2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander: Which SUV is Right for You in Fort Smith?

Finding Your Perfect SUV

Shopping for a midsize SUV can feel overwhelming, but the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Toyota Highlander are two of the best options. Both SUVs excel in safety, performance, and features, but which one meets your needs? Let’s compare them to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle in Fort Smith and the River Valley area.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers bold styling, a spacious interior, and multiple engine options, including hybrid models. On the other hand, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is well-known for its reliability and family-friendly design. It also comes at a higher price point.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe gives you two engine choices:

• A 2.5L engine with 191 horsepower for efficient performance.
• A turbocharged 2.5L engine with 277 horsepower for added power.

The Santa Fe also features a hybrid model. This is a great choice for eco-conscious drivers looking for better fuel economy and lower emissions while driving in Fort Smith.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander includes a 2.4L turbocharged engine producing 265 horsepower, along with a hybrid option. While both SUVs perform well, the Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine provides more horsepower. This makes it a better choice for drivers who want extra power on the highway or during long trips.

Off-Road Capability

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim is ready for adventure. With off-road tires, skid plates, and advanced all-wheel drive, it’s ideal for exploring scenic trails near Fort Smith or enjoying trips to the Ozarks.

The Toyota Highlander offers all-wheel drive but doesn’t feature an off-road-specific trim like the Santa Fe XRT. If you want a midsize SUV built for rugged terrain, the Santa Fe stands out.

Advanced Technology Features

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander have modern technology, but the Santa Fe offers excellent features at a more affordable price.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology Highlights:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen.
• Premium options like Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system.

2025 Toyota Highlander Technology Highlights:

• Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims.
• JBL premium sound system and wireless charging are optional upgrades.

Although the Highlander includes a larger standard screen in its higher trims, the Santa Fe delivers comparable technology at a more wallet-friendly price.

Interior Space and Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe now includes a third-row option, allowing it to comfortably seat up to seven passengers. You’ll find premium details like quilted leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and plenty of cargo space for road trips, errands, or adventures.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers. However, its third row feels cramped, especially for adults, making it less comfortable for long trips. While its higher trims provide luxury features, they come at a much higher price than the Santa Fe’s Calligraphy trim, which offers similar amenities.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs come with advanced safety systems to protect you and your passengers.

Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Highlights:

• Hyundai SmartSense includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane-Keeping Assist.
• Highway Driving Assist on higher trims provides semi-autonomous driving for safer highway trips.

Toyota Highlander Safety Highlights:

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 offers features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alerts, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

The Santa Fe’s Highway Driving Assist gives it an edge, offering features that make long highway drives easier and safer.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a good choice for larger families needing more seating. However, its higher price and fewer trim options make it less appealing for drivers looking for value.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its bold design, powerful engine options, off-road-ready trim, and advanced tech—all at a more affordable price. For drivers in Fort Smith who want a stylish and feature-packed midsize SUV, the Santa Fe is the smarter choice.

Test Drive the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith

Ready to explore the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe? Visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith to see the full lineup, compare trims, and take a test drive. Whether you need an SUV for family trips, off-road adventures, or daily commutes, the Santa Fe has something for everyone. Stop by our dealership or explore our new and used inventory online today.

Tags: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe, New Santa FE, SUV, Used Cars in Fort Smith
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