Finding the Best SUV
If you’re looking for a spacious, tech-savvy, and capable SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Toyota Highlander are two strong contenders. Both offer modern features, powerful engine options, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the best fit for drivers in North Little Rock?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its bold design, turbocharged powertrain options, and off-road-ready XRT trim. The Toyota Highlander, known for its reliability, comes at a higher price and lacks an off-road trim like the Santa Fe. Let’s compare these two SUVs to see why the Santa Fe is the smarter choice.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two engine choices, giving you options for both efficiency and performance:
- 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, delivering a smooth and efficient ride.
- Turbocharged 2.5L engine with 277 horsepower, providing extra power for confident highway driving.
- Hybrid option, giving drivers the best mix of fuel efficiency and performance.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander features a 2.4L turbocharged engine producing 265 horsepower, along with a hybrid model for increased fuel economy. Both SUVs offer strong efficiency, but the Santa Fe’s turbo engine delivers more power, making it the better choice for drivers who want a fun and responsive ride.
With a smooth-shifting transmission and hybrid availability, the Santa Fe is perfect for both performance-driven and eco-conscious drivers.
Off-Road Capability
For those who love adventure and outdoor trips, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim is designed for off-road performance. It includes:
- All-terrain tires, providing extra grip on rough trails.
- Skid plates, offering underbody protection.
- Advanced all-wheel drive, keeping you in control on uneven terrain.
The Toyota Highlander has all-wheel drive available, but it doesn’t include an off-road-focused trim like the Santa Fe XRT. If you want an SUV that’s ready for rugged terrain, the Santa Fe is the better choice.
Technology Features
Both SUVs come packed with advanced technology, but the Santa Fe offers premium features at a more affordable price.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology Highlights:
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Optional 12.3-inch digital display for a high-tech, modern feel.
- Premium upgrades, including a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera.
2025 Toyota Highlander Technology Highlights:
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims.
- JBL premium sound system offered as an upgrade.
While both SUVs provide great technology, the Santa Fe gives you similar features at a lower cost, making it the better value for tech-focused drivers.
Interior Space and Comfort
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has a spacious and premium cabin, with seating for up to seven passengers.
Premium features include:
- Quilted leather seats, adding a luxurious touch.
- A panoramic sunroof, making the cabin feel open and bright.
- Plenty of cargo space, perfect for road trips, shopping, or outdoor adventures.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, but its third row is tighter and less comfortable for adults.
For North Little Rock drivers looking for a roomy, upscale interior, the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim offers luxury features at a lower price than the Highlander’s top trims.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both the Santa Fe and Highlander are equipped with advanced safety technology to protect drivers and passengers.
Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Features:
- Hyundai SmartSense, a full suite of driver assistance systems.
- Forward Collision Avoidance, helping prevent accidents.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, improving visibility for safer lane changes.
- Highway Driving Assist, making highway travel easier and less stressful.
Toyota Highlander Safety Features:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with adaptive cruise control and lane departure alerts.
- Automatic emergency braking, helping to avoid collisions.
The Santa Fe’s Highway Driving Assist feature gives it an advantage, providing more support for long highway drives.
Which SUV is the Best Choice?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a solid SUV for larger families who need extra seating. However, it comes at a higher price and doesn’t offer an off-road trim like the Santa Fe XRT.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with:
- More horsepower with its turbocharged engine option.
- Superior off-road capability with the XRT trim.
- Advanced technology and safety features at a better value.
- A spacious and stylish interior with premium upgrades.
For North Little Rock drivers who want a powerful, tech-savvy, and comfortable SUV, the Santa Fe is the smarter choice.
Test Drive the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe at Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect SUV for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and drivers who want the latest technology. Visit Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock today to see it in person.
Test drive the Santa Fe, explore its available trims, and find the perfect model for your lifestyle. Browse our new and used inventory online or stop by our dealership to get started!


