When it comes to choosing the perfect hybrid SUV for your family, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two top contenders. But which one comes out ahead? Circle Hyundai has put together a head-to-head three-row hybrid comparison so your crew can see how these popular SUVs stack up in terms of fuel efficiency, cargo space, comfort, and family-friendly features. Spoiler alert: the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid emerges as the superior choice for families seeking a stylish, spacious, and efficient SUV.
Fuel Efficiency: Advantage Santa Fe
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid offer impressive gas mileage, helping you save money at the pump. However, the Santa Fe has a slight edge when it comes to overall fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid gets 36 miles per gallon combined. In comparison, the Highlander Hybrid gets 35 mpg. While the difference may seem small, those extra miles per gallon can add up to significant savings over time, especially for families frequently shuttling around Tinton Falls, NJ and the surrounding areas.
Cargo Space & Loading: A Win for the Santa Fe
When packing up for a weekend getaway to Asbury Park or a day trip to Freehold, ample cargo space is a must. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid shines in this department, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 41 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a max cargo volume of 80 cubic feet. The Highlander Hybrid counters with respective cargo space figures of 16, 48, and 84 cubic feet. However, there's less loading convenience. The hands-free power liftgate with jam protection is not standard for the Highlander Hybrid. With the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, you can transport all your gear and have an easier time loading up, thanks to the standard hands-free smart liftgate featuring auto open.
Seating and Comfort: Santa Fe for the Win
Comfort is key when cruising around Red Bank or embarking on a longer road trip. Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid have third-row seating, but the Santa Fe Hybrid offers more head and legroom in the first and second rows. Passenger volume in the Highlander Hybrid is 140 cubic feet. The Santa Fe Hybrid tops that at 151 cubic feet.
The seats are also plusher and more supportive in the Hyundai, ensuring a relaxed ride for everyone. Available features like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof elevate the Santa Fe Hybrid's interior to luxury car levels. Power-reclining second-row captain's chairs are available for the new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. While the Highlander Hybrid is certainly comfortable, the SUV can't quite match the Santa Fe Hybrid in terms of overall refinement and spaciousness.
Family-Friendly Features Galore
Hyundai has packed the Santa Fe Hybrid with thoughtful features that make life easier for families on the go. The available Safe Exit Assist system alerts passengers if a vehicle is approaching from behind, preventing them from opening the door into oncoming traffic – a valuable safety feature when parked on busy streets in Neptune, NJ. The Santa Fe Hybrid also offers an intercom system that allows the driver to communicate with rear seat passengers without shouting, as well as a rear occupant alert that reminds you to check the back seats. Toyota offers some similar amenities in the Highlander Hybrid, but the Santa Fe's implementation is more intuitive and user-friendly.
The Verdict: Santa Fe Hybrid Wins
While both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are excellent choices for eco-conscious families, the Santa Fe Hybrid pulls ahead in several key areas. The Santa Fe Hybrid's superior fuel efficiency, cargo loading convenience, interior passenger volume, comfortable seating, and well-designed family features make it the ultimate hybrid SUV for Middletown, NJ drivers. Whether you're running errands around Shrewsbury, NJ or exploring the coast from Long Branch, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is ready for any adventure.
Test Drive a New Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid in Shrewsbury, NJ
It's clear the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a more epically capable hybrid SUV. You can experience the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's winning combination of efficiency, versatility, and comfort when you visit Circle Hyundai for a test drive. Browse the array of new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs for sale in Shrewsbury, NJ and enjoy fuel-efficient travels with your crew. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is an exceptional SUV that leaves the competition in the dust.
