2002 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (139 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 95 kg more than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2001 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Santa Fe | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
