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

• These two hybrids display the span of SUVs immediately
• 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, larger towing scores

Some SUVs are meant for critical truck responsibility, like towing and off-roading. Others are targeted round consolation and household responsibility, with just a little little bit of journey thrown into the combo. 

Whereas that distinction is nothing new, the strains between these totally different faculties of EVs have been blurred a bit extra annually. The look of these truck-based SUVs has turn out to be just a little extra fashionable and treasured within the particulars, whereas the carlike ones have gone all boxy and cladding-endowed—to the purpose the place it might not all the time 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 prior to now. However in a single mannequin 12 months that each one modified. For 2024, Toyota reintroduced the Land Cruiser as a less expensive, easier, all-hybrid model of an SUV icon that had grown very costly in its previous-generation type. In the meantime for 2024, Hyundai gave the Santa Fe (together with the hybrid) an entire overhaul, bringing a totally new feel and appear to this mannequin in and out.

In back-to-back weeks, I managed to verify 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 would simply be seen as having rather a lot in widespread, after they actually don’t. Each provide related sorts 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 observe. 

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

How does considered one of them obtain almost double the real-world fuel 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 right down to a set of traits which may not be so obvious to immediately’s developed SUV patrons, particularly towards the advertising backdrop of dusty trails.

Santa Fe Hybrid vs. Land Cruiser hybrid programs: Quite a bit in widespread

At a look, these two hybrid programs have rather a lot in widespread. Each have turbocharged 4-cylinder engines with electrical motors appearing as go-betweens within the energy move with conventional hydraulic automated transmissions, plus comparatively small batteries to retailer vitality 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 gadget (TMED) packaging a motor between the gasoline engine and 6-speed automated 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 situations enable. 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, however, will get what Toyota extra flamboyantly names its i-Pressure 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 peculiar 8-speed automated 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 an enormous 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 carry out the effectivity benefits of hybrids, because it contains a number of minor ups and downs, with about 700 toes of total acquire and loss, and equal components under-65-mph freeways, suburban boulevards, and rolling-hill backroads. 

Working 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 value mentioning that the Santa Fe Hybrid got here with EPA scores 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 only meet EPA mixed scores 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 lined 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 grasp dynamics and responsiveness, so that you’re certain to do a bit higher. Clearly, the Hyundai is far more environment friendly than the Toyota. 

Solutions in very totally 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 best way to a campsite. It employs a middle clutch to fluctuate the quantity of torque going to the rear wheels, together with a Sensible 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 situations. 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 holding it as sluggish as obligatory for difficult terrain. The Land Cruiser most positively has extra spectacular method, departure, and breakover angles for critical and common off-roading and we all know it might dominate the path versus the Hyundai…however that’s not likely the purpose right here. 

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

Journey high quality and on-the-road suspension habits was night-and-day totally different between these two SUVs. The Santa Fe felt comparatively tender and absorbent round city, with sufficient firmness to forestall extra lean when pressed laborious into corners. The Land Cruiser however 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 technique to a number of lean and physique roll. 

In the end it comes right 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 just a little 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 further house on the surface disappears inside. The Santa Fe is hundreds extra spacious inside, with three usable rows versus two within the Land Cruiser. Whereas the Santa Fe’s third row is absolutely too small for grownup use (particularly getting again there), its second-row captain’s chairs feels luxurious and good for an extended 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 fashionable 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 contains a great deal of laborious plastic that appears prefer it may scratch and look dingy over time. It’s extra utilitarian regardless of the next worth.

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

Subsequent to one another, it’s clear the Santa Fe has just a little extra taper in its greenhouse; it not solely narrows extra on the best way 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 positive, 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 top 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 totally different, though they’re laid out so equally. The engine is well-muted within the Hyundai, and it might 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 factor. However within the Toyota, shifts are not possible to overlook, as they’re intermittently harsh (particularly the 1-2 shift). The powertrain appears to be happier below load; step into the accelerator just a little more durable or climb a hill and issues clean out, however should you’re trudging alongside in visitors there’s no house to do this and in that surroundings it merely doesn’t have any refinement. 

The Land Cruiser’s engine additionally runs way more usually than in most different hybrids, and it’s loud. Overlook a few stealth mode right here, as in different Toyota hybrids, permitting you to traverse a driveway or subdivision quietly.Deciding on Eco additionally doesn’t appear to make this hybrid extra electrical. Its turbo-4 all the time begins up with just a little little bit of a howl and settles in with a raspy high quality. In my expertise, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s engine often 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 blended 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, should you merely hold 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 rather a lot faster. 

The Hyundai gives paddles with a number of regenerative-braking steps and well-blended braking. Essentially the most aggressive stage is nearly sufficient to name it one-pedal driving, whereas the Land Cruiser’s system gives no (or subsequent to no) regenerative braking in the previous few toes 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 verify on worth. 

Within the top-trim type I examined, the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy got here loaded with options which may sometimes be related to luxury-brand fashions. Its normal 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 ground 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 regarded slimmer subsequent to the Santa Fe Hybrid’s, though heated and cooled entrance seats, an influence driver seat, and a heated steering wheel. On prime 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 gadget 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 house (and the shifter as much as the steering column). Toyota’s wide-format display, as an example, nonetheless can’t cut up its display once you’re utilizing CarPlay—one thing we had been informed was on the best way when this technique arrived a pair years in the past.  

Land Cruiser provides up rather a lot, 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 an enormous 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 extra money 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 formulation has turn out to be a slender, dearer area of interest for good motive. If you need the SUV type issue however don’t want all of the outdated SUV baggage, the Santa Fe Hybrid explains in a language most buyers will admire that you just don’t want that compromise.