Personally, I prefer the Santa Fe because of its design and overall features. I would get a Calligraphy in Rockwood Green. Note: I would also be leasing the vehicle.
We've carefully evaluated both cars and are choosing the Santa Fe. I agree with most of this review and here's a few more comments: (1) Where I live in Canada, Highlanders are getting stolen like crazy and shipped out of country which is causing insurances rates to rise and requires investment in multiple 3rd party security systems to provide some piece of mind, (2) I'm over 6' and the Highlander seats just don't provide sufficient support while the Santa Fe seats are excellent, (3) Although the Highlander offers slightly more interior space, the Santa Fe offers more utility, especially if you want to load larger or irregular shaped items, (4) We like the smaller dimensions of the Santa Fe, (5) Toyota is taking 12mths+ to deliver on orders. Hyundai is better, but you still have to wait (lots of demand for these hybrids). re. reliability - we would feel better with Toyota but Hyundai gets great reviews for their hybrids and it really does sound like their newer models (say, last 5 yrs) are a lot better than previously - so, you have to be careful reading reviews and ratings that generalize across all models, versions, and model years.
There aren't enough new Santa Fe on the roads yet hence theft statistics are misleadingly low. Wait till Santa Fe theft picks up. Its a Hyundai after all.
Around here Hyundai's we're being stolen and literally took for joyrides and left for dead in the inner cities...and police weren't doing what about it. 🙄
@@naveenthemachine I wouldn't go that far, Toyota is still making modern day hits such as this, families are still buying the highlander since it is popular for multiple factors.
@@naveenthemachine I could apply that same logic to even Hyundai, they are just starting to do one long display stack that is actually two screens? If my memory serves my right, Mercedes started doing that 2017 and onwards.
@@theaeronauticalchannel446 I wouldn't say modern hits, people are just buying Toyota knowing their reliability. Toyota knows that and knows that they can lag on bringing modern features to their cars
I cross shopped these two vehicles and a Mazda CX 50 and 90. I ultimately went with the Santa Fe hybrid at the SEL trim level. It's not missing much being $12K below the Calligraphy line. I have 85% of the nice features and 90% of the desirable features at 75% of the cost. Bottom line - I was $39K OTD with unbelievable features and comfort for their entry level hybrid (PS don't get the 2.5T gas model - unreliable DCT and its a pig in stop and go scenarios.) Also the hybrid uses a 6sp auto, not an e-cvt or cvt. Very smooth and trouble free with no drone. Toyota dealer markups were atrocious (expect $3K to $5K just for market adjustments and most wont negotiate the price). The Toyota experience ran me out the door. The Mazdas were nice cars but not as good a value. They would be my close second. I really can't understate how dissatisfied I was with the 4 Toyota dealers I visited - and I'm a Prius V owner!!! My how things have changed.
Here in NJ the Toyota dealers act as though their poop doesn't stink. Attitude was, take it with our mark up or leave it because we will sell it, maximize the profit, and move it off our lots in less than 30 days. Love Toyotas but ABHORE the Dealerships. The fact that Consumer Reports gave them and Lexus the trophy for BEST long term vehicles on the market just solidifies their arrogance.
Don’t let the sticker Mazda sticker price scare you. Because Mazda is not a popular brand and slow selling dealers will negotiate and you can get much lower than invoice. That’s my experience with my 2 Mazdas we bought.
Hyundai also gives you 10y/100k warranty, so reliability isn’t an issue unless you keep it for longer than that. Resale value is slightly better, but you also pay $5k more that you could invest, so in the end no difference.
@@naveenthemachine you cannot go to an independent. I take my car to an independent I have gone to for 30+ years until they just retired for oil changes. They gave me a heads up when I got my new 05 VW Jetta GLI that I need to use full synthetic oil for bulletin out about it. I get a good brand oil done at independent cheaper than dealer unless dealer has special.
Try that warrenty out and you'll find countless instances of the over stating of a promise. Sorry but Hyundai is nightmarish when compared to the cars out of Japan.
Past 2015 and 2018 Sante Fe XL (Ultimate) owner. I wouldn't whole heartedly not recommend Hyundai based on their warranty. I paid for their top end Hyundai-branded warranty. The 2018 started suffering from phantom power issues with the driver power window and would blow the fuse every use. Hyundai came back and said sorry, the window actuator is somehow NOT covered on their comprehensive coverage (which it actually states IS covered). Their part number shows excluded from the extended warranty. Dealership tried to get it covered but Hyundai refused - regardless of what their terms and conditions showed (which mentioned the exact part they refused to cover). With the other engine issues creeping in (burning oil), and the increasing "loseness" of the build, I decided to jump over to Toyota and have been so happy with my Hybrid Highlander. I could never go back to Hyundai based on my experience. One thing I will says is how awesome it feels to drive a hybrid. Coming from a V6 there is such an immediacy and connection to the vehicle. I have driven a Pathfinder recently and was taken back by how disconnected I felt with the engine.
I found this video to be very informative. I drive a Highlander XLE and have been thinking about the Santa Fe. This video has won me over for Santa Fe. I just really like 6-cylinder vs 4 cylinder
Shopping for these SUVs can really make you crazy insane - primarily because they're all great cars and it is so hard to make a decision. You didn't go into safety/tech features much, but 2 really cool features of the Santa Fe is the side view camera when signaling for lane change or turn and the ability to automatically pull the car out of a tight parking space with the touch of the key fob. But not sure if my wife can get over the boxy look???
