Compare 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Highlander | Watertown, CT

Serving Watertown, CT, Waterbury, and Bristol

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has many rivals, including the Toyota Highlander. This comparison will look at size, performance, and other issues related to ownership.

Performance

Family drivers need performance, and Hyundai delivers right out of the gate. The entry level engine is a 3.3-liter V6. Capable of a 5,000-pound tow when properly equipped, it generates 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. If you choose the base Highlander, not only will you pay more, you'll get less power. The entry level engine is an I-4 with only 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. You can step up to a Highlander V6 and get a similar, 295-horsepower rating. Toyota's own website shows the V6 variant of the Highlander being $11,240* more expensive than the 2018 Santa Fe. Despite having a more spacious cabin, the Santa Fe weighs less than the Highlander. By trimming off 300 pounds, Hyundai helps its SUV do more with every horse under the hood. The brand offers the longest available powertrain warranty, lasting ten years or 100,000 miles. Toyotas stop at five years or 60,000 miles.

Technology and Safety

You'll find a touchscreen on either brand. However, Hyundai has standard HD radio. Even better, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the two most sought-after systems on cars today, are on board. These offer 20 to 30 more apps than the regular Toyota Entune system can offer. Both the Santa Fe and the Highlander have earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The two are Top Safety Picks at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Santa Fes have standard downhill brake control and available dynamic bending lights, two features not available on the Highlander. Both SUVs offer a list of crash avoidance technologies. These include a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, autobrake, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane keeper, high beam assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.

Long Term Advantages

Only the Santa Fe can offer YES Essentials upholstery. This is an easy-clean fabric that helps you maintain your vehicle investment despite the kids' constant spills. Families will appreciate the cargo-area underfloor storage area, providing organization and a niche for their valuables. Blue Link Connected Care and the Remote Package are complimentary for three years. Away from the car, the phone app lets you start the engine, unlock the doors or check diagnostics. The Santa Fe has a Blue Link SOS button. It may make an automatic collision notification if the airbags deploy. Adding peace of mind, only Santa Fes have bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. It also includes five years of free roadside coverage in case the SUV breaks down, runs out of gas, or has a flat tire. Toyota's bumper-to-bumper coverage runs three years or 36,000 miles, and its roadside assistance runs for only two years.

Test Drive Today!

When you measure prices, capability, warranty, and packaging, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe really does pull ahead. See for yourself at Shaker's Family Hyundai.

*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

**EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.