2027 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Highlander | Webb Hyundai Merrillville

August 17th, 2026 by

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

Webb Hyundai Merrillville | (219) 736-2277 | 1000 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410

QUICK ANSWERThe 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe makes 277 horsepower and carries a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 Toyota Highlander tows 5,000 lb and seats eight but starts at $47,465.

How do they compare?

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe 2026 Toyota Highlander
Starting MSRP, base trim $35,050 (2026 model year) $47,465
Engine 2.5L turbo, 277 hp 2.4L turbo, 265 hp
Torque 311 lb-ft class 310 lb-ft
EPA-estimated MPG 20 city / 29 highway FWD 21 city / 28 highway
Max towing 4,500 lb on XRT 5,000 lb
Rows Three Three
Max seating 7 8
Powertrain warranty 10-year / 100,000-mile 5-year / 60,000-mile

Which is the better buy?

The Highlander tows 500 lb more and seats one more passenger, and those are real advantages for a large family. The Santa Fe counters with 12 more horsepower, better highway fuel economy and a powertrain warranty that runs five years and 40,000 miles longer. The starting price gap is the loudest number here.

Where does the Santa Fe win?

The Santa Fe leads on horsepower, highway fuel economy and warranty. Hyundai covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles against Toyota’s 5 years or 60,000 miles, which is five years and 40,000 miles of additional coverage.

Which suits Lake County drivers?

If you regularly carry seven or tow near the limit, weigh the 2026 Toyota Highlander carefully. For most families driving between Merrillville and Crown Point, the Santa Fe’s combination of standard content and warranty is the easier case to make.

This page is part of our full 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe guide at Webb Hyundai Merrillville.

Key Takeaways

  • The Santa Fe makes 277 hp from a 2.5L turbo four.
  • The Highlander makes 265 hp and starts at $47,465.
  • The Santa Fe is EPA-estimated at up to 29 mpg highway.
  • Hyundai covers the powertrain 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Toyota.
  • The Santa Fe XRT tows up to 4,500 lb.
  • Both are worth driving back to back at Webb Hyundai Merrillville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe better than the Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander tows 500 lb more and seats one more passenger, and those are real advantages for a large family. The Santa Fe counters with 12 more horsepower, better highway fuel economy and a powertrain warranty that runs five years and 40,000 miles longer. The starting price gap is the loudest number here.
Which has more horsepower?
The Santa Fe, at 277 against 265.
Which tows more?
The Highlander, at 5,000 lb against 4,500 lb for the Santa Fe XRT.
Which has the better warranty?
The Santa Fe, at 10 years and 100,000 miles against 5 years and 60,000 miles for the Highlander.

Posted in Competitive Comparison, Model Research