Our ‘24 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy broke down twice in the first month. A wire keeps coming loose that causes it to stall, and all they can do is plug it back in and hope for the best. The first fix lasted 5 days before I was stranded on the freeway. I’m now a week into the second fix and I’m just waiting for it to happen again.
@@jperkins1269 well they are more reliable than American made cars. I replaced that with a Tucson and I got that used. I retired it with almost 200k miles. Again, no major issues.
I love my "new to me" 2021 Highlander Hybrid AWD Limited. It only has 30k miles on it. I keep learning about new features on it. I've been averaging about 37 mpg.
@edmundscars I guess the Toyota Highlander is slightly higher than the Hyundai Santa Fe, does this difference also reflect to the seat height from the ground?
Clint, your presentation of these two SUV's that I have narrowed down for me, was EXCELLENT! Here are the sad facts that I am faced with here in New Jersey (and probably the rest of the country as well) The TOYOTA Dealerships act as their poop doesn't stink so they feel like they not only have the right NOT to negotiate the MSRP downward, but they also feel they still have the right to charge a MARK-UP on top of the MSRP just because they feel that they can!! "You don't want it, then leave because the next person in that door will pay it!" is their attitude. The Hyundai Dealerships are not yet that bad however. But with all the praise all the car experts are heaping on the Santa Fe, I am fearful they will take on the Toyota Dealerships attitude.
We had a 2014 Ford Explorer with a third row seats and wanted a new SUV Hybrid with a third row seats. We got it down to Santa Fe Calligraphy or a Highlander Platinum. After comparing them it all came down to price. The 2025 Santa Fe is the same was the 2024. Hyundai was willing do deal and Toyota was not. We got the Santa Fe and my wife got her color(red) and it was over $7000 less than the Highlander. Only had it for a month and are very happy, with our choice.
The Santa Fe is style over substance overall. The Toyota is similar price, comparable in features, will have much better resale value, and will be more reliable in every way.
Toyota have the reliability and good value when it's going for Sale, it's Nice i like that interior color the Santa fé it's a box on wheels and have a bit more Space and doesn't look bad i like it's design
My heart pulls me to the Santa Fe but Toyota's reputation for reliability has my head thinking Highlander. When my organs stop arguing, I'll have to make a decision. Thanks for the video.
I really love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the kislux leather backpack and the Swarovski pave diamond ring so gorg. Thank you for your recommendations.
The pricing seems off. Out here in West Texas (all of Texas and New Mexico for that matter) a 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited is $55,000+ while the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Limited is $46,00-47,000. Given the longer warranty that's a lot of cash to drop for Toyota badge - and I'm a long time Toyota fan (Rav4 Hybrid; three Prius models).
For being 6 inches shorter, and quite a bit cheaper, the Santa Fe beats the Highlander in every way. The Grand Highlander exists to rectify the issues with the Highlander, which is too small in the 3rd row and too expensive. The Santa Fe is like the Palisade in 2019. New entry to push the segment and elevate the smaller mid-size segment. Very strong choice that is also selling extremely well due to being an amazing family vehicle without breaking the bank.
Wait until the Hyundai updates and fixes the transmission issue. This is the first year. Even Toyota are having year one issues with the Grand Highlander and the Tacoma.
From what I’ve gathered from the reviews the transmission issue is only for the Gas dual clutch models the 6 speed on the hybrids used in the Tucson and other models has been very reliable. Someone please correct me if I’m misinformed
Agree with the Santa Fe winning the interior category, but hate what they did to the once beautiful Santa Fe. Hate the dog bone headlights and tail lights, the extra 600lb weight gain, the toaster shape, etc. Palisade would be a much better comparison to the Highlander or Grand Highlander! So Hyundai abandoned the mid-size SUV market to have two competing 3-rows, we'll see how great a decision that was.
all the hypes of hybrid and new owners complaining about not even coming close to the EPA rating. our kids are out of the house and we seldom do road trips with the vehicle so it's mostly commute use and hybrid makes sense. for those doing lot of hwy driving especially during colder months, hybrid may not be a good choice. we have a Niro and a NX350h and Niro does really well with smooth transition of hybrid system and far less engine noise compare to NX350h. they both meet our needs for high efficiency of 50mpg for Niro and 40mpg for NX350h. think about it before you commit to a vehicle that may not serve your needs best. for interior design and overall functional features, Hyundai/Kia is the best all around.
You forgot to mention that the Highlander comes with a temporary spare tire and the Hyundai does not. Apparently Hyundai does something to their tire to prevent them from ever going flat.
Wouldnt the grand highlander be better to include? But also......man I am a Toyota cult member but why would you pay a subscription for Toyota stuff when Android Auto works and works better
While I always look at Toyotas first when purchase a new car, I’ve come to realize never let Toyotas fool you with their base Msrp prices. While they look (on paper) to be close and competitive to their rivals but they are not. Toyota always add at least $3k of accessories options to all their cars, most of the time things you don’t care for, and their accessories are expensive. That’s just the first stage of ripping off customers. Then you have to deal with the second stage, the dealers’ markups, because they know people will buy Toyotas. So you end up paying about at least $5k more than what you really want to pay for. Sure, other manufacturers add options too but usually less than $1k and not to all their cars.
After renting a Highlander platinum for a 400 mile trip I have to say it is a really good family hauler. It cruises 85 mph no problem, great gas mileage, plenty of pickup, was the non hybrid model and the dash was fine, the screen was big and clear, 360 cameras and the tiny reviewer failed to mention the Highlander has a heads up display with a lot of info on it. I habe driven tons of trucks and cars and I would say the Highlander is a great option and you cant beat the Toyota reliability. My friend has a Santa Fe and its nice, but feels light and cheap, like temu furniture where the Highlander and its features just have more weight to them. Def drive both before buying is what I am saying, you might find that these reviews are more like adverts.
