Santa Fe vs Highlander
The Santa Fe and the Highlander are two different answers to the same three-row suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Highlander wins
- Off-road & Towing 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
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The Highlander has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Highlander makes its strongest case: 5,000 lb against 3,500 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Highlander has room for 8 seats
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Highlander: 8 seats compared with 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to engine & performance. Net result on engine & performance: level.
Space & Practicality
Highlander leads
It’s a narrow one, but the space & practicality round goes to the Highlander. The Highlander brings room for 8 seats. The Highlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Prioritize space & practicality, and the Highlander is where you should land.
Seats
Santa Fe: 7 seats Highlander: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Highlander leads
When it comes to off-road & towing, the Highlander is comfortably ahead. The Highlander comes with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Highlander’s higher rating gives you more margin. On off-road & towing alone, the Highlander gets the nod.
Max towing
Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Highlander: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | 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) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Santa Fe | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 16 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 84.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | 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 | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 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 Highlander if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you already know your way around Toyota’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Santa Fe or the Highlander?
On the specs compared here, the Highlander makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Santa Fe and the Highlander. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 1,500 lb more towing capacity, and that goes to the Highlander. There’s a bonus as well: the Highlander has room for 8 seats.
If your days lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, I’d pick the Santa Fe; if they lean on space & practicality, the Highlander.
My pick: the Highlander.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.