Santa Fe vs Grand Highlander
Hyundai versus Toyota: the Santa Fe and the Grand Highlander go after the same three-row suv buyer. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the Santa Fe versus the Grand Highlander is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Grand Highlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Grand Highlander wins
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Grand Highlander has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
The numbers aren’t close. The Grand Highlander lists 5,000 lb for max towing, while the Santa Fe lists 3,500 lb. If you tow regularly, the Grand Highlander’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Grand Highlander has room for 8 seats
On paper, the Grand Highlander is a touch ahead here, listing 8 seats against 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On engine & performance, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Grand Highlander leads
If you’re keeping score, the space & practicality point goes narrowly to the Grand Highlander. Choose the Grand Highlander and you get room for 8 seats. The Grand Highlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Grand Highlander is the stronger car.
Seats
Santa Fe: 7 seats Grand Highlander: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Grand Highlander leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the Grand Highlander is the stronger of the two. The Grand Highlander scores with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Grand Highlander.
Max towing
Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Grand Highlander: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Santa Fe and the Grand Highlander part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 277 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 97.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116.1 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Grand Highlander if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you already know your way around Toyota’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Santa Fe or the Grand Highlander?
On the specs compared here, the Grand Highlander makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Whenever Hyundai and Toyota go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Santa Fe and the Grand Highlander are no exception. The Grand Highlander earns my vote first and foremost with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. On top of that, the Grand Highlander adds room for 8 seats.
I’d steer the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Santa Fe and space & practicality fans toward the Grand Highlander.
My pick: the Grand Highlander.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.