Not exactly comparable (especially the gas-only version), but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is also a worthy contender. Unfortunately the plug-in Santa Fe isn’t out yet (that has the extra power in addition to the larger battery) that could directly compare with the Outlander PHEV Also not sure if this will make a difference, but Hyundai has a partnership with Amazon so maybe sometime down the line you’ll be able to buy a Santa Fe hybrid online. I personally would take that 2.5L NA Dynamic Force over that 1.6L GDI Turbo Smartstream, but then again I’m not looking for a 3-row SUV and if I were, I would get the aforementioned Outlander PHEV
To be honest. If you produce at cost and remove the logo, the luxury market really isn't that expensive. The mark is about 80% of the actual price. But the fact that you are luxrul buying an image and showing off your taste to make them think you are richer than you are is a very good thing to do?
The only problem with Highlander is that damn CVT, outdated multimedia (still looks better than apple car play that looks childish and even more outdated) and no PHEV.
Hyundai has a longer and better warranty so I would rather drive it up until 100K miles because I know that even if something breaks down I get it fixed for free. Not with Toyota.
@@temaus: Or you could just buy a Toyota and generally not worry about anything breaking up to and beyond the factory warranty period. Plus, you're failing to consider the Hyundai's poor residual value.
Had a Santa Fe fully loaded with all the options and the engine seized driving down the freeway at 65mph and limped off the road. Did all the scheduled maintenance and didnt drive it hard at all. It needed a total engine replacement at about 50K miles. The Hyundai service tech didnt seem surprised. I now have a 2020 Highlander and dont worry about reliability. Easy decision, experience and know how goes a long way, tried and true.
This is exactly what I’ve been telling people. When you choose the model wife with cosmetic surgery, eventually it’s not worth it over the natural beauty who you’ve known forever.
Le système hybride du santa fe est de loin très basique peu technologique, c’est la même configuration en traction intégrale qu’un modèle à essence avec un arbre de transmission etc c’est un système ordinaire. À long terme ce sera difficile pour les composantes, ce n’est pas mon choix. Toyota est construit pour 500,00 kms donc ce serait mon choix au lieu du hyundai flexrover
Am a Toyota enthusiast they don’t redesign too often they are very reliable easy to use simple & they have just the necessary stuff to get you from point A to point B that’s all i care about 😌just my opinion
A santa fe with 1.6 litre et transmission 6 speed hybrid with low efficience and in winter in Canada le phev a une autonomie électrique pratiquement inexistante. Toyota is the best Ève-Rose.
They don’t last either. It’s like buying a Range Rover knowing that as soon as you buy it, its days are numbered and you must get rid of it quickly. It’s the look at me factor that people go for with this car.
Give me Santa Fe hybrid pls. I really appreciate 6-speed torque converter in Santa Fe instead of E-CVT in Highlander Hyundai comes with advanced infotainment unlike Highlander it's look like 10 years old Seat comfortable in Santa Fe is 10 times better than Highlander build quality in Santa Fe feels like luxury car
@@67keyakaren68 see we own cars with 6-speed it's strong and smooth just replace transmission fluid every 60K km it will last long. What you have mentioned wasn't correct even Hyundai 8-speed was one of the best transmission in the market responsive and fast shifting unlike Toyota 8-speed was slow and harsh
Highlanders are heavy garbage, look at all the recalls Toyotas been having. that base Santa Fe best price for space the higher trim needs to be 3.5L engine, its a waste of money for same engine
Santafe has big problems with engine and transmission power train systems are very bad Engine is need pacemaker and others stuff So I will not choose santafe
Highlander looking it’s from 1990s and I am sure the parts under the hood are even older than that!! No thanks Toyota! I HATE Toyota’s hybrid system. Sure save gas but at high altitudes and when when fully load with passengers…they squeal like a pig! FACT
I have the same Toyota Highlander you have in your video. With Toyota’s historic reliability I wouldn’t trade it for a Hyundai. And a Hyundai, especially the rear end, looks like crap.
@@naveenthemachine They recalled one engine and the gr corolla has only had a few problems. They may not be the toyota from the golden era but still 5 or 6 dimentions ahead of the hyundaix
@@Anonymous-so4nl they recalled the GR corolla and tundra and LX and Tacoma too. So it’s more like more than one Plus Hyundais hybrids have so far been reliable
what about cabin noise ? these days unibody design vehicles are very noisy if its under 64db on 60MPH then these are good otherwise i am out . these worse thing in all Toyotas , darker interior , why they are implementing this and where its coming from , only answer by CEO no one else .
Clint Simone I’ll take the one that’s not an uncompetitive Toyota that’s outdated Hyundais the winner. They’re the future. Toyota looks to the past like Kodak BlackBerry and Nokia. Hyundais far more exciting than anything Toyota puts out. Toyota can offer 500 models and still be boring than Hyundai. They can redesign their portfolio 500,000 times over and over and still fail miserably to compete with the current lineup from Hyundai and you’ll really see that. Hyundai has nailed it, while Toyota doesn’t even know how to properly compete. Spare me the pathetic sales and the mythical reliability comments. Those things don’t matter.
@@ALMX5DP if sales mattered so much then every other brand would have gone out of business by now. But they haven’t because those other brands understand better. They execute better. They know the market better. Their R&D is better.
@@naveenthemachine I didn’t say they “matter so much” only that they matter. If other lesser selling OEMs know the market better why do they not sell as many? If you’d like to discount sales, how about going by financial revenue instead? What do you say if one OEM has higher sustained revenue?
