The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Toyota Highlander are both popular 3-row midsize SUVs that feature the tech, safety systems, and amenities that families need. This latest generation Santa Fe debuted just two years ago, while this year marks the last of the Toyota Highlander as we know it before it returns as an all-new, fully electric model. Both models are also available as hybrids, which we cover separately.
Here’s how the Santa Fe compares to the Highlander.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe slots between the compact Tucson and midsize Palisade in the Hyundai lineup. This latest generation Santa Fe comes with three rows of seats as standard, and came out tops in our recent comparison of smaller 3-row SUVs. For 2026 the Santa Fe receives a new 8-speed transmission, more standard safety tech, new terrain modes for the XRT trim, and a new interior color option.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
Potent powertrain: The Santa Fe is equipped with a 277-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, matched with the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). It comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) or is available with all-wheel drive (AWD). During our testing, we’ve found the engine to be responsive for a vehicle in this class. There is also a 1.6 turbocharged, 231 hp 4-cylinder hybrid engine available.
Seating and stowage: The Santa Fe prides itself on being family-centric, starting with three functional rows for up to seven passengers, or owners can choose the Calligraphy trim with exceptionally comfy captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating to six. For a smaller 3-row SUV, the Santa Fe has excellent cargo space: 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.5 with the folded down, and 79.6 with both rear rows folded.
Blind-Spot View Monitor: Among the bevy of the Santa Fe’s safety features, this is one we like the most. This system displays a live view of the left and right sides of the vehicle in the digital instrument cluster when you use the turn signal. It’s standard on the Limited and Calligraphy trims.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Santa Fe models near you.
2026 Toyota Highlander
In its final year as a gas model, the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The LE trim is discontinued, making the XLE the new base trim. A next-gen Highlander is on the way, and it will be electric. The larger, roomier Toyota Grand Highlander remains.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
Cup holders galore: The Highlander has — count ’em — 14 cup holders. Whether your crew is the thirsty type or your heading cross country, there’s plenty of spots to keep drinks so everyone stays hydrated.
Seating for eight: While the Santa Fe maxes out at seven passengers total, the Highlander can fit another, with seating for up to eight.
Impressive base trim: With the Highlander XLE now the lowest trim of the lineup, all models are well-equipped. So even a base Highlander gets amenities like a power tailgate, power-adjustable front seats, moonroof, wireless phone charger, and much more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander models near you.
Pricing
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,650 |
$35,400 |
|||
$39,190 |
$37,700 |
|||
$43,640 |
$41,700 |
|||
$46,200 |
$44,600 |
|||
$49,200 |
$47,300 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and New 2026 Toyota Highlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.2 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 67.7 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.6 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.7 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.4 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.3 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.0 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.5 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 14.6 feet | 16.0 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 40.5 feet | 48.4 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 79.6 feet | 84.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Both of these 3-row SUVs are top sellers for a reason: Both bring a wealth of features, amenities, and good space. If you need seating for up to eight, the Highlander is going to be the pick between these two. But for the majority of other shoppers, we think the Santa Fe is the better pick. It has more modern tech and features, more horsepower, a far better warranty, and perhaps most importantly, starts at over $10,000 less than the Toyota.
