Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa-FE

Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa-FE

The Toyota Highlander edges out the Hyundai Santa-Fe in reliability with an average score of 84/100 compared to 79/100. While both vehicles have similar recall numbers, the Highlander has a lower owner complaint rate of 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus the Santa-Fe’s 8. Additionally, the Highlander benefits from slightly lower estimated annual repair costs at $489 compared to the Santa-Fe's $515. Both vehicles share common issues with power train and service brakes, but the Highlander’s overall reliability metrics make it a more dependable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Reliability problem analysis

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe present distinct problem profiles based on complaint data. The Highlander shows a higher concern with air bags, registering 162 complaints with 41 linked to crashes, a notable safety issue compared to the Santa Fe. Conversely, the Santa Fe has a significant number of engine complaints, totaling 321, though none are crash-linked, indicating potential reliability issues in this area. Both models exhibit concerns with the power train, but the Highlander slightly exceeds in complaints, while the Santa Fe shows a higher incidence of unknown or other issues linked to crashes, suggesting a broader range of operational concerns.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Toyota Highlander is a strong choice. With a higher reliability score of 84/100 and fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (5.8), it offers peace of mind for those concerned with dependability. The estimated annual repair cost is also slightly lower at $489, and although it has a slightly higher repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, its major repair risk is 13%, which is manageable.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a vehicle with a lower major repair risk and are willing to accept slightly higher running costs, consider the Hyundai Santa-FE. It has a lower major repair risk of 10% and fewer recalls (60) compared to the Highlander. While the estimated annual repair cost is higher at $515, the repair frequency is slightly better at 0.2 times per year. This could suit you if you prefer a balanced approach to reliability and cost.

Cost of ownership

According to industry estimates, the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa-Fe have comparable annual repair costs, with the Highlander at $489 and the Santa-Fe at $515, translating to a $26 difference annually or $130 over five years. The Highlander, however, requires more frequent visits to the shop with 0.3 visits per year compared to the Santa-Fe's 0.2. Additionally, the Highlander has a higher major repair risk at 13% versus the Santa-Fe's 10%.

For cost-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Santa-Fe offers better value. Its lower repair frequency and reduced major repair risk suggest fewer disruptions and potentially lower long-term expenses, despite its slightly higher annual repair cost.