Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4 New Hudson MI | Feldman Hyundai of New Hudson

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If you’re on the lookout for a new SUV in Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, or Southfield, MI, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 are sure to be on your list. When it comes to driving home happy, though, you need to know which one will better suit your driving needs.

To help you pick out the right SUV, our team here at Feldman Hyundai of New Hudson has put together this side-by-side comparison: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Toyota RAV4. Keep reading to find out who comes out on top. Check out our extensive inventory of new Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles.

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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4: Engine Options & Performance

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 only has one available gas engine: a 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to offer. Plus, it comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a Stop and Start Engine System (S&S), which work together to maximize your fuel economy.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, has two gas engine options. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your power, you need the available 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain enables you to achieve up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The Santa Fe is also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is equipped with SHIFTRONIC® technology. It lets the driver switch to manual shifting and also adapts to your personal driving habits to improve efficiency. To maximize your fuel economy, this model offers an Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system, which works like the RAV4’s S&S system to turn the engine off while you’re stopped to improve efficiency.

The power offered by both models makes it possible to move up to 3,500 pounds in either model when the vehicle is properly equipped. Take the family camper or boat with you on your next trip instead of renting. Or, take on your next home landscaping project with your own two hands with a flatbed trailer hitched to the back of your SUV.

However, if you want some extra oomph when you’re not hauling, the Hyundai Santa Fe is well equipped to let you have a ton of fun when you hit the gas.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4: Interior Space & Versatility

Both the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 can seat up to five passengers. Plus, with available dual-zone climate control, you and your passengers will be able to choose the ideal temperature. In the Santa Fe, though, you’ll get a little more room to stretch out.

The Santa Fe offers 41.2 inches of front headroom and 44.1 inches of front legroom. This is opposed to the 37.7 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom in the front of the RAV4. It’s the same situation with the rear seats—rear passengers in the Santa Fe will have 41.7 inches of legroom to spread out in. Passengers may have a tougher time getting comfortable in the RAV4 with just 37.8 inches of legroom.

When you have to load up for the next road trip, both SUVs offer you the versatility of a 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat. These models are relatively comparable in terms of cargo capacity. But when push comes to leaving your extra bag of snacks at home, the Santa Fe delivers with 72.1 total cubic feet of cargo space. The RAV4, on the other hand, offers 69.8 total cubic feet of cargo space.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4: Advanced Technology Features

When it comes to staying connected, both SUVs offer you the convenience of an available 8-inch touchscreen display. Stay connected from behind the wheel using Bluetooth® hands-free technology and smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

Additionally, the large touchscreens of these systems can be used to follow turn-by-turn navigation and take advantage of available camera systems. In the Santa Fe, it’s a Surround View Monitor, while the RAV4 sports an available Bird’s Eye View Camera. Both offer a 360-degree view of your vehicle’s surroundings to help with parking and backing up.

When you have your family in tow, you want to have more peace of mind behind the wheel. That’s why both of these vehicles also offer comprehensive safety suites.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers Hyundai SmartSense. It’s full of standard features that will look out for you. One of them is the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. It will warn you when you’re approaching a slowing or stopped vehicle. It may even apply braking pressure to help avoid the collision. Lane Keeping Assist and Smart Cruise Control are also standard.

The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0. It also includes several standard safety features, and they are similar to those offered by the Santa Fe. Some of these technologies include:

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

While these features work diligently to keep you and your family safe, you’ll find that the RAV4’s safety suite isn’t quite as comprehensive as the one offered by the Santa Fe. The latter model also comes with Driver Attention Warning and Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert (Ultrasonic ROA), two features you won’t find in any RAV4 trim.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4: Which Came Out on Top?

The Toyota RAV4 was tough competition, but the Hyundai Santa Fe is the victor here. It has an available turbocharged engine, more cargo space, and top-of-the-line tech features that Toyota simply can’t compete with. Anyone looking for a more comprehensive package for their road trips will want to opt for the Santa Fe.

On top of that, it has standard safety that keeps you and your family protected on your drives through Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, and Southfield, Michigan. Come see it for yourself by taking a test drive with us at Feldman Hyundai of New Hudson. Schedule a test drive today by giving us a call!