Is the 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE the better three-row SUV than the 2026 Toyota Highlander for Lafayette, IN road trips?

Jul 8, 2026

Dorsett Hyundai – Is the 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE the better three-row SUV than the 2026 Toyota Highlander for Lafayette, IN road trips?

For many SUV shoppers, the big question is simple: which three-row model feels better for real family driving, the Hyundai SANTA FE or the Toyota Highlander? Both are strong choices with available hybrid powertrains, generous passenger room, and modern safety technology. The Highlander has a familiar reputation, seating for up to eight on select configurations, Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, and available all-wheel drive. Still, the SANTA FE brings a more distinctive personality to the comparison. It feels purpose-built for drivers who want smart packaging, bold design, useful technology, and a cabin that adapts easily to changing plans.

That difference matters for families planning drives around Lafayette, IN, longer highway routes, and daily errands that require comfort without adding unnecessary complexity. The SANTA FE takes a fresh approach with its squared-off exterior, three-row layout, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, available Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a cabin designed around easy access to people, gear, and devices. Dorsett Hyundai, serving Indianapolis, Champaign, and Lafayette, helps shoppers compare these SUVs from a practical perspective, focusing on how each model supports daily life rather than simply checking boxes on a spec sheet.

How do the cabins compare for family comfort?

The SANTA FE cabin is one of its strongest arguments. Hyundai designed the interior with a spacious, open feel and smart details that make the SUV easier to use with passengers on board. Three rows give families flexibility, while available power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs create a more premium second-row experience. Available Nappa leather-trimmed seating surfaces on upper trims add another upscale layer, and the available front-and-back-opening center console is a clever touch because it can be accessed more easily from multiple seating positions.

Highlander also offers a comfortable interior, with available SofTex®-trimmed or leather-trimmed seating and seating for up to eight on select trims. That extra seating capacity may appeal to shoppers who frequently need a second-row bench. However, SANTA FE focuses heavily on comfort, usable space, and premium convenience. For many families, that combination feels more refined during long drives, especially when adults or older children spend time in the second row.

Which SUV has the more useful technology?

SANTA FE takes a confident lead for shoppers who value technology that simplifies daily routines. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is standard, and an available 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster creates a wide, modern information layout on select trims. Bluelink+ gives access to helpful remote features through the MyHyundai with Bluelink app, including remote start, lock and unlock, and climate control on properly equipped models. Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium can also make vehicle access more convenient for households that share driving responsibilities.

Highlander offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, available JBL® audio, and connected services. Those features are helpful and competitive. The SANTA FE advantage comes from how many convenience tools work together: available dual wireless device charging, available full-display digital rearview mirror, available Surround View Monitor, and available Remote Smart Parking Assist. Rather than feeling like separate upgrades, these features support a smoother ownership experience from parking to road trips to school activities.

What about performance and capability?

The SANTA FE gas model uses a 2.5L Turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower, while the hybrid model combines a 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder Hybrid engine with electric assistance for 231 combined horsepower. Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive gives added traction confidence, and the XRT trim adds capability-focused details such as all-terrain tires, additional ground clearance, 18-inch dark alloy wheels, and a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Highlander’s gas model uses a 2.4L turbo engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, and its hybrid model is known for strong efficiency. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the gas powertrain, which is an advantage for heavier trailers. Still, SANTA FE feels especially well balanced because it combines strong horsepower, smart packaging, an adventurous XRT trim, and technology that supports the drive. For many shoppers, capability is not only about a single maximum number. It is about how composed, easy, and confident an SUV feels in normal use.

Why does SANTA FE feel more modern?

The SANTA FE exterior gives it a clear visual edge for shoppers who want a vehicle that does not blend into every parking lot. Its upright stance, long profile, and “H” motif signature LED lighting create a bold look from both front and rear. It is practical, too. The shape supports cargo access, passenger room, and the kind of versatile layout families appreciate when luggage, sports equipment, groceries, and everyday items all need a place.

Highlander has a polished, mainstream crossover appearance with available upscale touches like a panoramic moonroof and rain-sensing wipers. The design is attractive, but more traditional. SANTA FE feels more current because the design is tied to real utility. Available C-pillar assist handles help with roof access, the available hands-free smart liftgate with auto open makes loading easier, and the broad rear opening gives the SUV a more functional feel. That blend of style and usability is a major reason the Hyundai stands out.

Key reasons SANTA FE deserves the closer look

Technology: Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, Bluelink+, available dual wireless device charging, and an available full-display digital rearview mirror create a highly connected cabin.
Comfort: Three rows, available captain’s chairs, available Nappa leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and thoughtful storage support daily family use.
Capability: Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive and the rugged XRT trim help SANTA FE feel ready for more than routine commuting.
Safety: Hyundai SmartSense includes a wide range of standard and available driver-assistance features, including available Highway Driving Assist 2.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the Hyundai SANTA FE bigger than the Toyota Highlander?

< p> The Highlander is generally positioned as a slightly larger three-row SUV, and select configurations seat up to eight. SANTA FE focuses on smart three-row packaging, easy cargo access, and a more adventure-oriented design. For many families, the Hyundai offers a more convenient balance of space and maneuverability.

Which SUV has better technology for daily driving?

SANTA FE has a strong advantage for shoppers who want connected convenience. Available dual wireless device charging, Bluelink+, available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, available Remote Smart Parking Assist, and an available full-display digital rearview mirror help make everyday use feel easier.

Is SANTA FE good for highway trips?

Yes. SANTA FE offers confident turbocharged power, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, comfortable seating, and available highway-focused driver assistance such as Highway Driving Assist and Highway Driving Assist 2 on select trims. Those features can help reduce stress on longer drives.

Should I test drive both SUVs before choosing?

A personal test drive is always helpful, but shoppers who prioritize bold design, smart technology, strong feature content, and flexible three-row comfort should put SANTA FE first. It brings a fresh approach to the midsize three-row SUV category and feels especially practical for modern family life.

The Toyota Highlander remains a capable and respected SUV, but the Hyundai SANTA FE feels like the more compelling choice for drivers who want more personality, more useful convenience features, and a cabin that fits real routines. For families comparing comfort, technology, capability, and confidence, SANTA FE makes a persuasive case from the first look to the final test drive.