2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander: Which SUV is Right for You in Little Rock?

Choosing the SUV

If you’re in the market for an SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Toyota Highlander are two of the top contenders. Both offer modern technology, spacious interiors, and strong performance, but which one is the better choice for drivers in Little Rock?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its bold styling, powerful engine choices, and available hybrid options. The Toyota Highlander, while known for reliability, comes at a higher price. Let’s compare them to see why the Santa Fe is the smarter pick.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two engine choices, giving drivers flexibility based on performance needs and fuel efficiency:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, providing a smooth, balanced drive.
• Turbocharged 2.5L engine with 277 horsepower, perfect for those who want more power and acceleration.
• Hybrid option, delivering excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes with a 2.4L turbocharged engine producing 265 horsepower, along with a hybrid model for better gas mileage. Both SUVs are efficient, but the Santa Fe’s turbo engine delivers more power, making it the better option for drivers who want an exciting drive.

With an advanced transmission and hybrid availability, the Santa Fe is ideal for both performance lovers and eco-conscious drivers.

Off-Road Capability

For those who love adventure, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim is built for off-road exploration. It includes:

• All-terrain tires for improved grip on rough roads.
• Skid plates for extra protection.
• Advanced all-wheel drive, keeping you in control on rugged terrain.

The Toyota Highlander does have an all-wheel-drive option, but it lacks a dedicated off-road trim like the Santa Fe XRT. If you need an SUV that’s tough enough for off-road adventures, the Santa Fe is the better choice.

Technology Features

Both the Santa Fe and Highlander come packed with modern technology, but the Santa Fe delivers premium features at a better price.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Available 12.3-inch infotainment display with digital driver information.
• Upgrades like a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera.

2025 Toyota Highlander Highlights:

• A 12.3-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims.
• JBL premium sound system as an option.

The Santa Fe provides comparable features at a lower cost, making it the better value for tech-savvy drivers.

Interior Space and Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious interior, seating up to seven passengers.

Premium features include:

• Quilted leather seats, giving a luxury feel.
• A panoramic sunroof, brightening the cabin.
• Generous cargo space, perfect for road trips, groceries, or gear.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, but its third row is tighter and less comfortable for adults.

For Little Rock families looking for a roomy, upscale cabin, the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim provides premium features at a lower price than the Highlander’s comparable trims.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs offer advanced safety technology to keep you and your passengers protected.

Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Features:

• Hyundai SmartSense, offering a full suite of driver assistance technology.
• Forward Collision Avoidance, helping prevent accidents.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, enhancing safety when changing lanes.
• Highway Driving Assist, providing semi-autonomous highway driving.

Toyota Highlander Safety Features:

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with adaptive cruise control and lane departure alerts.
• Automatic emergency braking, helping reduce collision risk.

The Santa Fe’s Highway Driving Assist gives it an edge, making long drives easier and less stressful.

Which SUV is the Best Choice?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a great SUV for families who need extra seating. However, it comes at a higher price and doesn’t offer an off-road trim like the Santa Fe XRT.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with:

• More horsepower with its turbocharged engine option.
• Rugged capability with the off-road-focused XRT trim.
• Advanced technology and safety features at a better value.
• A stylish, spacious interior with premium upgrades.

For Little Rock drivers who want a powerful, tech-savvy, and comfortable SUV, the Santa Fe is the smarter choice.

Test Drive the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe at Crain Hyundai of Little Rock

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is perfect for families, adventure seekers, and drivers who love advanced technology. Visit Crain Hyundai of Little Rock to see it in person.

Test drive the Santa Fe today, explore available trims, and find the perfect model for your needs. Check out our new or used inventory online or stop by our dealership to get started!

Tags: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe, New Santa Fe, SUV, Used Cars in Little Rock
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