@@ALMX5DP you’re going to choose a brand based on their finances?😂 How about you actually buy based on comfort style tech features build driving experience etc.? You don’t get any of these on a Toyota but you do in other brands
I find Toyotas bland and boring so I once made the mistake of recommending Hyundai to my 2 younger siblings. A Sonata 2.0t and Elantra limited. Both required engine replacements before 100k miles. I myself bought a Genesis G80 sport but did not keep it long enough to determine how reliable it could be. All in all, Toyotas are bland and boring but Hyundais/Kias are not reliable. I would absolutely avoid a complicated hybrid powertrain from a Korean manufacturer.
Hyundai and Kia vehicles are to be treated strictly as disposable leases. That’s the only value they offer. Cheap leases. They have terrible depreciation rates and average powertrains. Toyota vehicles make no sense as leases. They are meant to be owned long term because RELIABILTY trumps everything else in this category.
doesnt hyundai want to go full electric, because they cant make a reliable engine, and the santa fe looks horrible, looks like they copied the defender
I just commented the same thing for originally missed your comment. Hyundai was infamous for copying German cars and one was a copy of a Jaguar in the front.
Is it just me, or is the Hyundai a copy of Land Rover Defender? I see a lot of that car. Use to be played a game is it a blank (BMW, Jaguar, back end of Mercedes, Etc.) or a Hyundai? They are/were infamous for copying other brands.
Toyota crushes hyundai in reliability and resale value so the over all cost will be even or even be better considering the santa fe apparently uses more battery and charges often. Also this is just an opinion but i just cant take how ugly the santa fe is. Highlander easily for me.
@@Anonymous-so4nl no it doesn’t. Toyotas reliability is a myth. They’re having problems Styling on the Santa Fe is subjective as it does everything else exceptionally well
Do you like the look of the Santa Fe Hybrid, or is it taking one too many chances? Let us know in the comments!
Santa Fe looks a lot better than the boring highlander
The Santa Fe wakes you up while you need a lot of coffee to live with the highlander
@@naveenthemachine The santa fe needs an emergency refresh to the back and and transmission. Those are the two issues i have with
Santafe
Sorento for me
There are plenty of people who want a boxy, off-roady look. I prefer something with a more refined appearance.
Personally, I prefer the Santa Fe because of its design and overall features. I would get a Calligraphy in Rockwood Green. Note: I would also be leasing the vehicle.
And no subscription fees.
We've carefully evaluated both cars and are choosing the Santa Fe. I agree with most of this review and here's a few more comments: (1) Where I live in Canada, Highlanders are getting stolen like crazy and shipped out of country which is causing insurances rates to rise and requires investment in multiple 3rd party security systems to provide some piece of mind, (2) I'm over 6' and the Highlander seats just don't provide sufficient support while the Santa Fe seats are excellent, (3) Although the Highlander offers slightly more interior space, the Santa Fe offers more utility, especially if you want to load larger or irregular shaped items, (4) We like the smaller dimensions of the Santa Fe, (5) Toyota is taking 12mths+ to deliver on orders. Hyundai is better, but you still have to wait (lots of demand for these hybrids). re. reliability - we would feel better with Toyota but Hyundai gets great reviews for their hybrids and it really does sound like their newer models (say, last 5 yrs) are a lot better than previously - so, you have to be careful reading reviews and ratings that generalize across all models, versions, and model years.
There aren't enough new Santa Fe on the roads yet hence theft statistics are misleadingly low. Wait till Santa Fe theft picks up. Its a Hyundai after all.
Around here Hyundai's we're being stolen and literally took for joyrides and left for dead in the inner cities...and police weren't doing what about it. 🙄
This was true for older models. @@stellardust6954
@ which city?
@sansinutube I actually take that back, it was KIA...
Toyota lost me with the subscription. I'll cross the Toyota brand off my list.
@@BudgetGamerz and Toyotas the substandard in the automotive space while any other brand has far higher bars
@@naveenthemachine I wouldn't go that far, Toyota is still making modern day hits such as this, families are still buying the highlander since it is popular for multiple factors.
@@theaeronauticalchannel446 I wouldn’t call their lineup modern. Even their newest models already look and feel dated.
@@naveenthemachine I could apply that same logic to even Hyundai, they are just starting to do one long display stack that is actually two screens? If my memory serves my right, Mercedes started doing that 2017 and onwards.
@@theaeronauticalchannel446 I wouldn't say modern hits, people are just buying Toyota knowing their reliability. Toyota knows that and knows that they can lag on bringing modern features to their cars
I cross shopped these two vehicles and a Mazda CX 50 and 90. I ultimately went with the Santa Fe hybrid at the SEL trim level. It's not missing much being $12K below the Calligraphy line. I have 85% of the nice features and 90% of the desirable features at 75% of the cost. Bottom line - I was $39K OTD with unbelievable features and comfort for their entry level hybrid (PS don't get the 2.5T gas model - unreliable DCT and its a pig in stop and go scenarios.) Also the hybrid uses a 6sp auto, not an e-cvt or cvt. Very smooth and trouble free with no drone. Toyota dealer markups were atrocious (expect $3K to $5K just for market adjustments and most wont negotiate the price). The Toyota experience ran me out the door. The Mazdas were nice cars but not as good a value. They would be my close second. I really can't understate how dissatisfied I was with the 4 Toyota dealers I visited - and I'm a Prius V owner!!! My how things have changed.
