2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. Despite a few updates over the years, it retained a boxy shape that was both classic and appropriate for an all-terrain vehicle. Its flared fenders and wide stance gave it a stable appearance, crucial for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized its rugged personality with features like underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While some might find its old-school charm appealing, others could mistake it for a well-maintained used vehicle.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, was a modern three-row SUV with a chunky, boxy design. It debuted in 2024, so no major design changes were expected. The Santa Fe featured pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps and taillights, fitting well with Hyundai's design aesthetic. While the rear design had some proportion issues, the overall look was appealing. Each trim offered specific wheel sizes, and the interior provided room for seven, with the top Calligraphy trim offering captain's chairs. The fit and finish were generally good, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The Santa Fe's interior was equipped with physical dials for HVAC temperature, but the fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission held it back, especially in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive. On-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine noise was pronounced, and the suspension resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive across the lineup, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided smooth shifting, though there was some turbo lag during acceleration. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with responsive steering and firm brakes. The XRT trim included 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, it wasn't designed for rugged rock crawling, making it suitable for graded dirt roads and small obstacles.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use climate-control dials and driveline levers. It offered excellent outward visibility, crucial for off-road driving. The front seats provided ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range limited. The second-row seats offered good legroom, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner could accommodate up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats stowed, though the process was manual. It featured a sliding glass rear window and a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more modern interior with features varying by trim. The base SE trim was basic but included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims like the Calligraphy offered heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and a UV-C sanitizer in the glove box. The Santa Fe provided ample space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. It offered 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The rear opening was wider, making it easier to load large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT trim capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the eight-inch touchscreen was small and challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured the sound quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe also offered a digital key and a fingerprint scanner for added security. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It scored five stars for side impacts but only three stars for rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with some "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind-View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS in most categories, with some exceptions in headlight and LATCH evaluations.