Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota RAV4: Which is Better?

When it comes to shopping around for a new vehicle, we understand that there is a lot of information out there! You have real questions about safety, space, affordability, power, technology and so many other features that are important for Saskatchewan families, and it can be challenging to find straightforward answers. That’s why our team at North Battleford Hyundai is here to help! We’ll be breaking down specs and comparing various models of cars, crossovers and SUVs right here on our blog to help you make informed buying decisions. Today, we’ll be looking at two popular compact SUVs: the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4. Care to place a wager on which SUV will reign supreme? Read on to find out!

Spaciousness, Comfort and Style - Santa Fe’s Interior Has it All

If you’re looking for interior spaciousness and comfort, then Santa Fe is the SUV for you! Despite the fact that the two vehicles have similar exterior dimensions and both seat 5 passengers, Santa Fe’s smartly designed interior boasts significantly more legroom, headroom and cargo space than the RAV4, providing 110 cubic feet of total passenger room while the RAV4 only offers 98.9 cubic feet. With all of that space, you’ll easily be able to load up the kids and your camping gear for all of your big family adventures.

Everyone onboard will enjoy the journey just as much as the destination with Santa Fe’s thoughtful interior details that RAV4 simply can’t match. Both front and rear seats feature plush cushioning and ventilation, plus heated seats for the second row - perfect for keeping the kids cozy during frigid Saskatchewan winters. Hyundai Santa Fe continues to outshine the Toyota RAV4 by offering plenty more convenience and comfort features, such as driver’s seat lumbar support and a cushioned leg extender, gorgeous moonroof, a plethora of cup holders, additional USB ports and storage systems for staying organized in the cabin, rear-seat sunshade, 12-speaker premium audio system and so much more. Many of these features are not available on the Toyota, or they come at a premium on expensive upper trims, while Hyundai offers most in the base model Santa Fe. You truly get more comfort, features and value with the Hyundai Santa Fe than you do the Toyota RAV4.

Santa Fe Takes the Lead with Power and Tech

When you compare the raw power of the two SUVs, Santa Fe once again comes out on top. With a 2.0L Turbocharged GDI engine, Santa Fe delivers 235 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque and an impressive 3,500 lb towing capacity, all at an affordable price point. RAV4’s 2.5L engine manages 203 horsepower, and at its top trim level maxes out at 1,750 lb towing capacity. With Santa Fe’s standard towing package and 3,500 lb towing capacity to work with, this SUV is capable of hauling a small RV or camper across Saskatchewan with ease, whereas you would be hard-pressed to find an RV that's light enough for RAV4 to tow.

Both SUVs offer one of the safest rides on the road, as Hyundai and Toyota are two of the leading brands in the industry to focus on driver-assist safety features, and both Santa Fe and RAV4 are IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners. Where Santa Fe shines is with its modern technology and connectivity that simply makes Toyota appear dated in comparison. You’ll have the full spectrum of navigation, smartphone integration and connectivity on one of the most intuitive touchscreen display consoles of any car on the road with Hyundai Santa Fe, while most RAV4 models older than 2020 are still missing important features like Android Auto.

When it comes to space, comfort, luxurious and modern features, safety, tech and raw towing power, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the better SUV in this battle. Care to test drive one of these popular 5-seater SUVs for yourself? We’ve got plenty of new and used inventory available here at North Battleford Hyundai, and our team of sales and finance experts are here to help you find the perfect SUV for your needs and budget. Give us a call today to learn more about the impressive Hyundai Santa Fe!