Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Toyota Land Cruiser: Boxy hybrid SUVs diverge

• These two hybrids display the span of SUVs right this moment
• In real-world driving, Santa Fe Hybrid will get almost double the mpg
• Land Cruiser hybrid sacrifices a lot for the sake of off-road prowess, increased towing rankings

Some SUVs are supposed for critical truck obligation, like towing and off-roading. Others are targeted round consolation and household obligation, with slightly little bit of journey thrown into the combination. 

Whereas that distinction is nothing new, the traces between these completely different faculties of EVs have been blurred a bit extra annually. The look of these truck-based SUVs has turn out to be slightly extra trendy and treasured within the particulars, whereas the carlike ones have gone all boxy and cladding-endowed—to the purpose the place it could not at all times be obvious which is which on the dealership lot.  

For instance, a Santa Fe and a Land Cruiser wouldn’t have been even remotely seen in the identical lens up to now. However in a single mannequin 12 months that each one modified. For 2024, Toyota reintroduced the Land Cruiser as a less expensive, less complicated, all-hybrid model of an SUV icon that had grown very costly in its previous-generation kind. In the meantime for 2024, Hyundai gave the Santa Fe (together with the hybrid) an entire overhaul, bringing a totally new feel and look to this mannequin inside and outside.

In back-to-back weeks, I managed to test in with two boxy hybrid SUVs—a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy costing round $50,000, and a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser at round $70,000—that might simply be seen as having so much in widespread, once they actually don’t. Each provide related kinds of hybrid powertrains in comparatively squared-off profiles, rounded for various ranges of recent end.Extra floor clearance than carlike fashions, roof racks and tie-downs, loads of decrease physique cladding, and octagonal wheel-well safety all promote the lure of the outside, however one is supposed extra for soccer apply. 

Inside and within the driving experiences they supply—and of their daily-use backside line—they couldn’t be extra completely different. 

How does considered one of them obtain almost double the real-world gasoline mileage of the opposite? How does considered one of them provide greater than a 95-hp benefit with out accelerating noticeably faster? And the way does considered one of them match three usable rows of seating into much less house than it takes for the opposite to suit a seemingly compromised two rows?

All of it comes all the way down to a set of traits that may not be so obvious to right this moment’s developed SUV patrons, particularly in opposition to the advertising and marketing backdrop of dusty trails.

Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Land Cruiser hybrid programs: Loads in widespread

At a look, these two hybrid programs have so much in widespread. Each have turbocharged 4-cylinder engines with electrical motors performing as go-betweens within the energy movement with conventional hydraulic computerized transmissions, plus comparatively small batteries to retailer power from regenerative braking and launch it to spice up energy and effectivity. Each of those SUVs additionally depend on acquainted mechanically configured however electronically managed all-wheel-drive programs (as a foundation for a real 4WD system within the Land Cruiser, which we’ll get to).

The Santa Fe Hybrid makes use of what Hyundai calls a transmission-mounted electrical system (TMED) packaging a motor between the gasoline engine and 6-speed computerized transmission, with a 1.5-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. A clutch between the engine and motor permits the engine to be remoted from the driveline, for all-electric operation as circumstances permit. The 1.6-liter turbo-4 makes 178 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, whereas the electrical motor makes 60 hp and 195 lb-ft; they mix for an output of 231 hp. 

The Toyota Land Cruiser, alternatively, will get what Toyota extra flamboyantly names its i-Drive Max hybrid system. It’s powered by a 278-hp, 2.4-liter turbo-4. A 48-hp electrical motor is packaged inside a bell housing between the engine and an odd 8-speed computerized transmission—additionally with a clutch between the engine and motor—with a complete system output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Its nickel-metal-hydride battery pack has a capability of simply 0.9 kwh.

Extra energy doesn’t make the Toyota any faster or extra environment friendly. Sheer weight is a giant a part of it. The Land Cruiser weighs a whopping 5,445 kilos, about 900 greater than the Santa Fe Hybrid and some hundred greater than a equally sized base Kia EV9 electrical SUV, for a comparability with about the identical footprint—though the EV9 is saddled with a heavy battery pack.

Toyota Land Cruiser hybrid vs. Santa Fe Hybrid mpg: Oh what a distinction

My 53-mile loop tends to convey out the effectivity benefits of hybrids, because it consists of a variety of minor ups and downs, with about 700 ft of total acquire and loss, and equal elements under-65-mph freeways, suburban boulevards, and rolling-hill backroads. 

Operating them of their respective Eco modes on that route (in 2WD within the Toyota’s case), I averaged an indicated best-case-scenario 23 mpg within the Land Cruiser hybrid and 38 mpg within the Santa Fe Hybrid. 

