2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, while quiet on the road, was criticized for its lack of quality, with controls and materials feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, while not the most modern-looking crossover, offered practicality and value. Its design, refreshed in 2021, appeared outdated compared to newer models like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento. The Santa Fe featured a handsome grille and flush-mounted headlights, with tasteful wheel arches and a range of wheel sizes. The vehicle's silhouette was described as soft, lacking the strength of a modern SUV. Despite its frumpy looks, the Santa Fe prioritized function, offering ample interior space and a large trunk. Inside, the center console was filled with physical buttons, making it easy to use, though the design was considered sensible rather than stylish.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its power, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. Fuel economy was a focus, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, though the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 44.2-kW electric motor, producing 226 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain delivered impressive fuel economy estimates of 33 mpg city, 30 highway, and 32 combined. Power was managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with the HTRAC AWD system capable of distributing power between the front and rear wheels. The Santa Fe Hybrid was more powerful than its ICE counterparts, though not as quick as the turbocharged gas models. The vehicle impressed with its noise insulation and compliant suspension, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, though most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making it more suitable as a two-row model. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, with limited space and comfort. The Highlander offered a useful dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, though storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid employed a shift-by-wire, push-button transmission, freeing up space below the center stack. The center stack was filled with well-labeled physical controls, making it easy to use. Rear passengers enjoyed 40.8 inches of legroom and standard manual sunshades. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered heated and ventilated front seats with real leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The infotainment system featured over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with the Drive Connect plan offering advanced features like Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics were criticized for lacking contrast.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering OTA map updates and dynamic voice recognition. The infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though both required a wired connection. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided a customizable view of driving information. The Hyundai digital key allowed for remote start and locking/unlocking via a smartphone app. The Limited trim featured a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Hybrids also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims gained parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid prioritized safety with features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Standard safety equipment included adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, and more. The Santa Fe Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.