Here in NJ the Toyota dealers act as though their poop doesn't stink. Attitude was, take it with our mark up or leave it because we will sell it, maximize the profit, and move it off our lots in less than 30 days. Love Toyotas but ABHORE the Dealerships. The fact that Consumer Reports gave them and Lexus the trophy for BEST long term vehicles on the market just solidifies their arrogance.
Don’t let the sticker Mazda sticker price scare you. Because Mazda is not a popular brand and slow selling dealers will negotiate and you can get much lower than invoice. That’s my experience with my 2 Mazdas we bought.
Hyundai also gives you 10y/100k warranty, so reliability isn’t an issue unless you keep it for longer than that.
Resale value is slightly better, but you also pay $5k more that you could invest, so in the end no difference.
If you can get them to honor that warranty. All oil changes probably have to be done at dealer and less than suggested time frame. Keep all paperwork.
@@lm1314 if you can’t go to a different dealer
The same thing applies if a Toyota breaks and they don’t honor the warranty
@@naveenthemachine you cannot go to an independent. I take my car to an independent I have gone to for 30+ years until they just retired for oil changes. They gave me a heads up when I got my new 05 VW Jetta GLI that I need to use full synthetic oil for bulletin out about it. I get a good brand oil done at independent cheaper than dealer unless dealer has special.
Try that warrenty out and you'll find countless instances of the over stating of a promise. Sorry but Hyundai is nightmarish when compared to the cars out of Japan.
lol 😂 good luck getting them to honor it … do your research instead of spewing out of your rear
OH MAN! I wanted you guys to do this comparison for a long time!!! THANK YOU!!
Sorry, don’t want connected to the road. I want smooth, cushy driving. Santa Fe it is
Cushy when the tow truck is taking you to their crappy dealer service
Past 2015 and 2018 Sante Fe XL (Ultimate) owner. I wouldn't whole heartedly not recommend Hyundai based on their warranty. I paid for their top end Hyundai-branded warranty. The 2018 started suffering from phantom power issues with the driver power window and would blow the fuse every use. Hyundai came back and said sorry, the window actuator is somehow NOT covered on their comprehensive coverage (which it actually states IS covered). Their part number shows excluded from the extended warranty. Dealership tried to get it covered but Hyundai refused - regardless of what their terms and conditions showed (which mentioned the exact part they refused to cover). With the other engine issues creeping in (burning oil), and the increasing "loseness" of the build, I decided to jump over to Toyota and have been so happy with my Hybrid Highlander. I could never go back to Hyundai based on my experience. One thing I will says is how awesome it feels to drive a hybrid. Coming from a V6 there is such an immediacy and connection to the vehicle. I have driven a Pathfinder recently and was taken back by how disconnected I felt with the engine.
I found this video to be very informative. I drive a Highlander XLE and have been thinking about the Santa Fe. This video has won me over for Santa Fe. I just really like 6-cylinder vs 4 cylinder
I'd take the Toyota any day of the week
Would go for Hyundai Santa Fe on design alone, they just nailed it :)
Looks like a Cube on steroids. lol
True, but looks fade away. If you’re the type that switches cars a lot then ok, but if you plan to keep it Hyundai doesn’t have the staying power.
Shopping for these SUVs can really make you crazy insane - primarily because they're all great cars and it is so hard to make a decision.
You didn't go into safety/tech features much, but 2 really cool features of the Santa Fe is the side view camera when signaling for lane change or turn and the ability to automatically pull the car out of a tight parking space with the touch of the key fob. But not sure if my wife can get over the boxy look???
Our ‘24 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy broke down twice in the first month. A wire keeps coming loose that causes it to stall, and all they can do is plug it back in and hope for the best. The first fix lasted 5 days before I was stranded on the freeway. I’m now a week into the second fix and I’m just waiting for it to happen again.
Not a fan of the design of the Santa Fe, but value for money, it’s the better choice.
I think longevity has to count when you talk about value. The Santa Fe doesn’t rank high in that category.
@@jperkins1269 I’ve owned a Santa Fe before. It lasted us 14 years before the weather in Pittsburgh rusted the under chassis out. No major issues.
@@BAMBAMPASTOR I don’t think that is typical. This new model has had some issues.
@@jperkins1269 well they are more reliable than American made cars. I replaced that with a Tucson and I got that used. I retired it with almost 200k miles. Again, no major issues.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have sports mode?
Edit: also is there back seats heating and ventilated
Yes
I’m very excited to learn from the one year experience!!
Great video bro. On this moment for me the Mazda CX 90 with the amazing 3.3 in line six diesel.
Greetings from Spain.
That dash in the Toyota is awful. The info screen looks like a table tennis bat.
And the steering of the Hyundai looks like a wanna be range rover. Also dont get me started with the gear shifter
I love my "new to me" 2021 Highlander Hybrid AWD Limited. It only has 30k miles on it. I keep learning about new features on it. I've been averaging about 37 mpg.
@edmundscars I guess the Toyota Highlander is slightly higher than the Hyundai Santa Fe, does this difference also reflect to the seat height from the ground?
Clint, babe, you deserve so much better than Domino's.
Excuse me but where is the CX90 for the money there is no better option or is this for number two?
Clint, your presentation of these two SUV's that I have narrowed down for me, was EXCELLENT! Here are the sad facts that I am faced with here in New Jersey (and probably the rest of the country as well) The TOYOTA Dealerships act as their poop doesn't stink so they feel like they not only have the right NOT to negotiate the MSRP downward, but they also feel they still have the right to charge a MARK-UP on top of the MSRP just because they feel that they can!! "You don't want it, then leave because the next person in that door will pay it!" is their attitude.
The Hyundai Dealerships are not yet that bad however. But with all the praise all the car experts are heaping on the Santa Fe, I am fearful they will take on the Toyota Dealerships attitude.
You need to fact check your info. Only the Calligraphy Santa Fe has the dual wireless chargers. The lower trims do not.
Same as the sanitizer feature, but maybe it’s regionally bundled differently, for example Canada
We had a 2014 Ford Explorer with a third row seats and wanted a new SUV Hybrid with a third row seats. We got it down to Santa Fe Calligraphy or a Highlander Platinum. After comparing them it all came down to price. The 2025 Santa Fe is the same was the 2024. Hyundai was willing do deal and Toyota was not. We got the Santa Fe and my wife got her color(red) and it was over $7000 less than the Highlander. Only had it for a month and are very happy, with our choice.
The Santa Fe is style over substance overall. The Toyota is similar price, comparable in features, will have much better resale value, and will be more reliable in every way.
I will take the Santa fe all day
Toyota have the reliability and good value when it's going for Sale, it's Nice i like that interior color the Santa fé it's a box on wheels and have a bit more Space and doesn't look bad i like it's design
I'll stay Toyota, although some negative comments to me it still better quality .
Toyota looks a decade older..
More like 3 decades too old
20 decades more reliable
Though so win
And will last at least a Decade
So does the Grand hIGHANDER
And will last a decade longer
My heart pulls me to the Santa Fe but Toyota's reputation for reliability has my head thinking Highlander. When my organs stop arguing, I'll have to make a decision. Thanks for the video.
I really love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the kislux leather backpack and the Swarovski pave diamond ring so gorg. Thank you for your recommendations.
Santa Fe is a clear winner
The pricing seems off. Out here in West Texas (all of Texas and New Mexico for that matter) a 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited is $55,000+ while the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Limited is $46,00-47,000. Given the longer warranty that's a lot of cash to drop for Toyota badge - and I'm a long time Toyota fan (Rav4 Hybrid; three Prius models).
I would take the highlander any time of the day period
Santa Fe
Mechanic or this guys? Who are gonna listen?
The Santa Fe looks great. I’ll take the one that the engine doesn’t blow up in 8 months. Longevity is the key for me and most other people.
For being 6 inches shorter, and quite a bit cheaper, the Santa Fe beats the Highlander in every way. The Grand Highlander exists to rectify the issues with the Highlander, which is too small in the 3rd row and too expensive. The Santa Fe is like the Palisade in 2019. New entry to push the segment and elevate the smaller mid-size segment. Very strong choice that is also selling extremely well due to being an amazing family vehicle without breaking the bank.
Not reliability
Wait until the Hyundai updates and fixes the transmission issue. This is the first year. Even Toyota are having year one issues with the Grand Highlander and the Tacoma.
From what I’ve gathered from the reviews the transmission issue is only for the Gas dual clutch models the 6 speed on the hybrids used in the Tucson and other models has been very reliable. Someone please correct me if I’m misinformed
@@diontabannah7959 You are correct.
Agree with the Santa Fe winning the interior category, but hate what they did to the once beautiful Santa Fe. Hate the dog bone headlights and tail lights, the extra 600lb weight gain, the toaster shape, etc. Palisade would be a much better comparison to the Highlander or Grand Highlander! So Hyundai abandoned the mid-size SUV market to have two competing 3-rows, we'll see how great a decision that was.
Would take the "boring" Highlander over the Land Rover Pretender anytime
This is simple, If you want a car that would last, take the Toyota. If you are gonna use it for couple of years, go with the Hyundai.
Hyundai 100% ❤
you forgot to talk about the warranty and that is a huge difference between santa fe and the highlander
all the hypes of hybrid and new owners complaining about not even coming close to the EPA rating. our kids are out of the house and we seldom do road trips with the vehicle so it's mostly commute use and hybrid makes sense. for those doing lot of hwy driving especially during colder months, hybrid may not be a good choice. we have a Niro and a NX350h and Niro does really well with smooth transition of hybrid system and far less engine noise compare to NX350h. they both meet our needs for high efficiency of 50mpg for Niro and 40mpg for NX350h. think about it before you commit to a vehicle that may not serve your needs best. for interior design and overall functional features, Hyundai/Kia is the best all around.
Santa fe👍
Hyundai Santa Fe 😍
R u an iphone user?
In the EV era, Hyundai and Kia, which have the highest technological prowess, will undoubtedly lead the market.
After spending 50k on top end vehicle, my curiosity is the reliability
You forgot to mention that the Highlander comes with a temporary spare tire and the Hyundai does not. Apparently Hyundai does something to their tire to prevent them from ever going flat.
This santa fe has a spare tire underneath the boot
Highlander has a heads up display as well.
Even though there is a driving impression i didn’t see anything on how they feel !!
Wouldnt the grand highlander be better to include? But also......man I am a Toyota cult member but why would you pay a subscription for Toyota stuff when Android Auto works and works better
While I always look at Toyotas first when purchase a new car, I’ve come to realize never let Toyotas fool you with their base Msrp prices. While they look (on paper) to be close and competitive to their rivals but they are not. Toyota always add at least $3k of accessories options to all their cars, most of the time things you don’t care for, and their accessories are expensive. That’s just the first stage of ripping off customers. Then you have to deal with the second stage, the dealers’ markups, because they know people will buy Toyotas. So you end up paying about at least $5k more than what you really want to pay for. Sure, other manufacturers add options too but usually less than $1k and not to all their cars.
I found this reviewer biased towards Toyota.
He chose the Santa Fe in the end! How did you conclude your decision?
The highlander competes with the Palisade.
