2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the dual exhaust outlets suggested a performance level that wasn't quite there. Higher trims featured faux skid plates and off-road-themed versions with utility-style roof racks. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was discontinued in Canada, where the Limited trim topped the lineup. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused features like a full-width dashboard shelf and easy-clean surfaces. The cabin's quality improved with higher budgets, offering contrast-colour interior choices for a more upscale feel.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, maintained its fifth-generation design without revisions. Its chunky, boxy shape, long wheelbase, and pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions. Each trim had specific wheels, with the XRT trim featuring off-road enhancements. Inside, the Santa Fe offered room for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which had captain's chairs. The interior's fit and finish were generally good, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The HVAC controls were a mix of physical dials and flat icons, which could be challenging to operate.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, and an eight-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery. The RAV4 featured Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes and ground clearance ranging from 20.6 to 21.6 centimetres. While the engine was powerful for its class, it was loud and unrefined. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the hybrid version offering better efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard, and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 21.2 centimetres of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, it wasn't suited for rugged rock crawling.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with ample storage options and oversized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were exclusive to the Limited trim. The RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with a roomy cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof in the XRT trim. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. Folding the third row provided 1,148 litres of space, while folding the second row expanded it to 2,267 litres. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, making it easier to load large items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kilograms to 2,040 kilograms, depending on the trim.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle lacked the JBL premium audio system but had a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered wireless charging for two phones and a digital key feature. The XRT trim lacked the digital rearview mirror, but it was available in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, offering features like climate control presets and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. However, the system's performance was inconsistent, with excessive braking and inaccurate lane-departure warnings. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to its design and engineering age, receiving a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. The Highway Drive Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, though its performance varied in traffic. The top trims included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind View Monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as "Good" in most sections, except for headlights and LATCH categories.