2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Comparison

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Comparison

When shopping for a midsize SUV, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Grand Highlander stand out as leading choices. While the Grand Highlander brings plenty to the table, the Santa Fe rises above with a smart mix of advanced tech, versatile powertrain options, and a more attractive starting price. This comparison highlights where the Santa Fe excels to help Ocala drivers make a confident decision.

Santa Fe Full ReviewView Vehicle Specials
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Performance

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Performance

Drivers have multiple options when it comes to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's powertrains. The base 2.5L turbocharged engine pumps out a strong 281 horsepower—giving it more power than the Grand Highlander’s 265-horsepower standard engine. For those focused on efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid combines a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving 230 horsepower and an impressive 36 MPG in city driving.

Toyota offers a variety of hybrid options in the Grand Highlander, with a Hybrid MAX trim generating 362 horsepower at a premium price. Its standard hybrid makes 245 horsepower and delivers solid fuel economy, but the Santa Fe’s lineup is more balanced and accessible across price points.

  • Hybrid Santa Fe achieves up to 36 MPG city, blending power with efficiency
  • Multiple engine options give Santa Fe broader appeal for different drivers
  • Base Santa Fe engine produces 281 hp—more than the Grand Highlander’s standard offering
New Vehicle Specials

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Technology

With its ultra-modern technology suite, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a standout in-cabin experience. A panoramic curved display seamlessly merges a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, creating a sophisticated and driver-focused layout. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ ensure easy connectivity, while Hyundai Digital Key 2 enables smartphone-based access and ignition.

Toyota’s Grand Highlander also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless phone compatibility, but it doesn’t match the visual impact of the Santa Fe’s curved display and lacks an equivalent to Hyundai’s Digital Key functionality.

  • Panoramic curved display enhances usability and cabin aesthetics
  • Hyundai Digital Key 2 provides high-tech vehicle access through your phone
  • Wireless smartphone integration is standard on all Santa Fe models

Credit Application
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Technology
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Features

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Features

Safety plays a major role in the appeal of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. It comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive safety suite that includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. Its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating underscores its excellent crash protection and advanced safety tech.

The Toyota Grand Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, which also includes robust driver assistance tools. However, the Grand Highlander hasn’t secured the same IIHS recognition as the Santa Fe, signaling opportunities for improvement in key safety tests.

  • Santa Fe earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation for exceptional safety
  • Safety features are consistently available across all Santa Fe trims
  • Hyundai SmartSense offers a wide array of standard driver assistance features
Get Pre-Qualified

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Exterior

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe strikes a commanding pose with bold, squared-off styling. Its wide grille and H-shaped LED lighting create a distinct front end, while the boxy silhouette enhances interior volume and adds to its rugged appeal. With roof rails and available 20-inch alloy wheels, it projects a versatile and adventurous vibe.

Toyota’s Grand Highlander goes for a more conservative look, with smoother contours and a large front fascia. While it has a clean, upscale appearance, it lacks the unique styling touches that help the Santa Fe stand out on the streets of Ocala.

  • Santa Fe sports bold H-shaped lighting and a wide, confident grille
  • Functional boxy shape enhances space without sacrificing style
  • Optional 20-inch alloy wheels elevate its rugged yet refined look

New Inventory
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Exterior
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Interior

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Grand Highlander Interior

Inside, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe feels both modern and welcoming. It delivers comfort across all three rows, with premium materials, generous passenger space, and thoughtful storage solutions. A flat-folding third row and ample cargo room make it a practical choice for families and weekend getaways alike.

The Grand Highlander also provides three-row seating and a roomy cabin, but its interior presentation leans more conventional. The Santa Fe’s modern layout and upscale finish give it an edge in both form and function.

  • Flexible storage and flat-folding seats improve practicality
  • Premium interior finishes elevate comfort across all trims
  • Santa Fe offers roomy, three-row seating with an upscale feel
Used Inventory

Why Buy From Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala?

At Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala, we make your SUV-buying journey simple and satisfying. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right Hyundai for your lifestyle—with expert advice, competitive pricing, and a large inventory to explore. From the moment you walk in, you'll experience a level of service that sets us apart. Stop by today to test drive the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and see why Ocala drivers choose Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala.

View InventoryView Vehicle Specials