After renting a Highlander platinum for a 400 mile trip I have to say it is a really good family hauler. It cruises 85 mph no problem, great gas mileage, plenty of pickup, was the non hybrid model and the dash was fine, the screen was big and clear, 360 cameras and the tiny reviewer failed to mention the Highlander has a heads up display with a lot of info on it. I habe driven tons of trucks and cars and I would say the Highlander is a great option and you cant beat the Toyota reliability. My friend has a Santa Fe and its nice, but feels light and cheap, like temu furniture where the Highlander and its features just have more weight to them. Def drive both before buying is what I am saying, you might find that these reviews are more like adverts.
Not exactly comparable (especially the gas-only version), but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is also a worthy contender. Unfortunately the plug-in Santa Fe isn’t out yet (that has the extra power in addition to the larger battery) that could directly compare with the Outlander PHEV
Also not sure if this will make a difference, but Hyundai has a partnership with Amazon so maybe sometime down the line you’ll be able to buy a Santa Fe hybrid online. I personally would take that 2.5L NA Dynamic Force over that 1.6L GDI Turbo Smartstream, but then again I’m not looking for a 3-row SUV and if I were, I would get the aforementioned Outlander PHEV
Another thing to consider if you ever trade them in the Highlander is gonna be worth a lot more money than the Santa Fe
To be honest. If you produce at cost and remove the logo, the luxury market really isn't that expensive. The mark is about 80% of the actual price. But the fact that you are luxrul buying an image and showing off your taste to make them think you are richer than you are is a very good thing to do?
Easy the Toyota will do 300k+
The only problem with Highlander is that damn CVT, outdated multimedia (still looks better than apple car play that looks childish and even more outdated) and no PHEV.
The Santa Fe is shaped like a giant CUBE, not a square.
With a 20k price difference I am going with the santa fe
Be prepared to become good friends with the service manager.
@@jperkins1269 I actually just bought the traverse. F em both heh.
The only dauting thing is the back side of Santa Fe; it looks odd.
If you consider reliability, longevity, and resale value, the answer is very clear: Toyota Highlander.
brand new, these santa fe's have serious transmission issues. god knows what the longevity will be. get a toyota and never look back.
@@omidnamin9004get the Santa Fe hybrid. No gearbox issues
Hyundai has a longer and better warranty so I would rather drive it up until 100K miles because I know that even if something breaks down I get it fixed for free. Not with Toyota.
@@temaus: Or you could just buy a Toyota and generally not worry about anything breaking up to and beyond the factory warranty period. Plus, you're failing to consider the Hyundai's poor residual value.
@@naveenthemachinegreat advertising slogan!
H over T for me!!! 😉
Had a Santa Fe fully loaded with all the options and the engine seized driving down the freeway at 65mph and limped off the road. Did all the scheduled maintenance and didnt drive it hard at all. It needed a total engine replacement at about 50K miles. The Hyundai service tech didnt seem surprised. I now have a 2020 Highlander and dont worry about reliability. Easy decision, experience and know how goes a long way, tried and true.
This is exactly what I’ve been telling people. When you choose the model wife with cosmetic surgery, eventually it’s not worth it over the natural beauty who you’ve known forever.
0:24 looks like a Range Rover
Le système hybride du santa fe est de loin très basique peu technologique, c’est la même configuration en traction intégrale qu’un modèle à essence avec un arbre de transmission etc c’est un système ordinaire. À long terme ce sera difficile pour les composantes, ce n’est pas mon choix. Toyota est construit pour 500,00 kms donc ce serait mon choix au lieu du hyundai flexrover
Am a Toyota enthusiast they don’t redesign too often they are very reliable easy to use simple & they have just the necessary stuff to get you from point A to point B that’s all i care about 😌just my opinion
i want my car to last and not burn oil. You can't beat Toyota's power train
the dude really doesn't like shiny wood
A santa fe with 1.6 litre et transmission 6 speed hybrid with low efficience and in winter in Canada le phev a une autonomie électrique pratiquement inexistante. Toyota is the best Ève-Rose.
Only one of these 2 will make it past 150k miles.
I like Hyundai but they don’t hold resale value as well as Toyota
They don’t last either. It’s like buying a Range Rover knowing that as soon as you buy it, its days are numbered and you must get rid of it quickly. It’s the look at me factor that people go for with this car.
Hands down Toyota Highlander.
Give me Santa Fe hybrid pls. I really appreciate 6-speed torque converter in Santa Fe instead of E-CVT in Highlander
Hyundai comes with advanced infotainment unlike Highlander it's look like 10 years old
Seat comfortable in Santa Fe is 10 times better than Highlander
build quality in Santa Fe feels like luxury car
the transmsision is glass. It’s a vehicle who like shiny things but no substance. it won’t last 20k miles without breaking down constantly
@@67keyakaren68 see we own cars with 6-speed it's strong and smooth just replace transmission fluid every 60K km it will last long. What you have mentioned wasn't correct even Hyundai 8-speed was one of the best transmission in the market responsive and fast shifting unlike Toyota 8-speed was slow and harsh
@@sayedengine ignore her. she’s just a Toyota fangirl who’s punching air trying to convince you they’re junk
Tons of Gas & Hybrid Santa Fe's on dealer lots. Stay away from the Santa Fe gas. Expect meh resale value on the Santa Fe as shown with the last gen.
Best three row hybrid is a Sienna.
Those Hyuandais loose value so quick it does not matter the price, I drove a 2024 Highlander for a few days and really liked it
I just bought a 2012 Highlander and I really like it.