It’s price mentioning that the Santa Fe Hybrid got here with EPA rankings of 35 mpg metropolis, 34 freeway, and 34 mixed, whereas the Land Cruiser was rated at 22/25/23 mpg. I’ve by no means struggled to simply meet EPA mixed rankings in that mild loop and the climate was gentle, with temps within the 50s. 

I averaged lower than 19 mpg the remaining 90 miles I coated within the Land Cruiser—almost equally city driving and freeway cruising by mileage. In the meantime, within the Santa Fe Hybrid, the journey laptop mentioned I averaged almost 34 mpg after one other 70 miles of mixed driving. Each examples included some fast bursts to see how a lot energy was on faucet and to know dynamics and responsiveness, so that you’re certain to do a bit higher. Clearly, the Hyundai is way more environment friendly than the Toyota. 

Solutions in very completely different layouts, 4WD programs?

The Santa Fe’s all-wheel-drive system goals for infrequent use, and sustaining traction after a snowstorm or on the way in which to a campsite. It employs a middle clutch to range the quantity of torque going to the rear wheels, together with a Good mode, in addition to Snow (80:20 to 50:50 entrance/rear), Sand/Mud (50:50), or a middle “lock” at 50:50.

The Land Cruiser does it a bit in a different way. Its system features a heart locking differential, a rear locker, and a Multi-Terrain Choose system with off-road modes for specialised terrain and circumstances. It may be utilized in each its 4Hi and 4Lo ranges—one thing the Hyundai doesn’t have—and there’s a clean crawl management system for steep slippery slopes or simply conserving it as gradual as crucial for tough terrain. The Land Cruiser most undoubtedly has extra spectacular strategy, departure, and breakover angles for critical and common off-roading and we all know it could dominate the path versus the Hyundai…however that’s not likely the purpose right here. 

These SUVs even have completely different suspensions. The Land Cruiser has a entrance impartial suspension plus a rear stay axle that helps allow its stronger towing score of as much as 6,000 kilos (versus simply 1,650 kilos for the Santa Fe). The Land Cruiser additionally affords a disconnecting entrance stabilizer bar that enables the suspension to flex extra, offering a lot of wheel articulation to keep up traction over heaves or boulders. As for the Santa Fe Hybrid, it has struts and coil springs in entrance, with a rear multi-link impartial setup, a lot as a big automotive may. 

Trip high quality and on-the-road suspension conduct was night-and-day completely different between these two SUVs. The Santa Fe felt comparatively tender and absorbent round city, with sufficient firmness to forestall extra lean when pressed onerous into corners. The Land Cruiser alternatively rode with a busy, considerably noisy harshness, with undue head-toss over regular city patchwork. But out on a curvy street, the Land Cruiser’s suspension gave method to a variety of lean and physique roll. 

In the end it comes all the way down to a key distinction, along with the Land Cruiser’s stay axle: The Land Cruiser is a body-on-frame truck, whereas the Santa Fe is a unibody crossover. 

Land Cruiser vs. Santa Fe Hybrid seating, cargo house: Largest is smallest

The Land Cruiser is slightly bigger in all exterior dimensions. At 193.8 inches lengthy, it’s 3.5 inches longer, 3.1 inches wider, and 5.5 inches taller total than the Santa Fe, with its 8.3 inches of floor clearance 1.3 inches greater than the Santa Fe’s. 

But all that additional house on the surface disappears inside. The Santa Fe is masses extra spacious inside, with three usable rows versus two within the Land Cruiser. Whereas the Santa Fe’s third row is basically too small for grownup use (particularly getting again there), its second-row captain’s chairs feels luxurious and good for a protracted weekend out on the freeway. In the meantime, the second row within the Land Cruiser feels oddly brief on each knee room and cushioning. 

Inside, the Santa Fe is trendy and complicated, and its supplies, trims, and textures are a step above the Land Cruiser’s, and actually it’s a matter of priorities. The Toyota inside consists of a great deal of onerous plastic that appears prefer it may scratch and look dingy over time. It’s extra utilitarian regardless of a better worth.

With its taller, longer physique and no third row, it’s not stunning that it has extra cargo house behind its second row in comparison with the Santa Fe—46.2 cubic ft versus 40.5 cubes. Behind the entrance seats, by some means that lead shrinks—to 82.1 cubic ft versus 79.6 cubic ft. Essentially the most exasperating piece of packaging within the Land Cruiser is the cargo flooring, which rises above the hatchback opening in a really awkward method, signaling some poorly coordinated engineering departments.

Subsequent to one another, it’s clear the Santa Fe has slightly extra taper in its greenhouse; it not solely narrows extra on the way in which as much as the roof but additionally resolves in a slight slope downward on the rear of the roofline earlier than it cuts down. They’re selections influenced by aerodynamics, for certain, however I discovered it noteworthy that they don’t appear to noticeably have an effect on inside house. 

