2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Toyota Highlander

Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison

Feature	Hyundai Santa Fe (Our choice!)	Toyota Highlander
Starting Price	$33,950	$39,270
Engine Power	277 hp	265 hp
Fuel Efficiency	FWD 20/29 MPG (City/Hwy) AWD 20/28 MPG (City/Hwy) Hybrid FWD 36/35 MPG (City/Hwy) Hybrid AWD 35/34 MPG (City/Hwy)	Gas 21/29 MPG (City/Hwy) Hybrid 36/35 MPG (City/Hwy)
Warranty	5 Years/60,000 Miles	3 Years/36,000 Miles

Overview

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we know picking the perfect SUV can be difficult, especially when it comes to three-row options like the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Toyota Highlander. Both offer third-row seating, impressive features, and solid performance. Let’s compare them across key categories to help you decide which SUV is the right fit for your family.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has been redesigned to include third-row seating, making it more versatile for families. It’s available in several trims, from the practical SE to the luxurious Calligraphy, which brings high-end features like premium leather and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is well-known for its reliability and offers spacious seating for up to eight passengers. While it’s a strong option for larger families, the Santa Fe offers a similar experience at a more affordable price point, especially in its upper trims.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims

SE
SEL
XRT
Limited
Calligraphy
Hybrid SEL
Hybrid Limited
Hybrid Calligraphy

2024 Toyota Highlander Trims

LE
XLE
XSE
Limited
Platinum
Hybrid LE
Hybrid LE Nightshade
Hybrid XLE
Hybrid XLE Nightshade
Hybrid Limited
Hybrid Platinum

Performance & Powertrain Options

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two engine choices: a 2.5L four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower or a 2.5L turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower. There’s also a hybrid model for those prioritizing fuel economy.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 265 horsepower. Like the Santa Fe, the Highlander also offers a hybrid version. However, with the Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine delivering more horsepower, it’s the more powerful option for drivers who need extra performance.

Off-Road Capabilities

For those who enjoy off-road adventures, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim is built for rugged terrain. With features like skid plates, off-road tires, and enhanced all-wheel drive, it’s perfect for weekend getaways in the great outdoors.

While the Toyota Highlander doesn’t offer a specific off-road trim, its available all-wheel-drive system provides good traction in various conditions. However, if off-road capability is a priority, the Santa Fe XRT is better equipped for more demanding trails.

Technology Features

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is packed with tech features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offer a Harman Kardon premium audio system, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen on its higher trims, also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Highlander’s larger screen may appeal to tech-savvy drivers, the Santa Fe delivers comparable technology at a more competitive price.

Interior Space & Comfort

Inside the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ll find a roomy and comfortable cabin, especially with its added third-row seating. The Calligraphy trim includes luxury touches like quilted leather seats and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Although the Santa Fe seats seven, it’s perfect for families who don’t always need a third row but appreciate having it for occasional use.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander provides more seating for larger families, accommodating up to eight passengers with its third row. However, the Highlander’s third-row seats can feel cramped, while the Santa Fe offers more room for third-row passengers with its improved legroom and headroom. Additionally, the Highlander’s luxury features in its Platinum trim come at a higher cost compared to the Santa Fe.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Toyota Highlander offer comprehensive safety features. The Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which offers similar safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe, however, stands out with its Highway Driving Assist in higher trims, allowing for more semi-autonomous driving capabilities, which the Highlander lacks.

Our Choice

Both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Toyota Highlander are strong contenders in the three-row SUV market. The Santa Fe offers a better balance of power, luxury, and affordability, making it the ideal choice for families who want premium features without the high price tag. Meanwhile, the Highlander is great for larger families who need the extra seating but may come at a higher cost.

For drivers in Fort Smith looking for a versatile, tech-packed SUV with three-row seating, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is our top pick. Visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today to test drive the new Santa Fe and experience its spaciousness, comfort, and cutting-edge features firsthand!

Prices do not include additional fees and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, service and handling fee of $129, or emissions testing fees. All prices, specifications, and availability subject to change without notice. Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith retains all incentives.

For In-Transit inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Please contact your local Hyundai dealer for availability details.

Compare Certified Programs

	Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles	Hyundai Select Used
Vehicle eligibility	6 model years old and newer with 80k miles or less	6 model years old and newer with 80k-120k miles 7-10 model years old vehicles with 120k miles or less
Vehicle inspection	173-point inspection	117-point inspection
Limited warranties	Comprehensive 5 Years/60,000 miles Powertrain 10 Years/100,000 miles HEV/PHEV/EV Battery 10 Years/100,000 miles	Powertrain 90 Days/5,000 miles HEV/PHEV Battery 10 Years/100,000 miles
If anything happens	Roadside Assistance 10 Years/Unlimited miles Rental Car $35/day up to 10 days Trip interruption $100/day up to $300 max	Roadside Assistance 90 Days/Unlimited miles Rental Car $35/day up to 5 days
Complimentary trials	SiriusXM 3-month Platinum Plan trial Bluelink®+ Complimentary 1 Year (Connected Care & Remote Pkgs)	SiriusXM 3-month Platinum Plan trial Bluelink® Complimentary 3 months (Connected Care & Remote Pkgs)