2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in several trims, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $49,400. The XRT trim, which we tested, featured a rugged, blacked-out appearance that was particularly striking in white. However, darker colors diminished the contrast between the wheels, trim, and windows. The Santa Fe's design, with its boxy back end and techno-funk styling, was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions from buyers. Inside, the Santa Fe XRT offered a high-tech display, quality materials, and ample storage space, though the gloss-black control panel was prone to collecting dust.

In contrast, the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two versions: the basic Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim boasted rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased a more upscale interior with soft leather upholstery and additional features. The Land Cruiser's cabin prioritized function over form, with a focus on off-roading capabilities. Despite its rugged nature, the Land Cruiser exuded quality in its construction and materials, though it lacked the luxury of its Lexus GX counterpart.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The switch to a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission improved the driving experience. The XRT trim came standard with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its aerodynamics suffered, resulting in a lower EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. The Santa Fe XRT excelled in off-road conditions but lacked features like a front-view camera for tighter trails. On-road, the engine provided smooth acceleration, and the new transmission was a welcome improvement.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was evident with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select modes. Despite its weight, the powertrain delivered impressive torque, though it wasn't particularly quick. On-road, the Land Cruiser handled well, though it exhibited body roll and wind noise. The brake pedal was touchy, but the SUV navigated urban environments with ease.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized practicality and utility, though the XRT trim lacked some desirable features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. Entry and exit were effortless, and the interior offered thoughtful touches like dual wireless charging pads and ample storage. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and cargo space expanded from 14.6 cubic feet to 79.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior varied by trim, with the higher level offering power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, and a power sunroof. The cabin comfortably accommodated five passengers, but storage was limited, with a small center console cool box and cupholders that couldn't hold larger bottles. The cargo area offered 46.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high liftover height and lack of a flat surface made loading challenging.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a dual-screen panel with digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluelink+ connected services. Optional features included navigation and a Bose audio system. Bluelink+ offered safety and convenience features, with complimentary access for original owners.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's tech varied by trim, with the higher level offering a 12.3-inch digital display and touchscreen. Our test vehicle included wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a JBL audio system. Five connected service plans were available, with complimentary subscriptions for some. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the Intelligent Assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including junction turning detection and safe-exit assist. Higher trims offered Highway Driving Assist and navigation-based speed control, though the latter was overly cautious. The Santa Fe received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs, though it could be aggressive. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with some Marginal scores.