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Shopping for a three-row SUV can feel overwhelming. The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE and the Toyota Highlander offer families plenty of space but differ in technology and infotainment options, fuel economy estimates, and warranty protection. These differences can be significant for you and your family and may even save you money over the years. Join our Huffines Hyundai Plano team as we compare the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs. the Hyundai SANTA FE to see which SUV delivers better value.
Performance and Powertrain Showdown
Let's start with a car spec comparison of these SUVs' powertrains and performance. The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE gas model features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and produces 277 horsepower. The SANTA FE Hybrid models combine a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota's 2026 Highlander gas models have a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Highlander Hybrid models pair a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors (two at the front and one at the rear) to deliver 243 combined horsepower.
Towing Capacity
Most SANTA FE models can pull 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the XRT trim manages up to 4,500 pounds, and the Hybrid models 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes. The Toyota Highlander takes the lead here, with its gas versions towing 5,000 pounds and its hybrid versions matching the standard SANTA FE vehicles at 3,500 pounds.
Toyota includes all-wheel drive (AWD) standard on all 2026 models, with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on the XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims. Hyundai adds Electronic On-Demand AWD on all its hybrid models.
Performance
The U.S. News & World Report gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a 7.3/10 performance rating, whereas the Toyota Highlander receives a 6.6/10. You'll feel this difference on your trips around Plano, with nimbler driving in tight spots and school pickup lines. The extra torque in the SANTA FE Hybrid (271 lb-ft vs. the Highlander Hybrid's 175 lb-ft) also makes a difference, with quicker acceleration for merging onto highways or navigating Dallas traffic.
Fuel Economy, Efficiency, and Warranty Coverage
The SANTA FE Hybrid leads with EPA ratings of up to 36 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive models, and 34 mpg combined with AWD. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its across-the-board AWD, reaches a 35-mpg combined rating. In regular gas models, the Highlander performs slightly better, at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, compared to the SANTA FE's 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
The SANTA FE Hybrid's better mpg ratings could benefit you significantly over time, especially during those North Texas summer months when you need the air conditioning on most of the time.
Warranty Plans
With the Hyundai SANTA FE, you'll receive a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Toyota Highlander offers significantly less, with a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, although hybrid vehicle parts are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.
Interior Space and Seating Configuration
The Hyundai SANTA FE comes out on top in passenger space, with the Toyota Highlander offering 39.6 inches of front headroom, 39.4 inches of headroom in the second row, and 36.1 inches in the third row vs. the Hyundai SANTA FE's 41.1 inches of headroom in the front, 40.6 inches in the second row, and 37.7 inches in the third row.
Legroom follows a similar pattern, with the Highlander giving you 42.0 inches up front, 38.7 inches in the middle, and 28.0 inches at the back. The SANTA FE counters with 44.4 inches in the front, 41.5 inches for middle-row passengers, and 30 inches for those in the third row.
The SANTA FE's back row has easier passenger access, thanks to the folding captain's chairs and that 30-inch legroom, which even beats some of its bigger competitors. Both SUVs seat seven people standard, but Toyota offers a bench option for the second row to fit a total of eight people.
Cargo Space
Toyota wins on cargo space with 16.0 cubic feet behind the third seat, 48.4 cubic feet with that row folded, and an 84.3-cubic-feet maximum. The SANTA FE manages 14.6 cubic feet behind the back row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a 79.6-cubic-feet maximum.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Infotainment and tech features differ greatly in these SUVs. Let's take a look at what each has to offer.
The Hyundai SANTA FE
The SANTA FE takes a bold approach with a 12.3-inch touch screen coming standard across the lineup, plus an extra 12-inch screen added to higher trims for gauges. This setup comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. All SANTA FE models also include two 12-volt outlets, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims boast a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, and all trims above the SEL add a household-style 1150-volt plug.
The Toyota Highlander
Toyota keeps things a little more austere, with an 8.0-inch touch screen on base models and a 12.3-inch option on pricier trims. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless phone charging, and optional Wi-Fi for five devices. Audio systems in the Highlander range from a basic six-speaker system to an optional 11-speaker JBL setup on higher trims. Although Toyota's infotainment system works well, it feels more conventional and is better suited to those who prefer simpler technology options.
More Tech for You and Your Family
If you and your family love new gadgets, the SANTA FE delivers more of them throughout its lineup, and the dual screens in higher trims create a premium vibe similar to something you'd expect in luxury cars that cost much more.
Safety Ratings and Advanced Safety Features
Both SUVs earn 9.0/10 on safety scores from U.S. News & World Report. Good to have in mind when traveling those busy Texas roads. All SANTA FE models include standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision-avoidance assistance.
Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ package includes precollision warnings, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and lane departure alerts on every model. The Highlander protects passengers with eight airbags and Toyota's Star Safety System, which enhances vehicle stability and traction control.
Which Is Your Perfect 3-Row SUV?
The Highlander takes the edge in cargo space and towing capacity and might be a better fit if you haul boats and large amounts of sports or camping gear. For the latest tech, better gas mileage, an industry-best warranty, and great passenger comfort, you should opt for the SANTA FE.
If you'd like to experience the SANTA FE in person, visit us at Huffines Hyundai Plano in Texas. We can help match you with the perfect SUV to keep your family happy for years to come.
