2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a conservative yet blocky style, reminiscent of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from black Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large centre console, making it a comfortable and well-built road-trip vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in three trims—XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy—debuted its fifth generation in 2024. It featured a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, complemented by H-shaped LED headlamps. While the rear design had mismatched proportions, the Santa Fe offered a range of wheel sizes and off-road-focused features in the XRT trim. Inside, it accommodated seven passengers, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim offering captain's chairs. The interior had a good fit and finish, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The Santa Fe's design included physical dials for HVAC temperature, but the fan speed buttons were less intuitive. Overall, it provided a spacious and functional interior with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, generated 362 horsepower and 400 combined net pound-feet of torque. All powertrains came with all-wheel drive in Canada. The Grand Highlander excelled in acceleration, particularly with the Hybrid Max, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While its size made maneuvering challenging, it offered solid brakes and adequate acceleration. The vehicle featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, offered 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe provided stable cornering, firm brakes, and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some adjustment. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. While not a rugged rock crawler, the Santa Fe handled graded dirt roads well.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, offering a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Kia Telluride by over 300 litres. With seats in position, it provided 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander offered ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof in the XRT trim, with additional features in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. It provided the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 1,148 litres available with the third row folded and 2,267 litres with the second row down. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, facilitating easy loading. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with the XRT capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant, available via a connected-services subscription, responded to voice commands. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 11-speaker JBL stereo, standard on Limited and Platinum trims, provided balanced sound. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, though subscription options required careful consideration.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe included a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with navigation available on higher trims. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via phone or Apple watch. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity provided remote access and monitoring features, with over-the-air updates ensuring up-to-date software.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance assist. Highway Drive Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist. The top trims featured blind spot avoidance and Blind View Monitor. NHTSA rated the Santa Fe four out of five stars overall, while IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories.