2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (137 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 244 kg more than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2011 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Santa Fe | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
