Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander
Which Midsize SUV Is Right for You in Charlotte, NC?
If you’re shopping for a versatile, family-friendly midsize SUV in Charlotte, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander are likely on your radar. Both offer strong reputations, solid performance, and modern features—but which one delivers the most value and innovation for your lifestyle?
At Keffer Hyundai, we’re breaking down how the 2025 Santa Fe compares to the Toyota Highlander across key categories like price, performance, interior space, tech, and design.
Value and Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a more affordable price point than the Toyota Highlander while still offering premium amenities. Shoppers in Matthews, Gastonia, and Concord appreciate how the Santa Fe blends capability with affordability.
Santa Fe Highlights:
- Lower starting MSRP vs. Highlander
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (Hyundai Advantage)
- Excellent standard safety tech and driver assists
Performance & Efficiency
Both SUVs offer multiple powertrain options, but the Santa Fe is newly available with a turbocharged hybrid system that emphasizes both power and fuel efficiency. The Highlander also features a hybrid, but Santa Fe’s bold new platform and design enhance performance on and off-road.
Santa Fe Available Powertrains:
- 2.5L Turbocharged I4 engine
- 1.6L Turbo Hybrid powertrain (available)
- Confident towing capacity and drive modes
Interior Comfort & Cargo Space
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe debuts a completely redesigned interior with three rows of seating, giving it a more flexible cabin than ever before. While the Highlander also offers three rows, the Santa Fe’s boxier exterior enhances usable cargo room and rear-seat access.
Santa Fe Interior Perks:
- Available 6- or 7-passenger configurations
- Panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch screens
- Flat floor and boxy design for improved rear headroom and cargo space
- Premium Nappa leather and ambient lighting (on higher trims)
Technology & Safety
Both models are packed with tech, but Hyundai gives you more advanced features standard. The Hyundai Digital Key 2, standard wireless Apple CarPlay®, and over-the-air software updates give the Santa Fe an edge in innovation.
Santa Fe Tech Advantages:
- Bluelink+ connected services with remote start
- Standard Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
- Digital Key 2 Touch with smartphone unlocking
- Over-the-air update capability
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Redesigned and Ready
The 2025 Santa Fe introduces a bold new look with rugged SUV styling, wider proportions, and enhanced visibility. Its upright stance and panoramic display give the interior a luxurious yet utilitarian feel—perfect for family road trips or off-road excursions near Charlotte or the Carolina mountains.
Explore the new Hyundai Santa Fe inventory today at Keffer Hyundai and see why it’s one of the best midsize SUVs on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions – Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota Highlander
Q: Which SUV is more affordable—Santa Fe or Highlander?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a lower MSRP and includes more standard features for the price.
Q: Does the Santa Fe have three rows like the Highlander?
Yes! The 2025 Santa Fe now offers three rows of seating, making it a strong competitor to the Highlander.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
Both offer hybrid options, but the Santa Fe Hybrid is especially efficient and newly updated for 2025.
Q: Where can I test drive a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe near Charlotte, NC?
Visit Keffer Hyundai in Charlotte, near Matthews, Concord, and Gastonia, to schedule your test drive today.
