2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Battle of the efficient crossovers

The 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are two of the few midsize SUVs to offer a hybrid powertrain, although there are significant differences between the two. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has better performance, better fuel economy, and a proven reliability record. Let’s see how both models stand out from each other. 

More performance and better fuel economy in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 226 horsepower. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for its part, features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder paired with an electric motor for a total output of 243 horsepower. In other words, there’s a lot more power in the Highlander Hybrid compared to the Santa Fe Hybrid.

This means that although you are driving an electrified SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is still fun to drive and enjoyable, and it delivers remarkable performance from its engine with 17 horsepower extra horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid is also more efficient despite having so much more power. 

Indeed, the Highlander Hybrid averages 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway while the Santa Fe Hybrid averages 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid is therefore not only more powerful, it is also more fuel-efficient which is a win-win for buyers. 

Last but not least, with an extra row of seats and over 300 litres of extra cargo space compared to the Santa Fe Hybrid, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid definitely has the advantage in terms of versatility. It’s a little bit more expensive, but it delivers the value you will love.