Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually overwhelming, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold new aesthetic, diverging from Hyundai's previous sleek designs. It embraced a boxy shape for optimal storage capacity, yet managed to look upscale and attract attention. The Santa Fe offered a sophisticated palette of exterior colours and various wheel options, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, it provided premium styling with a focus on comfort and quality materials, such as quilted Nappa leather in higher trims. The Santa Fe's interior was designed to be a calm and organized space, with thoughtful touches like a cocooning fabric headliner.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and offered driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was underwhelming, with limited high-speed passing power and a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms that seemed optimistic. The focus was on fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, but real-world consumption was higher than expected at 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Other models featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. AWD was standard across all trims. The Santa Fe provided driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Snow, with the XRT trim adding off-road capabilities. Fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the hybrid achieving 6.9 L/100 km combined. The Santa Fe's performance was smooth and stable, with some body roll in turns, but overall, it offered a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best for occasional use. It featured standard three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts in higher trims. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and second-row captain's chairs, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available, though some storage areas were unlined and the centre console design was cumbersome.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on maximizing cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body than its predecessor. It offered a spacious and welcoming first and second row, with options for bench or captain's chairs. The interior featured stain-resistant cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim, and provided ample storage pockets and bottle holders. Cargo capacity ranged from 413 litres to 2,267 litres with seats folded. The Santa Fe also included innovative features like a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox and a new grab handle for easier cargo loading.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a JBL sound system. Remote Connect and Drive Connect services enhanced connectivity, though the graphics could be clearer.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, offering a luxurious feel. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims included wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system, which allowed for keyless access and control via a smartphone app.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it featured a robust array of standard safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe also introduced driver monitoring technology, enhancing safety and alertness on the road.