These two fashions would have about the identical hood peak if it weren’t for the Land Cruiser’s unnecessarily bulbous hood—which quaked visibly and incessantly at 70 mph. Underhood turbulence, anybody? 

Land Cruiser vs. Santa Fe Hybrid: Drivability delights, quirks, footnotes

In real-world use, these powertrains and hybrid programs couldn’t be extra completely different, though they’re laid out so equally. The engine is well-muted within the Hyundai, and it could be simple to lose observe of the place it’s within the rev band, or even when it’s on or not, if it weren’t for the tachometer. That’s a superb factor. However within the Toyota, shifts are unattainable to overlook, as they’re intermittently harsh (particularly the 1-2 shift). The powertrain appears to be happier underneath load; step into the accelerator slightly tougher or climb a hill and issues clean out, however for those who’re trudging alongside in visitors there’s no house to do this and in that atmosphere it merely doesn’t have any refinement. 

The Land Cruiser’s engine additionally runs much more typically than in most different hybrids, and it’s loud. Neglect a couple of stealth mode right here, as in different Toyota hybrids, permitting you to traverse a driveway or subdivision quietly.Choosing Eco additionally doesn’t appear to make this hybrid extra electrical. Its turbo-4 at all times begins up with slightly little bit of a howl and settles in with a raspy high quality. In my expertise, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s engine normally began when setting out, and it was simple to maintain the engine off when creeping right into a driveway or aspect avenue on the finish of a visit. 

Acceleration is a combined bag for each of those hybrid SUVs. Each get to 60 mph in a bit lower than eight seconds, and regardless of that 95-hp deficit in mixed output (sure, blame weight), the Santa Fe Hybrid feels simply as fast to 60 mph, if not a bit faster to 40 mph, for those who merely preserve the accelerator mashed. Each have a tendency to take a seat and take a deep breath for a fraction of a second once you stomp on the accelerator. However in any sort of passing maneuver or sudden want for acceleration, the Land Cruiser felt so much faster. 

The Hyundai offers paddles with a number of regenerative-braking steps and well-blended braking. Essentially the most aggressive degree is sort of sufficient to name it one-pedal driving, whereas the Land Cruiser’s system offers no (or subsequent to no) regenerative braking in the previous few ft of a cease. 

 

Land Cruiser vs. Santa Fe Hybrid worth and worth

The costs of those automobiles don’t match up with first impressions—or perhaps a actuality test on worth. 

Within the top-trim kind I examined, the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy got here loaded with options that may usually be related to luxury-brand fashions. Its commonplace function set introduced a head-up show, heated-and-cooled entrance seats, second-row power-folding heated captain’s chairs, a heated steering wheel, heated aspect mirrors, Bose premium audio, and a digital key. The Calligraphy begins at $50,215, and premium paint and carpeted flooring mats bumped the worth of my tester to $50,895. 

My Toyota Land Cruiser added as much as a whopping $71,534 as examined. Its standard-feature set seemed slimmer subsequent to the Santa Fe Hybrid’s, though heated and cooled entrance seats, an influence driver seat, and a heated steering wheel. On high of the Land Cruiser trim’s $63,345 base worth, greater than $8,000 in choices included the $4,600 Premium Package deal, with 14-speaker premium audio, a sunroof, wi-fi system charging, an influence leather-trimmed driver seat, a head-up show, and extra driver-assistance options. An improve to 20-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and a two-tone roof scheme had been among the many different choices. 

Stripping away all of the choices and among the pizzazz, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid begins at $39,775 in SEL trim, whereas the 2025 Land Cruiser begins at $58,150 in its base 1958 model.

Each SUVs provide wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Going out and in of CarPlay in each, the Hyundai’s system merely felt higher built-in, clearer, and extra versatile, with its flowing, “open idea” structure that shifts among the local weather controls up into the display screen house (and the shifter as much as the steering column). Toyota’s wide-format display screen, for example, nonetheless can’t break up its display screen once you’re utilizing CarPlay—one thing we had been advised was on the way in which when this technique arrived a pair years in the past.  

Land Cruiser offers up so much, shakes you down for extra

This circles round to a backside line: The Toyota Land Cruiser does provide considerably extra functionality—in off-roading and towing—however at a giant sacrifice the remainder of the time to consolation, house, refinement, and effectivity versus a comparably sized mannequin that doesn’t push these boundaries. The Toyota even calls for considerably more cash for that have.

In all equity, Toyota does have a mannequin that’s a better rival to the Santa Fe Hybrid. That may be the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, which does come rated at as much as 34 mpg with AWD.  

The comparability between the 2 right here helps underscore how far SUVs have come, and the way the old-style SUV system has turn out to be a slender, dearer area of interest for good purpose. If you would like the SUV kind issue however don’t want all of the previous SUV baggage, the Santa Fe Hybrid explains in a language most consumers will respect that you just don’t want that compromise.