2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander at Spinelli Toyota Pointe-Claire

Arrived in 2000, the Santa Fe from Hyundai is measured here against the Toyota Highlander, which was introduced a year later. In this category of mid-size SUVs, the offer is quite impressive, and if you're shopping for this type of vehicle, you may not yet know which one deserves a spot in your garage. Here are two that certainly deserve your attention, and show you their respective differences, so here's the Santa Fe vs. Highlander comparison.

Versions of the two SUVs

With about ten models available, including 4 hybrid versions, the 2021 Toyota Highlander gives you plenty of choice. As for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, it adds a hybrid version for this new vintage, and offers 6 gas versions. In order to make this comparison simpler, we will focus on the gas variants. The L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum models make up Toyota's SUV catalog, while the Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate and Calligraphy models make up the 2021 Santa Fe menu.

Powertrains

Let's get to the heart of the matter of the Highlander vs. Santa Fe, which is to say what we find under the hood of our two opponents. The 2021 Santa Fe is powered by two engines, depending on your version: one 2.5-litre, direct-injection 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, and the other, turbocharged, with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Every 2021 Highlander relies on a single engine, the 3.5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission equips them all. Despite the higher horsepower, you'd think the Toyota would cost you a lot more in fuel, yet it offers a combined fuel consumption of 10.3 L/100 km as opposed to 10.1 L/100 km for the Santa Fe. Not bad at all, right?

Better things from the Highlander

But beyond power, the Highlander performs better, as evidenced by the choice of their respective entry-level versions, let's see what else the Toyota has to offer:

-An 8-inch display

-Five USB ports

-LED headlamps and brake lamps

-Exterior mirrors with integrated signal lamps

-Room for 8 passengers

-Keyless entry and Smart Key with push-button start

-A towing capacity of 2,268 kg or 5,000 lb

Roomier on the Toyota SUV side

In addition to providing room for 8 people versus 5, the Highlander is also much more spacious, with a 4,001-litre cabin versus 3,135 litres, which means more head and legroom, more comfort on long rides and less “are we there yet?”.

What about reliability?

One important point is certainly reliability. Without wanting to denigrate its competitor, it's clear that the Highlander is a big notch above. And when you compare the reliability ratings given by automotive journalists, there's no doubt that the Hyundai has a lot to live up to. Well, in a manner of speaking, but you get the idea.

Towing

And if you need to tow your trailer or boat occasionally, just to get away from the West Island, it's a lot easier with the Toyota, which can tow up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). The Hyundai looks bad with a towing capacity of only 750 kg, or 1653 lb. You’ll have to say goodbye to camping and fishing trips far from Montreal or Laval.

To make a short story short: the Toyota Highlander

So in a nutshell, the Highlander is not only roomier, it's also more powerful, it offers a ton of safety features, it will allow you to tow your trailer and it's also more reliable. And since the 2021 models have already arrived at your Spinelli Toyota dealership located in Pointe-Claire on Montreal's West Island, easily accessible from Laval, come see them in person and take a test drive, you'll be enchanted by their driving dynamics and divine comfort.

And for those with a green conscience, the hybrid models offer you several options as well. Finally, the choice is clearly yours, but if you're looking for a reliable, energy-efficient SUV packed with essential features, ultra-comfortable and fun to drive, you won't be disappointed with the Highlander.