2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The exterior featured deep beveled creases on the side body panels, blending seamlessly with the flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to earlier models, like the slanted rearmost window from the first-gen 4Runner, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout the cabin. It was both purposeful and comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024, maintaining its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and flat hood. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the SUV offered vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned too low for visual balance. Each trim had specific wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim featured chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim with captain’s chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The HVAC system had physical dials, but fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available. Off-road models came standard with 4WD. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It handled better on pavement, with improved steering and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, a stalk on the steering column, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, improving off-road geometry. However, it wasn't a rugged rock crawler, better suited for graded dirt roads with small obstacles.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite this, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, suitable only for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Auxiliary light controls and manual headlight adjustments added flexibility. Off-road features included terrain programs, camera views, a locking rear differential, and a disconnectable stabilizer bar. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim was basic but included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. All trims featured a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seat cushions. Cargo space was 40.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with both rows down. With all seats up, it offered 14.6 cubic feet. The liftgate width increased to 50.2 inches, facilitating easier loading. Towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, with the XRT trim capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on supporting trims, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel, available on other trims. Off-road models had external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible via a smartphone app, which also offered a digital key function.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a digital gauge cluster on top trims. The system was easy to use, though not all trims included navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with Amazon Music and a Wi-Fi hotspot available on upper trims. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key function allowed phone or Apple Watch use for unlocking and starting the car. A fingerprint scanner was available for added security. The Santa Fe offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote climate control and alerts. Over-the-air updates ensured up-to-date software.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the vehicle on curves, could be disabled if intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance assist, lane keeping and following assist, and safe exit assist. Higher trims added rear parking collision avoidance assist, side park distance warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, though performance varied in traffic. The top trim included blind spot avoidance and a Blind-View Monitor. Driver attention warning was standard, with an expanded monitor system on SEL and above. The NHTSA rated the Santa Fe four out of five stars overall, while the IIHS rated it Good in most areas, with Acceptable scores for headlights and LATCH.