Highlanders are heavy garbage, look at all the recalls Toyotas been having.
that base Santa Fe best price for space
the higher trim needs to be 3.5L engine, its a waste of money for same engine
Santafe has big problems with engine and transmission power train systems are very bad
Engine is need pacemaker and others stuff
So I will not choose santafe
Highlander looking it’s from 1990s and I am sure the parts under the hood are even older than that!!
No thanks Toyota! I HATE Toyota’s hybrid system. Sure save gas but at high altitudes and when when fully load with passengers…they squeal like a pig! FACT
Hyundai copied toyota system. The hyundai looks like a 1979s fridge
I have the same Toyota Highlander you have in your video. With Toyota’s historic reliability I wouldn’t trade it for a Hyundai. And a Hyundai, especially the rear end, looks like crap.
But Toyotas reliability is no longer a thing. They’re having major problems.
@@naveenthemachine They recalled one engine and the gr corolla has only had a few problems. They may not be the toyota from the golden era but still 5 or 6 dimentions ahead of the hyundaix
@@Anonymous-so4nl they recalled the GR corolla and tundra and LX and Tacoma too. So it’s more like more than one
Plus Hyundais hybrids have so far been reliable
@@naveenthemachine and Hyundai is better?
@@Fireguy1962 far better in just about every way. What’s the point of mythical reliability if you sacrifice everything
what about cabin noise ? these days unibody design vehicles are very noisy if its under 64db on 60MPH then these are good otherwise i am out .
these worse thing in all Toyotas , darker interior , why they are implementing this and where its coming from , only answer by CEO no one else .
Both ugly
Highlander interior looks like 💩 compared to the Santa Fe period,And this review is so biased towards Highlander.
He chose the Santa Fe at the end so why do you feel the bias?
Highlander no question. More reliable and room. Hate the Santa Fe back end.
Drove both. Highlander has less headroom and same leg room.
@@m3nnoc don’t need to I drive an older highlander and newer Pathfinder. lol
Hyundai is ugly, poor engine and terrible le transmission
Clint Simone I’ll take the one that’s not an uncompetitive Toyota that’s outdated
Hyundais the winner. They’re the future. Toyota looks to the past like Kodak BlackBerry and Nokia. Hyundais far more exciting than anything Toyota puts out. Toyota can offer 500 models and still be boring than Hyundai. They can redesign their portfolio 500,000 times over and over and still fail miserably to compete with the current lineup from Hyundai and you’ll really see that.
Hyundai has nailed it, while Toyota doesn’t even know how to properly compete. Spare me the pathetic sales and the mythical reliability comments. Those things don’t matter.
I’d think sales matter, being as that is the primary method an OEM has to stay in business..
@@ALMX5DP if sales mattered so much then every other brand would have gone out of business by now.
But they haven’t because those other brands understand better. They execute better. They know the market better. Their R&D is better.
@@naveenthemachine I didn’t say they “matter so much” only that they matter. If other lesser selling OEMs know the market better why do they not sell as many?
If you’d like to discount sales, how about going by financial revenue instead? What do you say if one OEM has higher sustained revenue?
@@ALMX5DP you’re going to choose a brand based on their finances?😂
How about you actually buy based on comfort style tech features build driving experience etc.? You don’t get any of these on a Toyota but you do in other brands
@@naveenthemachine I never said choose a brand because of their finances. You seem to want to jump to your own conclusions.
I find Toyotas bland and boring so I once made the mistake of recommending Hyundai to my 2 younger siblings. A Sonata 2.0t and Elantra limited. Both required engine replacements before 100k miles. I myself bought a Genesis G80 sport but did not keep it long enough to determine how reliable it could be. All in all, Toyotas are bland and boring but Hyundais/Kias are not reliable. I would absolutely avoid a complicated hybrid powertrain from a Korean manufacturer.
lie
Only thing is Hyundai cannot beat Toyota reliability, if the vehicle is kept long term.
Okay buddy, keep telling yourself that.
@@darkivaz-aaa1145 Thanks I will.
@@darkivaz-aaa1145 most reliable cars are lexus number 1, try and guess whos number 2
@@johnrose7212 genesis.
@@jasimaquil9030 dreams buddy.
Santa Fe engine will
Not last the distance
Hyundai and Kia vehicles are to be treated strictly as disposable leases. That’s the only value they offer. Cheap leases. They have terrible depreciation rates and average powertrains. Toyota vehicles make no sense as leases. They are meant to be owned long term because RELIABILTY trumps everything else in this category.
doesnt hyundai want to go full electric, because they cant make a reliable engine, and the santa fe looks horrible, looks like they copied the defender
I just commented the same thing for originally missed your comment. Hyundai was infamous for copying German cars and one was a copy of a Jaguar in the front.
Full electric? Don’t think so
Toyota a proven commodity.
Is it just me, or is the Hyundai a copy of Land Rover Defender? I see a lot of that car. Use to be played a game is it a blank (BMW, Jaguar, back end of Mercedes, Etc.) or a Hyundai? They are/were infamous for copying other brands.
Toyota crushes hyundai in reliability and resale value so the over all cost will be even or even be better considering the santa fe apparently uses more battery and charges often. Also this is just an opinion but i just cant take how ugly the santa fe is. Highlander easily for me.
@@Anonymous-so4nl no it doesn’t. Toyotas reliability is a myth. They’re having problems
Styling on the Santa Fe is subjective as it does everything else exceptionally well
Toyota doesn’t have a 10y/100k miles warranty like Hyundai does. You get a Hyundai and you don’t worry about any reliability for a looong time
@@naveenthemachine give me a few reliable source where Toyota is ranked lower than Hyundai is. I couldn’t find any.