on value despite its affordable price.

A More Powerful Turbo Engine

Both the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2023 Toyota Highlander offer a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. The 2.5-litre turbo in the Santa Fe delivers a class-leading 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, significantly more horsepower than the 264 hp offered in the Highlander. Torque is similar, but the extra horsepower in the Santa Fe means better overall performance. The model also features sportier handling that never compromises on comfort.

A More Efficient SUV

Despite having more power, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly more fuel-efficient than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. This is especially noticeable in the city where the Santa Fe averages just 10.6 L per 100 km, compared to 11.8 L per 100 km in the Toyota Highlander. This can lead to hundreds of dollars of savings over the year, further adding to the better value provided by the Santa Fe. The Hyundai midsize SUV also delivers a better overall fuel economy rating.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior

Both the 2023 Toyota Highlander and 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have a lot to offer, but the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers more performance with better efficiency, all wrapped in an unbeatable value proposition.

Categories: Models, Comparison