Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander
Shopping for a three-row SUV around Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or Norfolk, VA, often comes down to two familiar names: the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. Both give families flexible seating, available all-wheel drive, and modern technology, but the comparison becomes more interesting when you look closely at the numbers.
At Priority Hyundai, we can help you decide which of these models best fits your needs. Let’s get started!
Santa Fe vs Highlander: At a Glance
| Category | Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Gas power | 277 horsepower | 265 horsepower |
| Gas torque | 311 lb.-ft. | 310 lb.-ft. |
| Passenger volume | Up to 152 cubic feet | Approximately 141.8 cubic feet |
| Standout tech | Digital Key 2, available HDA 2, available BVM | Toyota Audio Multimedia, available panoramic view monitor |
Santa Fe vs Highlander: Performance
For those who want confident acceleration for highway merging, passing, and everyday driving, the gas-powered Santa Fe has a clear advantage. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, compared with the Highlander's 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
That extra horsepower gives the Santa Fe a little more muscle without requiring a larger engine. The available HTRAC All Wheel Drive system also gives drivers another option when additional traction is useful, while the Santa Fe XRT adds an adventure-oriented setup with all-terrain tires, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and up to 4,500 lbs. of towing capacity.
For drivers who spend time exploring beyond the Hampton Roads area, that combination of turbocharged power and available capability makes the Santa Fe especially appealing.
Hyundai vs Toyota: Interior Space
Three-row SUVs aren't just about having another row of seats. The real question is how comfortable the cabin feels for everyone onboard.
The Santa Fe offers up to 152 cubic feet of passenger volume, along with 44.4 inches of front legroom and 42.3 inches of second-row legroom. Its third row provides 30 inches of legroom.
The Highlander remains a practical family SUV, but it offers 141.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. That gives the Santa Fe a meaningful advantage in overall passenger space.
Santa Fe vs Highlander: Technology
Technology can make a noticeable difference in a family vehicle, especially when the SUV becomes part of your daily routine. The Santa Fe brings several useful features into the conversation.
Available technology includes a curved display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual wireless device charging, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium. Digital Key 2 can let compatible smartphone users lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without carrying a traditional key fob.
Higher Santa Fe trims also offer Remote Smart Parking Assist, which can move the vehicle into or out of a parking space while you're outside it. That's particularly useful in crowded parking areas around busy shopping districts and destinations throughout Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
The Highlander offers strong connectivity of its own, including wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Still, the Santa Fe's combination of digital-key convenience, available dual wireless charging, and remote parking technology gives it a sizeable advantage over the Highlander.
FAQs
What safety features come standard on Hyundai vehicles?
All 2026 Hyundai vehicles include seven standard SmartSense safety features, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist.
Are Hyundai vehicles safe?
Yes. Six 2026 Hyundai models earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, while another received a TOP SAFETY PICK rating, highlighting Hyundai’s continued focus on occupant protection and advanced safety technology.*
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a strong family SUV?
Yes. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was recognized by Kelley Blue Book as a leading family SUV for its three-row seating, comfortable interior, versatile cargo space, and family-friendly design.
Test Drive the Hyundai Santa Fe Today
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are two capable three-row SUVs, but the Santa Fe brings several compelling advantages. Its gas model delivers more horsepower, its cabin provides greater passenger volume, and its available technology is impressively advanced.
Contact us at Priority Hyundai today to take a test drive on the streets of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, VA.
*Source: Hyundai
