2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Mid-size SUVs are more popular than ever, and all of the big-name auto manufacturers are competing to provide consumers with what they want. Two rivaling mid-size SUVs are the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Toyota Highlander. These are both great vehicles, but how do they fare when going head-to-head? Let’s find out as we compare features such as styling, comfort and convenience, technology, and safety.

Exterior Styling and Trim Levels

A Hyundai vehicle has never looked as good as the 2021 Santa Fe. This mid-size SUV is one for the books. Its exterior boasts a sophisticated yet rugged design that is pleasing to the eye. A large front grille, contoured hood, sleek lines, and detailed accents demand your attention as the Santa Fe cruises past. It also has an aggressive stance, custom wheels, and an overall modern aesthetic that is sure to endure for years to come. You can get the 2021 Santa Fe in the SE SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trim levels. You can also get it in the Calligraphy 2.5T AWD trim level with 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander carries over its redesigned exterior from 2020 with no changes. Its sweeping curves, sporty grille, crisp lines, and modern appearance are appealing. Other exterior design elements include prominent headlights and taillights, high fenders, and Toyota badging. Toyota lets you choose from the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels for the 2021 Highlander.

Interior Styling

When you climb into the interior of the 2021 Santa Fe, you are welcomed by a tiered dash, a functional center console, sculpted door panels, and ergonomically placed controls. The interior is well outfitted regardless of the trim level. Still, the Calligraphy trim level gives the Santa Fe luxury status with available ambient lighting, soft-touch padding, and Nappa leather.

Inside of the 2021 Highlander, you will also find a tiered dash with a less sophisticated center console. Lower trim levels are finished with solid plastics, but higher trim levels have available soft materials throughout. The interior of the Santa Fe and the Highlander are modernized and make great use of the available space.

Comfort and Convenience

You will find many available comfort and convenience features inside the 2021 Santa Fe. Here are a few of those features:

• Quilted premium Nappa leather seating surfaces.
• An eight-way power driver’s seat.
• Driver’s four-way power lumbar.
• Driver’s seat leg cushion extension.
• Heated front seats.
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) for the driver’s seat.
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats with recline and adjustable head restraints.
• Heated rear seats.
• Underfloor storage tray.
• Eco-suede microfiber headliner.
• Dual automatic temperature control including CleanAir Ionizer and Predictive Logic.
• A leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with tilt and telescoping ability.

The Santa Fe is ready to carry all of your gear with plenty of room for cargo. Behind the second row, you will find 36.4 cubic feet of space. With those seats folded flat, the cargo space increases to 72.1 cubic feet.

A few of the 2021 Toyota Highlander comfort and convenience features include:

• Three-zone automatic climate control with an air filter.
• Soft-touch roll-top center console.
• Soft-touch in-dash split-level shelf.
• Eight cup holders.
• Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats.
• Heated and ventilated front seats.
• A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Third-row seating.
• Sliding, 60/40 split, and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seat.
• 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats.
• Heated second-row seats.
• A heated steering wheel including tilt and telescopic capabilities.

You can also carry your groceries or make a trip to the hardware store with the Highlander’s cargo space. There are 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row, increasing to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With the second row folded flat, you have access to 84.3 cubic feet of room.

Technology

Hyundai has loaded the 2021 Santa Fe with available tech features you are sure to love. Some of the tech you will find in the Santa Fe include:

• A 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation and traffic flow, including incident data via HD Radio (HERE).
• Harman Kardon premium audio with 12 speakers, Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology, and QuantumLogic Surround.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Dual front/rear 2.1-amp USB outlets.
• Blue Link Connected Car Services, including Connected Care Package, Remote Package, and Guidance Package.
• Wireless charging.
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

All of these available features and more await you in the 2021 Santa Fe. You can stay connected to all of your favorite media, use your phone hands-free, and stream music via Bluetooth. The Santa Fe is ready to keep you and your family entertained whether you are running errands or heading to your favorite vacation location.

The 2021 Highlander offers available tech features that are on-trend with today’s automotive marketplace. Here are a few of the available features you will find in the Highlander:

• Premium audio with Dynamic Navigation.
• A 12.3-inch touch screen.
• 11 JBL speakers including an amplifier and subwoofer.
• Four USB charging ports.
• Hands-free phone capability.
• Bluetooth music streaming.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Connected Services.

The Highlander is on par with available tech features that are useful for the whole family.

Safety Features

Driver and passenger safety are top priorities when traversing today’s crowded streets. A few of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s available safety features are:

• Hill-start assist.
• Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.
• Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
• Forward and reverse parking distance warning.
• Remote smart parking assist.
• Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection.
• Smart cruise control with stop and go.
• Lane-keeping assist.

Some of the available safety features for the 2021 Toyota Highlander are:

• Hill-start assist control.
• Front and rear parking assist.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Lane-departure warnings.
• Blind-spot monitors.

Comparing features is just the beginning when considering two different vehicles. Ultimately you will need to see each one in person so that you can make an informed decision. Taking the Santa Fe and the Highlander for a test drive is an excellent way of choosing the mid-size SUV that’s right for you. For more information and expert help, visit Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth.