Choosing the best SUV for your lifestyle means navigating all your options, so naturally, you'll want to explore the Hyundai Santa Fe competitors to see if any other automakers can come close to this adventure-ready, family-friendly model. Read on for a glimpse at how its performance, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and other premium features measure up against similar vehicles in the three-row SUV segment. After reading this guide, we're confident you'll want to reach out to our dealership, Clement Hyundai, to book a tour and test drive, and explore lease or finance deals.
To help you choose your favorite SUV, we've set three of the top Hyundai Santa Fe competitors against this popular model in a head-to-head competition of performance, safety, and interior space. For the sake of this guide, we'll only include the gasoline-only Santa Fe SUV. Let's take a look.
The Kia Sorento is a comfortable ride, but it doesn’t represent the versatility of the segment. Its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes only 191 horsepower (compared to the Santa Fe's baseline 277 horsepower).
The weaker engine matters: the Kia Sorento can only tow 2,000 pounds when properly equipped on all trims with this standard engine. Compare that to the Hyundai Santa Fe, which has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.1 That also goes for cargo capacity, where the Sorento caps out at 75.5 cubic feet while the Santa Fe reaches 79.6 cubic feet.
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot boast enticing performance, comfort, and safety perks. While the Honda Passport holds an eight-seat configuration, the Hyundai Santa Fe compensates with additional front and second-row legroom (44.4 and 42.3 inches, respectively).
Both SUVs have a similar boxy exterior, though the Hyundai redesign is made to be sporty, durable, and aggressive. The Honda Pilot costs thousands more, and no version of this model can outmatch the Santa Fe maximum EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The Toyota Highlander is a popular model, but it loses out on the spacious focus that Santa Fe drivers relish. For example, if you sit in a Highlander, the 42 inches of front legroom, 38.7 inches of second-row legroom, and 28 inches of third-row legroom quickly make themselves apparent. The Santa Fe has 44.4, 42.3, and 30 inches, respectively, massively improving your ability to relax.
The Santa Fe also has the edge on standard horsepower and torque: 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, whereas the Highlander model comes standard with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai safety features, such as standard Driver Attention Warning and available Highway Driving Assist, keep up with the Toyota Highlander, ensuring you feel safe in either SUV.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the dominance of the new Hyundai Santa Fe; feel free to reach out to Clement Hyundai to learn more.
When visiting our showroom to choose your preferred configuration, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff. We pride ourselves on our top-quality customer service, whether you're shopping for a new vehicle, choosing from our premium selection of used Hyundai cars for sale in Wentzville, MO, or dropping in for auto maintenance or repairs. Visit us today to learn more about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe or one of our other exciting models.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row SUV with five trims. Its available all-wheel-drive capability, healthy efficiency, and ample passenger volume make it competitive in its class with vehicles such as the Chevy Equinox, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, and more. Reach out to our dealership or plan a visit to see this spacious model in person.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row model with up to seven seats – spacious for a midsize model, though the third row is better suited for children. Its length of 190.2 inches, height of up to 69.7 inches, and width of 74.8 inches (without side mirrors) make it comparable to other midsize SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Highlander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
1Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.
2All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
